BP, Subsea 7 get in pipe development pact with Magma

Magma Global has signed a joint development agreement with BP and Subsea 7 in a project to qualify Magma’s carbon fibre m-pipe as the next generation of subsea pipelines.

According to Magma, the programme is also supported by the National Composites Centre (NCC) and Innovate UK, the Government initiative established to support pioneering technologies in the energy sector.

Magma explains that its m-pipe is a lightweight, corrosion-resistant, fully bonded, composite thermoplastic pipe which is stronger than steel and traditional flexibles, and is typically one tenth the weight. The company further explains that m-pipe is manufactured from highest quality carbon fibre and PEEK polymer materials,  is immune to corrosion and is suitable for a wide spectrum of fluids and gases.

The qualification programme, which runs for 30 months, targets 6in to 12in pipes for risers and jumper systems for deepwater environments and includes laminate testing (Elevated T and Aged properties), single load tests (tensile, burst, collapse, bending, torsion, compression, impact) and combined load tests (axial bending, collapse bending, pressure bending, axial pressure bending).

Magma hopes that the results will lead to lighter and more cost-efficient riser systems than currently exist to help reduce the costs of deepwater field developments, and those with corrosive fluids. Similarly, jumpers or spool pipes which are subject to exceptional cyclical loads will be easier and less expensive to design and install, and will be more reliable to service. Also, Magma says that the qualification programme will deliver the necessary inspection techniques to verify the long-term integrity of the systems.

Magma expands UK capacity

In addition, Magma Global says it is currently expanding its capacity in its Portsmouth UK headquarters and manufacturing base to meet growing demand for deepwater risers, jumpers and intervention lines.

Commenting on Subsea 7’s involvement in the m-pipe project Thomas Sunde, VP of Technology at Subsea 7, said that composite pipe technology has the potential to improve cost effectiveness and remove the uncertainties of schedule delivery for many subsea solutions.

Sunde said: “Subsea 7’s focus with such initiatives is primarily to benefit our customers and to support collaborative research and development with key suppliers.”

Magma said that the National Composites Centre and Innovate UK would play an important role in the programme.

Charles Tavner, Commercial Director Magma Global said: “Magma Global is delighted that BP and Subsea 7 have chosen to collaborate in the qualification and deployment of Magma’s m-pipe technology.

“This programme is a brilliant example of how government, a major oil company, a major SURF contractor and a technology supplier can work together to deliver significant reductions in risk and cost for offshore field development.”

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