Repair Clamps

Repair Clamps

Definition(s)

Repair clamps

Repair clamps are used on areas of the flexible pipe where damage has been caused. Source: API RP 17L2, Recommended Practice for Flexible Pipe Ancillary Equipment, First Edition, March 2013. Global Standards  
Swivel Flange

Swivel Flange

Definition(s)

Swivel flange

Swivel flanges, as shown in Figure 39, are a particular type of connector that offers the advantage of relative rotation between the connector and the vessel to aid installation operations. Quick-disconnect and quick connect-disconnect systems may be used as connectors where emergency release is an operational requirement for dynamic riser applications. Source: API RP 17L2, Recommended Practice for Flexible Pipe Ancillary Equipment, First Edition, March 2013. Global Standards  

Swivel flange

Swivel flanges, as shown in Figure 39, are a particular type of connector that offers the advantage of relative rotation between the connector and the vessel to aid installation operations. Quick-disconnect and quick connect-disconnect systems may be used as connectors where emergency release is an operational requirement for dynamic riser applications. Source: API SPEC 17D, Design and Operation of Subsea Production Systems—Subsea Wellhead and Tree Equipment, Upstream Segment, Second Edition May 2011 (Errata September 2011). Global Standards
Ageing

Ageing

Definition(s)

Ageing

Ageing of polymer and composite material is an irreversible process, which occurs when the material is exposed to particular environmental conditions. Ageing is dependent on temperature, exposure to seawater, exposure to air (ozone degradation where applicable) and ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The ageing process is characterized by a change in properties, such as reduction in strength or ductility, and embrittlement or softening. In addition, the physical properties of the polymer or composite can be significantly altered by migration of plasticizers. Source: API RP 17L2, Recommended Practice for Flexible Pipe Ancillary Equipment, First Edition, March 2013. Global Standards
Hybrid Tether System

Hybrid Tether System

Definition(s)

Hybrid tether system

A combination of a chain and synthetic tether. Source: API RP 17L2, Recommended Practice for Flexible Pipe Ancillary Equipment, First Edition, March 2013. Global Standards
Injection Moulding

Injection Moulding

Definition(s)

Injection moulding

The injection-moulding process is described as follows: a thermoplastic in the form of granules or powder passes from a feed hopper into a barrel, where it is heated until it softens. It is then forced through a nozzle into a relatively cold mould, which is then clamped tightly closed. When the plastic has had sufficient time to solidify, the mould opens, the article is ejected, and the cycle is repeated [35].1  

Source(s)

1. API RP 17L2, Recommended Practice for Flexible Pipe Ancillary Equipment, First Edition, March 2013. Global Standards
Macrosphere

Macrosphere

Definition(s)

Macrosphere

Ceramic, polymer or composite spheres greater than 1 mm in diameter that form a structural part of composite syntactic foams. Source: API RP 17L2, Recommended Practice for Flexible Pipe Ancillary Equipment, First Edition, March 2013. Global Standards
Open-cast Moulding

Open-cast Moulding

Definition(s)

Open-cast moulding

Polymer sealing elements can be manufactured by open-cast moulding. This process consists of mixing the constituent components of the polymer together, and pouring the mixture into the mould at ambient pressure. Open-cast moulding is one of the simplest and most common moulding methods for thermoset polyurethanes, and is good for parts in relatively small quantities. In fact, the mould itself may be made from polyurethane. Source: API RP 17L2, Recommended Practice for Flexible Pipe Ancillary Equipment, First Edition, March 2013. Global Standards
Creep Analysis

Creep Analysis

Definition(s)

Creep analysis

When a constant stress is applied to a polymer or composite material, it may gradually deform over a period of time until a point is reached at which the material fractures or the product fails to meet its functional requirements. It is important for designers to be aware of this failure mode for permanent ancillary equipment, and that a material that can withstand a load in the short term may not be able to withstand this load in the long term. The time taken for the material to fracture depends on several factors, including the stress level, the ambient temperature, the type of environment, the component geometry, the molecular structure and the manufacturing method [35]. Source: API RP 17L2, Recommended Practice for Flexible Pipe Ancillary Equipment, First Edition, March 2013. Global Standards
Subsea Buoy Systems

Subsea Buoy Systems

Definition(s)

Subsea buoy systems

Subsea buoy systems are used to achieve S-shaped riser configurations, including lazy (Figure 19), steep (Figure 20) and reverse configurations (note that in the reverse configuration the lower catenary of the riser passes back underneath the buoy). The objective of the subsea buoy is to provide upthrust, longitudinal fixture and guidance to the supported risers. The subsea buoy typically consists of buoyancy tanks or elements, supported by a metallic structure, over which lie individual gutters for each flexible pipe. Source: API RP 17L2, Recommended Practice for Flexible Pipe Ancillary Equipment, First Edition, March 2013. Global Standards  
Ballast Modules

Ballast Modules

Definition(s)

Ballast modules

In certain circumstances it is desirable to increase the weight of a flexible pipe in certain areas, in order to improve its behavior. To achieve this, ballast modules, which are effectively the opposite of buoyancy modules, are attached to the pipe. Source: API RP 17L2, Recommended Practice for Flexible Pipe Ancillary Equipment, First Edition, March 2013. Global Standards
Bellmouth

Bellmouth

Definition(s)

Bellmouth

Like bend stiffeners and bend restrictors, the bellmouth protects the flexible pipe from bending to levels beyond its allowable minimum bend radius (MBR). A bellmouth comprises a hollow tube that flares out into a bell-shaped profile at its end, as shown in Figure 13. The flexible pipe exits the bellmouth from this end, and the bell-shaped profile prevents the flexible pipe bending beyond a certain radius within its angular range. Source: API RP 17L2, Recommended Practice for Flexible Pipe Ancillary Equipment, First Edition, March 2013. Global Standards  

Bellmouth

Part of a guide tube, formed in the shape of a bellmouth, and designed to prevent overbending of the flexible pipe. Source: API SPEC 17J, Specification for Unbonded Flexible Pipe, Third Edition, July 2008. Global Standards
Wet Repair

Wet Repair

Definition(s)

Wet repair

Repair of a flexible pipe in situ. Source: API RP 17L2, Recommended Practice for Flexible Pipe Ancillary Equipment, First Edition, March 2013. Global Standards  
Upper Catenary

Upper Catenary

Definition(s)

Upper catenary

Length of flexible pipe between the platform and the subsea buoy. Source: API RP 17L2, Recommended Practice for Flexible Pipe Ancillary Equipment, First Edition, March 2013. Global Standards  
Topside Connection

Topside Connection

Definition(s)

Topside connection

Connection between flexible pipe end fitting and platform. Source: API RP 17L2, Recommended Practice for Flexible Pipe Ancillary Equipment, First Edition, March 2013. Global Standards  
Thermal Ageing

Thermal Ageing

Definition(s)

Thermal ageing

Degradation of a material over time, due to temperature, caused by changes at the molecular level. Source: API RP 17L2, Recommended Practice for Flexible Pipe Ancillary Equipment, First Edition, March 2013. Global Standards  
Tether Base

Tether Base

Definition(s)

Tether base

Structure that secures one or a group of tethers to the seabed, including tether connection points and lifting points. Source: API RP 17L2, Recommended Practice for Flexible Pipe Ancillary Equipment, First Edition, March 2013. Global Standards  

Tether bases

Tether bases are used to anchor subsea buoy systems (e.g. a lazy-S configuration) or to secure flexible pipe tethers to the seabed in certain configurations such as in pliant wave configurations. Source: API RP 17L2, Recommended Practice for Flexible Pipe Ancillary Equipment, First Edition, March 2013. Global Standards  
Tether

Tether

Definition(s)

Tether

Chain or rope used to connect a flexible pipe or a subsea buoy to a tether base, including connecting hardware necessary at each end termination. Source: API RP 17L2, Recommended Practice for Flexible Pipe Ancillary Equipment, First Edition, March 2013. Global Standards  

Tethers

Tethers are used to hold subsea buoys in place or to secure the flexible pipe to the seabed in certain flexible pipe configurations, such as a tethered lazy wave configuration. Tethers can be made from chain, wire rope or synthetic fiber. Source: API RP 17L2, Recommended Practice for Flexible Pipe Ancillary Equipment, First Edition, March 2013. Global Standards  
Temporary Bend Stiffener

Temporary Bend Stiffener

Definition(s)

Temporary bend stiffener

Bend stiffener that is required to satisfy its functional requirements temporarily for flexible pipe installation, handling or other activities but not in service. Source: API RP 17L2, Recommended Practice for Flexible Pipe Ancillary Equipment, First Edition, March 2013. Global Standards  
Tear Strength

Tear Strength

Definition(s)

Tear strength

Measure of the force necessary to cause tearing of a sample of material (nicked or un nicked) under specified conditions. Source: API RP 17L2, Recommended Practice for Flexible Pipe Ancillary Equipment, First Edition, March 2013. Global Standards  
System Owner

System Owner

Definition(s)

System Owner

Official responsible for the overall procurement, development, integration, modification, or operation and maintenance of an information system. Source:  DNVGL-RP-G108, Cyber security in the oil and gas industry based on IEC 62443, DNV GL, September 2017. Global Standards

System Owner

Purchaser of flexible pipe system from flexible pipe system provider. Source: API RP 17L2, Recommended Practice for Flexible Pipe Ancillary Equipment, First Edition, March 2013. Global Standards
Syntactic Foam

Syntactic Foam

Definition(s)

Syntactic Foam

Composite material of hollow spherical fillers in a matrix or binder used in the manufacture of buoyancy modules.

Source: API Specification 16Q, Design, Selection, Operation, and Maintenance of Marine Drilling Riser Systems, Second Edition, April 2017. Global Standards

Syntactic Foam

Composite material consisting of a polymer matrix containing microspheres only. Source: API RP 17L2, Recommended Practice for Flexible Pipe Ancillary Equipment, First Edition, March 2013. Global Standards  

Syntactic Foam

Typically a composite material of hollow spherical fillers in a matrix or binder. Source: API RP 16Q, Recommended Practice for Design, Selection, Operation and Maintenance of Marine Drilling Riser Systems, First Edition, November 1993 (Reaffirmed August 2001). Global Standards  

Syntactic Foam

Typically, a composite material of spherical fillers in a matrix or binder. Source: ISO 13624-1:2009, Petroleum and natural gas industries – Drilling and production equipment – Part 1:Design and operation of marine drilling riser equipment. Global Standards
Supporting Pipe

Supporting Pipe

Definition(s)

Supporting pipe

Pipe that supports one or more pipes via a series of piggy-back clamps or guides over a prescribed length. NOTE A supporting pipe can be a flexible pipe. Source: API RP 17L2, Recommended Practice for Flexible Pipe Ancillary Equipment, First Edition, March 2013. Global Standards  
Supported Pipe

Supported Pipe

Definition(s)

Supported pipe

Pipe that is attached via a series of piggy-back clamps or guides to a supporting pipe over a prescribed length. NOTE A supported pipe can be a flexible pipe. Source: API RP 17L2, Recommended Practice for Flexible Pipe Ancillary Equipment, First Edition, March 2013. Global Standards  
Support Structure

Support Structure

Definition(s)

Support structure

Structure that supports and transfers loads from a flexible pipe or bend limiter at either the topside, seabed or intermediate connection. Source: API RP 17L2, Recommended Practice for Flexible Pipe Ancillary Equipment, First Edition, March 2013. Global Standards  
Subsea Buoy Frame

Subsea Buoy Frame

Definition(s)

Subsea buoy frame

Structural part of a subsea buoy. Includes the gutters, housings for clamps and buoyancy tanks or buoyancy elements and connection points for tether connection hardware. Source: API RP 17L2, Recommended Practice for Flexible Pipe Ancillary Equipment, First Edition, March 2013. Global Standards  
Static Bend Restrictor

Static Bend Restrictor

Definition(s)

Static bend restrictor

Design scenario where bend restrictor is subjected to static loads only, and where there is no or negligible intermittent contact between bend restrictor elements induced by wave and current environmental loads. Source: API RP 17L2, Recommended Practice for Flexible Pipe Ancillary Equipment, First Edition, March 2013. Global Standards  
Splice

Splice

Definition(s)

Splice

A termination is normally formed by looping the rope around a spool or similar attachment means, separating the rope into strands or groups of strands, and then tucking these strands back into the rope structure. Source: API RP 2SM Design, Manufacture, Installation, and Maintenance of Synthetic Fiber Ropes for Offshore Mooring, Second Edition, July 2014. Global Standards Source: API RP 2SM, Design, Manufacture, Installation, and Maintenance of Synthetic Fiber Ropes for Offshore Mooring, First Edition, July 2014. Global Standards

Splice

Termination normally formed by looping the rope around a spool or similar attachment means, separating the rope into strands or groups or strands, and then tucking these strands back into the rope structure. NOTE Definition taken from API 2SM. Source: API RP 17L2, Recommended Practice for Flexible Pipe Ancillary Equipment, First Edition, March 2013. Global Standards  

Splice

Join together component lengths or sub-components to achieve the required production length. Source: API SPEC 17E, Specification for Subsea Umbilicals, Upstream Segment, Fourth Edition, October 2010. Global Standards
Spacer

Spacer

Definition(s)

Spacer

Discrete component of which a number in series are used to piggy-back one or more supported pipes to a supporting pipe over a prescribed length. Source: API RP 17L2, Recommended Practice for Flexible Pipe Ancillary Equipment, First Edition, March 2013. Global Standards  

Spacer

Fluid containing insoluble weighting materials that is used to separate drilling fluids and cementing slurries. Source: API RP 10B-2, Recommended Practice for Testing Well Cements, First Edition, July 2005 (Reaffirmed: July 2010). Global Standards  

Spacer

Pressure-containing piece of equipment used to connect and provide separation between other pieces of equipment. Source: API SPEC 6A, Specification for Wellhead and Christmas Tree Equipment, Twentieth Edition, October 2010 (Addendum November 2012). Global Standards  
Snatch Load

Snatch Load

Definition(s)

Snatch load

Sudden load that acts on a slack tether with resulting dynamic amplification up to several times the applied tension. Source: API RP 17L2, Recommended Practice for Flexible Pipe Ancillary Equipment, First Edition, March 2013. Global Standards  
Setting Time

Setting Time

Definition(s)

Setting time

Time required for polymer or composite component to reside in mould before being removed. Source: API RP 17L2, Recommended Practice for Flexible Pipe Ancillary Equipment, First Edition, March 2013. Global Standards