RPSEA Picks DeepFlex for Its FFRP Project

The new FFRP 26-m carousel layout

DeepFlex has been awarded a Phase 3 of RPSEA’s “Qualification of Flexible Fiber-Reinforced Pipe for 10,000-Foot Water Depths” project.

Phase 3 of the project includes field specific engineering, fabrication, delivery, deployment and operations of the actual deepwater riser system as an ultimate verification of the composite fiber reinforcement technology.

The riser system is scheduled to be delivered and ready for installation in September 2016. Its design and manufacturing will be conducted in accordance with API 17J, API 17B, DNV OS-C501 and DNV RP-A203. Prototype development, testing and riser manufacturing will be performed at DeepFlex’s Pensacola Plant, which is currently under construction.

According to DeepFlex, this riser system is to date the most challenging application of composite fiber materials in subsea risers and pipelines. The benefits of the composite technology, light weight and corrosion resistance, are key enablers for future ultra-deepwater fields and offer significant value for challenging subsea field developments worldwide.

“We are extremely honored that RPSEA selected our project. This is the ultimate demonstration of our capabilities in research, development, engineering and qualification of high technology flexible pipe solutions for harsh and challenging environments,” said Felipe Lamego, DeepFlex President and CEO. “The award of phase 3 is a key step in technology development and also a cornerstone of success of DeepFlex’s plant in Pensacola, FL, further stimulating future growth of the region.”