DK173346B1 - Flexible wire comprising an aluminum alloy - Google Patents

Description

DK 173346 B1 i

The present invention relates to a new flexible conduit structure which exhibits significant weight savings over known hoses while maintaining proper properties, particularly mechanical.

In particular, the invention relates to the design of flexible conduits for transporting pressurized fluids such as water or hydrocarbons.

In many applications for such wires, it is often desirable and sometimes necessary to place lightweight, flexible wires, especially when used in deep gardens.

The flexible lines According to certain embodiments of the invention, inter alia, can be laid down in gardens with large water depths.

Thus, one of the problems encountered during the laying of such flexible lines at a great depth of water is the result of the weight of the stretched flexible line.

The tension that arises in the flexible conduit due to the weight 20 increases the closer you get from the bottom to the water surface.

Thus, in the region of the flexible wire retaining means at the surface, the greatest stresses occur in the flexible wire.

25

One of several means used to reduce this stress is to relieve the weight of the flexible conduit while simultaneously maintaining its mechanical properties, as suggested by the present invention.

30

The flexible wires to which the present invention relates, inter alia, may comprise at least one of the following four components, each of which may comprise one or more elongated elements, such as a profile, cable, wire or steel band: 35 - an inner carcass - a reinforcement reinforcement comprising an elongated profiled element, and - an outer carcass which is constituted by a steel band or wires which are constituted by a bonded steel band or by bonded or embedded threads; are 5 connected or nested.

It is obvious that these elongated members may preferably be angled according to a helical shape to form the flexible hose, which occurs with or without a plastic sheath.

10

The present invention generally relates to all flexible wires comprising a metallic reinforcement and used under such conditions that the weight of this reinforcement causes difficulties.

More specifically, the flexible wires have applications which are limited by the density of the metallic material constituting the reinforcing elements and which are generally steel, an increase in the cross-section of their elements to increase the mechanical resistance of the flexible wire will increase. by the weight of the flexible conduit and, as a result, an increase of the forces applied to the flexible conduit and as a function of which the reinforcing elements are sized.

Thus, a highly advantageous embodiment of the invention relates to 25 flexible pipelines intended for subsea oil production at large or medium depths of water, and which include pipelines which ensure the connection between the seabed and the surface (generally referred to as the Anglo-Saxon term Risers) and partly pipelines, which may be laid on the bottom from the surface to secure the connection 30 (over a distance which may vary considerably depending on the individual case), for example, between an undersea wellhead and the lower end of the "riser" or a connector {"manifold") between several wires, forming the "riser" "socket". 1 2 3 4 5 6 Such pipelines are used to transport crude oil or gas produced in less than 3 wells under very high pressures (for example, 2,500 bar) or to transport gas or water injected under 4 in the production formation or for transfer to 5 countries or for transport to collection and transfer installations 6 (for example off-shore loading facilities) of petroleum or gas prior to processing on board the production platform or to ensure control of the subsea wellheads (hydraulic or electrical wires called "navel").

In the art, all known flexible lines used or 5 which can be used for the above-described areas of application and for which the inner diameter can vary, for example, from about 10 to about 5 1, T (2.54 cm) to approx. 20 '' (50.8 cm) and for which the most frequent applications will be between 3'1 (7.62 cm) and 10 '' (25.4 cm) or 12 '' (30.48 cm), made with reinforcing elements made entirely of steel (carbon-10 steel, stainless steel, alloy steel).

When water depths where the flexible lines are to be installed remain relatively limited in the range of 100 m to 200 m or 300 m (which even today corresponds to the most frequent cases in the art) 15 the size of the water depth will play no significant role, except that be a dimensional parameter for the design of the flexible conduit, which essentially depends on the maximum size of the internal pressure.

20 Certain subsea oil fields have already been produced in water depths ranging from 500 m to B00 m and the tendency to operate in even greater water depths is confirmed by various projects exceeding water depths of 1000 m.

25 However, the known features of flexible wires with steel reinforcements, which are currently the only ones available for the applications in question, will be: - at a water depth which may vary depending on the case from approx. 400 m 30 to approx. 700 m, it will be necessary to make special dispositions that have a significant impact on costs, which will strengthen the metallic structure of the flexible wire and / or involve the use of special methods and equipment for the location of such wires, 35 - the outer limits of water depths reached by the currently known flexible conduits can be estimated in the order of 600 m to 1000 m or a maximum of slightly above 1000 m for diameters less than 6 ”(15.24 cm ), the limit varies depending on the case as a function of the flexible conduit diameter, the maximum operating pressure and various other parameters affecting the retirement of the flexible conduit (such as the characteristics of the transported fluid, as well). such as the ambient conditions and the conditions when performing the decommissioning operation).

5 Thus, there is already a need for a new technical solution at present, and this need will be even greater.

In general, the present invention will be applicable in all cases where the weight of the currently available flexible wires will impose a restriction on the user. For example, when oil drilling workplaces are used, such as flexible high-pressure lines, such as flexible injection lines (rotary hose), well lines (kill line, choke line), placement and subsequent operation can be facilitated if lighter flexible lines are produced.

15

The invention has another advantageous application in liquid flexible conduits, which is used in particular at sea shore loading / unloading systems to connect a buoy anchored at sea and a tanker moored to the buoy. Thus, the ease of construction resulting from the use of aluminum makes it possible to substantially reduce the size of buoys and other floating means to be used in conjunction with the flexible conduit to render it fluid, and which offer different Disadvantages (cost, scope, power and wind sensitivity).

25

According to the invention, it is possible to produce flexible wires with a high mechanical resistance and reduced weight, which can also be used in aviation or in space. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Furthermore, the use of aluminum instead of steel under the conditions 2 possible according to the invention is very advantageous for 3 different specific applications, for example to produce vessels 4 boxes of "bonded strips" which in some cases are fitted with 5 in order to obtain mechanical protection outside the flexible conduit 6 by wrapping the bonded band around the outer plastic sheath.

7 In some cases, the replacement of the steel (regardless of the type of steel, 8 being considered) with an aluminum alloy will also bring about 9 real benefits. Thus, for example, the internal carcass mounted in certain flexible conduits, and in particular those intended for the transport of crude oil from an instance (flexible conduits with "rough drill"), will be subjected to a corrosive effect from it. transported fluids, and the use of aluminum can in some cases make it possible to save savings on the cost of stainless steel that would otherwise have been necessary.

Furthermore, the use of aluminum may prove advantageous in certain cases where there is a contamination risk of the transported fluid originating from the material forming the inner wall of the flexible conduit, which precludes the use of steel (or at least carbon steel other than stainless steel). which could possibly be used, but which would be much more expensive), as well as, for example, in the case of aqueducts or pipelines carrying certain chemical products.

There may also be other instances where certain properties of aluminum constitute an advantage over steel and thus prove to be a potentially advantageous use for the invention, for example the magnetic properties of aluminum.

Flexible conduits of the present invention can be used in 20 air systems, such as for fluid transfer, especially in a cold zone or for cold fluid transmission. Thus, they will exhibit good resistance to impact at low temperatures, while steel will often break at impact near -20 ° C upon impact.

For this use, the flexible wires of the invention may comprise aluminum in all the components of the flexible wiring (carcass, vault, reinforcement) or only for those components which are exposed to temperatures in the vicinity of or less than -20 ° C.

In summary, the invention can be applied in all cases, partly where aluminum exhibits an advantage over steel (lightness, resistance to corrosion effects ...), and partly where relatively large mechanical stresses are applied to the flexible conduit (internal pressure, external pressure, compression effect). , axial load ...) and makes it necessary, as 35 reinforcing elements, to use products (drawn wires, wires, cables, ribbons) that provide a mechanical counterbalance which is raised compared to that which can be obtained with the steel .

It is about generating lighter flexible wires than the currently available flexible wires, where the reinforcement is made up of steel elements, and it is also about producing reinforcements DK 173346 B1 6 for the flexible wires with materials intended to withstand certain specific effects, and various solutions have already been proposed.

Thus, the applicant has developed certain techniques enabling the fabrication of flexible wires of flexible composite material constituted by fibers embedded in an artificial resin (FR-2,283,768; FR-2,312,356 and EP). -263860).

10 The use of composite materials containing an organic material makes it possible to go even further in weight saving for the design of the flexible conduits, and in particular, in the above-described applications, would have allowed the utilization of subsea fields at water depths which are extremely large. However, these composite materials with an organic matrix are very expensive and, in comparison, aluminum will be much cheaper.

It has been established that the use of an alloy in the practice of the invention in connection with the above-mentioned subsea oil production pipelines enables the production of water at depths of up to 1500 m or more, which makes it possible to consider aluminum in the above-mentioned uses (which is a very significant area) beyond the limits made possible by steel, provided that certain cases requiring even more extensive properties will be covered using composite materials.

In order to satisfy the needs that exist in the area of light flexible wires, the use of aluminum has not been considered in practice. Thus, the dimensioning of such wires has led to 30 products having an extent and with a deterioration of the mechanical properties, so that the weight saving effects are eliminated.

The present invention proposes a choice and treatment of aluminum and a design of the flexible conduit which allows for a substantial relief of the weight of the flexible conduit while providing products that are useful and highly effective.

More specifically, the invention relates to the various metallic reinforcing elements for flexible wires which can be used within the application areas described above.

DK 173346 B1 7

According to the invention, the flexible conductor elements described hereinafter may preferably be made of an aluminum alloy under the conditions which characterize the invention, either one or the other or any combination thereof: 5 1 - The threads which comprise the tensile-resistant reinforcement itself and so is resistant to influences from the substrate (this reinforcement may also, in whole or in part, deal with pressure effects acting along the circumference as a function of the angle of reinforcement which may vary within limits of some degrees to about 80 °; but which will generally be between about 10 ° and 65 °).

These threads have a cross-section which may be circular, optionally elliptical or (most often) rectangular, preferably with rounded corners (these threads are made of an aluminum alloy alloy according to the invention), 2 - the elements which constitute the tensile-resistant reinforcement and thus resistant to influences from the substrate, and made in the form of cords or cables, which are themselves manufactured by a helical winding of aluminum wires according to the invention. In the case of the use of cords or cables as reinforcing elements, it is common to place these within a compact mass of an elastomeric material, 25 3 - The threads or "profiles" which constitute the "pressure reinforcement" which are intended to counteract the effects of internal pressure as well as compression effects (in particular associated with the closure of the flexible conduit in the case of submarine pipelines) and external pressure effects. These profiles are most often made in the form of 30 strands of rectangular cross section, which preferably have rounded corners.

These are generally made in the form of one or two layers of profiles having a cross section showing incisions and portions protruding in such a way as to produce a mutual anchoring effect, which is sometimes referred to as "adhesive". such as: - a layer of one or more threads having a Z-shaped cross-section, for example the profile that is always labeled with the name Zeta (see, for example, 40 the description of a profile of this type in French Patent No. 2,052,057) , DK 173346 B1 8 - two layers of threads having a U-shaped cross section, the branches of the U-shaped threads of the inner layer being directed outwards in such a way that they are inserted between the branches of the outer layer U-shaped threads which are directed to include, and other possible designs.

It should be noted that the "pressure reinforcement" may be made by a combination of several layers of one or the other of the types described above.

The profiles or threads constituting the pressure reinforcement are wound at angles of approx. 80-90 ° relative to the axis of the flexible wire.

15 - The elements which constitute the outer carcass of the flexible conduits, which comprise the constructions provided by the folding of a continuous band and the constructions formed of interconnected or interconnected wires, such as those which are described for the pressure reinforcement (see Figures 3 and 4), wherein the folding is performed in such a way that, among other things, U-shapes are produced along the two edges of the belt to enable the coiling of adjacent turns. The folding can be provided according to very varied patterns.

A very well-known form is described in French patent application no.

25 EN-83 / 19,474 (bonded belt) disclosing a method for producing a flexible pipeline of a bonded belt useful in flexible lines of the present invention. These "bonded bands" are currently used as the internal carcass for flexible wires, especially in the case of transporting crude oil 30 from an instance to avoid an "implosion" of the inner plastic sheath.

They can also be used as a pressure resistant annex when wrapped around the inner sealing sheath.

These interconnected or interconnected bands or wires may also be used as an external protection of the flexible conduit.

The member constituting the carcass may also be provided by 40 interconnected or interconnected strands, such as strands having a Z-shaped cross-section, in particular Zeta-form.

DK 173346 B1 9

The present invention also relates to a reinforced flexible conduit comprising one or more of the following components, a pressure-resistant reinforcement, a tensile-resistant reinforcement and / or an internal carcass.

The invention is characterized in that at least one of said components comprises one or more elongated elements, such as a profile, cable, wire or ribbon, which element has undergone a machining operation and is made of an aluminum-based alloy. The aluminum alloy may be an aluminum alloy of the series 2000, 5000, 6000 or 7000. Where the line of the invention comprises a carcass, it may comprise at least one elongated member consisting of an aluminum alloy having a tensile strength (RmJ which is at least equal to 15,000 MPa, and preferably at least 250 MPa, a 0.2% limit of elasticity, 0.2 voltage which is at least equal to 150 MPa, and preferably at least 190 MPa. of 31, at least in the case of an aluminum alloy of the 2000, 6000, 7000 series, or a degree of 20 20% at least in the case of an aluminum alloy ring of the 5000 series.

When the lead of the invention comprises a pressure-resistant reinforcement and / or a tensile-resistant reinforcement, at least one of said 25 reinforcements may comprise at least one elongated member consisting of an aluminum alloy of one of the following species: 2014, 2017, 2024, 2117, 2618 , 5050, 5052, 5056, 5082, 5086, 5154, 5183, 5754, 6005, 6060, 6061, 6063, 6066, 6070, 6082, 6351, 7001, 7020, 7049, 7050, 7075, 7175, 7178 or 7475.

30

The elongate element of an aluminum alloy may have a tensile strength (Rm) of at least equal to 300 MPa and preferably at least 350 MPa.

If the conduit of the invention comprises an internal carcass, it may comprise at least one elongate member consisting of an aluminum alloy of one of the species: 5050, 5052, 5056, 5083, 5456, 6060, 6061, 6082, 6083 or 6106. 1 the conduit of the invention comprises an inner carcass comprising at least one elongated member consisting of an aluminum alloy, this elongated member may be a profile or thread that can be slid or interlocked, in particular of the "Zeta" type. .

The aluminum alloy used for a conduit according to the present invention may be subjected to a heat treatment upon placement in a separate solution.

The elongated member comprising an aluminum alloy may be subjected to a cold deformation operation at a subsequent treatment or followed by a temper.

The cold deformation may preferably be a cold deformation having a degree between 3 and 40 ° and preferably between 5 and 25%, in the case where an aluminum alloy of the series 2000, 6000 or 7000 is used.

15

The cold deformation can also be a cold deformation having a degree between 20 and 90% and preferably between 40 and 70%, in the case where an aluminum alloy from the 5000 series is used.

The elongated member made of an aluminum alloy may have undergone rolling or pulling.

The elongated member may also have undergone a partial or total annealing or a toughening operation where the characteristic parameters are a function of the degree of cold deformation and / or the nature of the alloy.

The aluminum-containing component of the invention may be covered by an alloy for protection against corrosion.

30

The aluminum-containing component may be covered by a thermoplastic film, in particular a polyethylene, polyamide, PVDF, polypropylene, elastomer, or rubber film.

Said constituents consisting essentially of aluminum may have a ductility of at least 3%.

At least one of the components may comprise aluminum from the 2000 or 7000 series having a ductility between 6 and 20% and preferably between 40 and 20%.

DK 173346 B1 11

At least one of the components may comprise aluminum from the 5000 or 6000 series and have a ductility of at least 6%.

The wire of the invention may comprise a carcass, a jacket and a reinforcement, the carcass comprising a bonded band or a thread, in particular with a Zeta-shaped cross-section, and wherein the reinforcement comprises an element which is a profile, a cable or a thread.

The bonded band or wire of the carcass may comprise an aluminum alloy of the series 5000, 6000 and / or said elongated element of said reinforcement may comprise an aluminum alloy of the series 2000, 5000, 6000 or 7000.

The carcass can be made of a bonded band or wire of steel.

15

The reinforcement may include steel.

The tensile-resistant reinforcement may substantially comprise steel and the durable reinforcement may substantially comprise an aluminum alloy.

The conduit of the invention may comprise an anti-friction sheath, which may preferably be dense and electrically insulating, which sheath is disposed between the pressure-resistant reinforcement and the tensile-resistant reinforcement.

The wire of the invention may comprise a tensile-resistant reinforcement having at least two layers of wire, cable or profile, as well as a layer or sheath of an anti-friction material interposed between the at least two layers.

The tensile-resistant reinforcement and the pressure-resistant reinforcement may consist essentially of an aluminum alloy of the series 2000, 5000, 6000 or 7000.

35

The wire of the invention may comprise an outer band or outer threads which may be bonded and optionally comprise aluminum.

The lead of the invention may comprise at least one inner sheath containing a plastic material such as polyamide, PVDF or a resilient material such as rubber or synthetic elastomers.

The conduit of the invention may comprise a pressure-resistant reinforcement comprising at least one layer formed by a profile optionally having a cross-section in a mold such as a Zeta mold or a U-moldable interlocking mold. and which is made of an aluminum alloy.

The lead of the invention may comprise a composite material having an organic matrix, in particular for the manufacture of an elongate element.

The terms used to denote the metallurgical states and the thermal and mechanical treatments of the aluminum alloys are defined in standards NF 02 006 and NF 02 011.

Among other things, such as: state F: raw state of manufacture, state O: annealed, state H: cold deformed and possibly partially educated, state 20 T: cured state by heat treatment - heat treatment is considered as full or partial combinations of the following treatments: placement in a solution, hardening (ex. damping), maturation, tempering (ex. revenue) with possible use of plastic deformations. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 In the context of the present invention, it is obvious that the 2 elongated elements for which it is proposed to use an aluminum alloy generally have a mechanical function. However, the 4 may have an additional function due to their corrosion protection properties.

6 7

The first designs of prototypes have made it possible to realize that the manufacture of flexible wires comprising structural elements of aluminum can be done without appreciable difficulty in comparison with the known flexible wires with reinforcements. More specifically, 11 it has been found that in the case of massive profiles with relative 12 complex cross-sections of the "molding" type, such as Zeta shaped threads, since 13, the production of such profiles of aluminum will be much easier 14 and less costly than the is the case of carbon steel, which is currently used in the high performance flexible wires, which are mainly aimed at the present invention.

DK 173346 B1 13

It has also been found that the use of aluminum makes it possible to produce the threads or profiles including the Zeta-type profiles without difficulty in cross-sectional dimensions, which are often much larger than those possible with the use of steel. This is partly due to the fact that the steel wires and profiles are made by "wire machine", the diameter being limited to approx. 20 mm within the prior art for equipment and manufacturing processes used by the various suppliers.

Under these conditions, the production of, for example, Zeta yarns is limited to a maximum thickness of approx. 10 mm, if steel is used. In contrast, when using aluminum, no restrictive targets exist, as the manufacturing areas are different. Effectively, it has been possible to confirm that Zeta strands can easily be made in thicknesses up to 160 or 200 mm.

In particular, the advantages afforded by the ability to fabricate large-thickness aluminum profiles are the ability to provide the pressure reinforcement of a single layer of high-thickness Zeta wires, in the case where the internal pressure is raised. and where the diameter is relatively large and where the required thickness exceeds the maximum possible for steel. In fabricating the steel pressure reinforcement, it would be necessary to overlay two layers of threads (for example, an inner layer of Zeta threads and an outer layer of rectangular threads in an annular band), and a substantial increase in manufacturing costs would occur, which can be avoided. using aluminum.

In addition, the ability to provide large-thickness Zeta wires using aluminum in some cases will be advantageous as it will be possible to wrap the flexible wires on smaller radii without the risk of hooking up.

The invention will then be explained in more detail with reference to the following examples and with reference to the accompanying figure, in which fig. 1 shows the construction of a flexible conduit comprising an inner seam-hooked carcass of steel bands or of threads 40 which are fastened or interlockable 1, a sealing cap 2, a layer of threads which are fastened or interlockable, an inner sheath 4, reinforcements 5, a metal band 6 and then an outer sheath 7; 2 is a section through a band fastened by folding, and FIG. 3 and 4 are sections through profiles which are interconnected or interconnected and which can also be referred to as interconnected or interconnected threads.

Examples 1 to 13 relate to a flexible conduit made with the configuration illustrated in FIG. 1, that is, it successively comprises an inner bonded carcass 1, which may be a carcass which is folded by folding or a wire which is joined or fastened, or which may be intended to avoid compression of the conduit due to an external force to be distributed or not, the terms used by the technician being 15 "to avoid collapse", a groove sheath 2, a layer of Zeta-form interconnected threads, or of interlocking profiles ( Fig. 3 or 4), an inner groove sheath 4, reinforcements 5 at an angle of 35 ° to the axis of the flexible conduit, a metal band 6 and then an outer groove sheath 7 · 20

The sheath 4 may be sealed or not.

The mechanical properties are expressed with maximum tensile resistance: Rm in MPa, at the elastic limit at 0.2% elongation: Re in MPa, and at elongation% over 50 mm: A%.

In the tables given in the examples, the following columns are arranged in order: 30 - reference numeral for the layers, - description, nature and dimension (in mm) of the layers, - Rm in MPa, - Kg / m weight in kilograms per meter flexible wire, - Di e inner diameter in mm, 35 - Ep. "Layer thickness in mm, - flowability factor defined by: _ empty weight in air (kg / m) __ outer volume (1 / m) x 1.02 (density for seawater) 40 DK 173346 B1 15

The axial load, which is the limit of damage, and which is mentioned in the tables under the heading "damage limit of drag", is in the theoretical case defined for a rectilinear flexible conduit which is exposed only to an axial traction.

5

The "theoretical immersion depth" mentioned in the table is a limit determined here equal to the quotient of the "damage limit of drag" per linear weight of the flexible line filled with water in the water. The flexible wire is normally filled with water, and this value corresponds to the length of the flexible wire suspended from the surface, so that the total weight resulting from the flexible wire is equal to the theoretical axial load corresponding to the damage limit. for the flexible cable, which is suspended straight. This theoretical value allows, in practice, to determine the order of magnitude of the acceptable water depth, taking into account: - an appropriate safety coefficient. In the prior art, and in particular as a function of various applicable regulations, this coefficient of safety is currently equal to 2, - the various factors which depend on laying operations and which cause an increase in stresses in the components of the flexible conduit structure in relation to to the reference case for the 25 rectilinear flexible wire subjected to a simple axial load.

These overloading factors fall into two categories: 30 - Managing the flexible wire from the surface introduces an increase in the tension at the point where the flexible wire is gripped, due to a load originating from the laying equipment which can be of different types: games ( limited use in the case of large loads associated with large water depths), cap-35 stan, sprockets with sprockets (two or three sprockets) or any linear spool type associated with a flexible line connection arrangement to take up the axial load, and also, usually at least one area (or simply a fixed support in the form of an inwardly curved sliding), 40 designed to ensure the flexible wire passage across the edge, the dynamic forces, determined by the movements of a liquid support used for the closure and which is a function of future limiting ocean states, and which can be expressed by a vertical acceleration in the form of an increase coefficient for the 5 weights encountered.

As mentioned earlier, the magnitude of the maximum available water depth for closure as a function of the damage limit under the influence of the flexible conduit weight was evaluated as a summary estimate based on the "theoretical closure depth" mentioned in the tables by dividing the latter by a global reduction coefficient, which once takes into account the safety coefficient, the overloading factors associated with the closure operations, and which can vary from single to double depending on the circumstances {operating the flexible wire using closure equipment and accelerations in it floating support). In practice, the global reduction coefficient for the permissible load is defined so that it can vary slightly more than 2 in the most favorable cases to a maximum value that can be greater than 4.

20

In order to understand in a concrete way the theoretical reference values that appear in the tables, an average value of 3 can be assumed for this coefficient, which makes it possible to compare the respective performance of the various flexible wires mentioned in the examples 25 although the limit of the water depth thus determined, for each flexible conduit, is only a very approximate indication of an absolute value. After all, the theoretical figures given in the tables will allow comparison of the various examples.

The term "collapse pressure" mentioned in the tables corresponds to the limit of the flexible conduction resistance to compression under the influence of the external hydrostatic pressure determined by the water depth. Since the construction is calculated on the basis that the annular space can be subjected to the external pressure (for example, by accidentally breaking the outer sheath), this value is dependent on the internal carcass's resistance to compression in the case of flexible "rough drill" type wires described here as examples.

It is possible to make a direct determination of the maximum water depth acceptable for a flexible conduit based on an assessment of its resistance to the external pressure, using the "collapse pressure" printed in water depth. (pressure of the hydrostatic column as a function of sea wall density) with a safety coefficient of 1.5, which corresponds to the currently applicable regulations · 5 The maximum water depth evaluation is acceptable for a flexible conduit such as that described in the examples. .

The summary evaluation method shown will allow, for relative values, the order of magnitude of the respective performance of the various flexible wires to be compared, although it should be noted that the absolute value of the acceptable depth at each of these may vary considerably as function of the circumstances.

The mechanical properties indicated for the structural elements 15 of the flexible conduits described in the Examples are given in relation to the state in which the aluminum structural elements are when they have been through the last consecutive thermal and / or mechanical treatment operations. specified for each example, that is, at the time when they will be wound up on a coil ready to be installed on the machine 'used for the manufacture of the flexible wire (reinforcing apparatus, coil winding apparatus, .. .).

Since the various metallic reinforcing elements for the flexible wires disclosed in accordance with the present invention are generally disposed on the flexible wire in such a manner that they are in the helical configuration provided by the flexible wires. wire geometry and the reinforcement angle without being exposed to noticeable residual stresses, that is, generated and wrapped by a plastic deformation and not an elastic, these elements can eventually be subjected to a further cold forming operation.

This also applies to the case of ribbons which may be formed by folding in spiral profiling tools (see, for example, French Patent No. 2,555,920), as, for example, the case of reinforcing thread preform operations described in French Patent Specification. No. 2,528,733. The cold deformation of the metal is brought about by this last operation of cold deformation to change the mechanical properties, such as those mentioned in the examples. As a specific result, an increase in the elastic limit is obtained, which in some 40 cases cannot be negligible, which is essentially when the aluminum element, before being placed in place in the machine for manufacturing the flexible wire, is located. in an annealed state. The practical consequence of this situation is that the values which characterize the mechanical resistance of the flexible wires become minimal and in some cases the real values may be greater or less than the values mentioned here in the examples. .

Example 1 relates to an optimized flexible conduit that does not contain aluminum.

Example 1:

A flexible conduit having an internal diameter of 8 '' (203.2 mm) is produced and comprising an internal carcass formed of a stainless steel band AISI 304 with a thickness of 2 mm with Rm = 540 MPa and 15 with Re * 450 MPa, an inner groove shank 6 mm thick, a layer of 6.2 mm thick Zeta threads, made with a distinctive steel FM 15 having: Rm = 780 MPa, A = 2.5%, with two reinforcing layers below 35 ° made of a steel FM 15 and of an outer groove sheath with a thickness of 7 mm.

20

The flexible wire thus produced exhibits the following characteristics:

Example 1.

25

Description_Rm (MPa) _Kq / m D. i. (Mm) _Ep. (mm) 1 carcass of tape inox 304 30 80 x 2 mm 540 31 203.2 10.0 2 inner groove cap 4.9 223.2 6.0 3 Zeta FM 15 thickness 6.2 mm 780 31.2 235.2 6.2 5

Description_Rm (MPa) _Kg / m_D. i. (Mm) _Ep. (mm) DK 173346 B1

Example 1 continued.

19 4 inner groove cover 5 247.6 6.0 5 reinforcements below 35 ° FM 15 thickness: 2.5 mm 780 30.0 259.6 5.0 6 Metal strip 0.5 269.6 0.75 7 Outer groove shanks 6.4 271.1 7.0 15

Characteristics_English units_metric units inner diameter 8.00 in 203.20 mm 20 outer diameter 11.22 in 285.10 mm inner volume 0.379 cf / ft 35.18 1 / m 25 outer volume 0.687 cf / ft 63.84 1 / m empty weight in air 73.2 lb / ft 108.9 kg / m weight filled with sea water in air 97.4 lb / ft 144.9 kg / m empty weight in sea water 29.2 lb / ft 43.4 kg / m 1 40 weight filled with seawater in seawater 53.4 lb / ft 79.5 kg / m

Example 1 continued.

DK 173346 B1

Characteristics_English units_metric units 20 5 empty flow factor in seawater 1.66 burst pressure 5350 psi 369 bar 10 collapse pressure 1570 psi 108 bar

limit of damage to feature 382,685 Ibs 170,250 daN

15 theoretical immersion depth 2,141 m

As already mentioned, this flexible wire is optimized in terms of its design and the choice of materials used.

Example # 2:

A flexible wire is provided, such as that described in Example # 1, but in Layer # 3, the Zeta-form attached wire having a thickness of 6.2 mm of steel FM 15 is replaced by an attached wire. with Zeta mold having a thickness of 8 mm of an aluminum alloy 7049 in state T6 with the mechanical characteristics: Rm = 620 MPa, A = 10%.

30

The flexible cord thus produced exhibits the following characteristics: 1 40

Description _Rm (MPa) _Kq / m_D.i. (Mm) _Ep. (Mm)

Example 2.

21 DK 173346 B1 5 1 tire carcass inox 304 80 x 2 non 540 31 203.2 10.0 2 inner groove cap 4.9 223.2 6.0 10 3 Zeta aluminum thickness: 8.0 mm 620 14.3 235 , 2 8.0 4 inner groove sheath 5 251.2 6.0 15 5 reinforcements below 35 ° FM 15 thickness: 2.5 mm 780 30.5 263.2 5.0 20 6 Metal band 0.5 273.2 0, 75 7 Outer groove cover 6.4 274.7 7.0 25 Characteristics_English units_metric units inner diameter 8.00 in 203.20 mm outer diameter 11.37 in 288.70 mm 30 inner volume 0.379 cf / ft 35.18 1 / m outer volume 0.705 cf / ft 65.46 l / m 35 empty weight in air 62.3 lb / ft 92.6 kg / m 40

Example 2 continued.

Characteristics_English units_metric units 22 DK 173346 B1 5 weight filled with seawater in air 86.5 lb / ft 128.7 kg / m empty weight in seawater 17.2 lb / ft 25.5 kg / m 10 guard filled with seawater in seawater 41.4 lb / ft 61.6 kg / m empty seawater flow factor 15 1.38 burst pressure 5386 psi 371 bar collapse pressure 1570 psi 108 bar 20

limit of damage to feature 388,638 Ibs 172,898 daN

theoretical deposition depth 2,806 m

It is found that for properties equivalent to those of the flexible hose made entirely of steel described in Example No. 1, a relief of 22.5% of the weight of the flexible hose filled with seawater in seawater and that the theoretical immersion depth has increased from 2,141 m to 2,868 m.

A flexible conduit with mechanical characteristics that is approximately equivalent can be produced by replacing alloy 7049 in state T6 with alloy 7178 in state T6 or preferably in state T76 (dual annealing (ex. Revenue) treatment for 3 hours). 116-127eC and for 15 hours at 157-160eC), which improves its resistance to corrosion under voltage, with an alloy 7075 in state T6 40 or with an alloy 7001 in state T73 (treatment with dual application) ( from an alloy 7175 in state T66, or with alloy 7475 in state T6.

Example # 3; 5

A flexible cord is provided such as that described in Example # 1, but in Layer # 3, the Zeta-shaped bonded wire having a thickness of 6.2 mm of steel FM15 is replaced by a Zeta-shaped joint wire with a thickness of 10 mm of an aluminum alloy 2017A 10 in the T3 state, which has undergone a cold deformation of 15¾ before curing (with free shaft) and with mechanical characteristics: Rm = 500 MPa, A = 9%. Under these conditions, the flexible wiring characteristics produced are the following: Example 3.

Description_Rm (MPa) _Kg / m_D.i. (Mm) _Ep. (mm) 1 carcass of 20 strip inox 304 x0 x 2 mm 540 31.0 203.2 10.0 2 inner groove cap 4.9 223.2 6.0 25 3 Zeta aluminum thickness: 10 mm 500 17.4 235, 2 10.0 4 inner groove sheath 5.1 255.2 6.0 30 5 reinforcements below 35 ° FM 15 thickness: 2.5 mm 7Θ0 31.0 267.2 5.0 6 Metal strip 0.5 277.2 0, 75 35 7 Outer groove caps 6.5 278.7 7.0 40 DK 173346 B1

Characteristics__English Units_metric Units

Example 3 continued 24 S inner diameter B.00 in 203.20 mm outer diameter 11.52 in 292.70 mm internal volume 0.379 cf / ft 35.18 l / m 10 external volume 0.724 cf / ft 67.29 l / m empty weight in air 64.8 lb / ft 96.3 kg / m 15 weight filled with seawater in air 89.0 lb / ft 132.4 kg / m empty weight in sea water 18.4 lb / ft 27.4 kg / m 20 weight filled with seawater in seawater 42.6 lb / ft 63.4 kg / m empty buoyancy factor in seawater 1.40

Explosive pressure 5398 psi 372 bar

Collapse pressure 1570 psi 108 bar 30

limit of damage to feature 392,805 Ibs 174,752 daN

theoretical depth of lay-down 2,756 m

For identical characteristics of bursting and collapsing pressures, it is noted that with this flexible conduit, 20.2% of the weight of the flexible conduit filled with seawater in seawater 40 has been produced relative to the weight of the flexible described in Example # 1. line 25 DK 173346 B1 of steel, and that the theoretical shutter depth is 2,756 ra as opposed to 2,140 m.

A flexible conduit with approximately equivalent characteristics can be made by using the alloy 2017A in state T4 followed by a final cold deformation of 15% or by using alloys 2014, 2024 and 2618A in the same state as alloy 2017A.

A flexible conduit with identical characteristics can also be provided by using certain 7000 series aluminum alloys: these are the alloys 7075, 7050, preferably in the T73 or T76 states, and these will provide good resistance to corrosion. whether a final cold deformation of 5-20% (condition T73X) is made or not.

15

Example # 4:

A flexible conduit such as that described in Example # 1 is provided, but in layer # 3, the Zeta-shaped bonded wire 20 having a thickness of 6.2 mm of steel FM15 is replaced by a Zeta-shaped bonded wire with a thickness of 12 mm of an aluminum alloy 6061 in the T8 state with the mechanical characteristics Rm - 410 MPa, A 15%.

The flexible wire produced exhibits the following characteristics:

Example 4

Description_Rm (MPa) _Kg / m_D. in (mm) _Ep. (mm) 30 1 carcass inox 304 80 x 2 mm 540 31.0 203.2 10.0 2 inner groove cap 4.9 223.2 6.0 35 3 Zeta aluminum thickness: 12.0 mm 410 20.8 235.2 12.0 4 inner groove cap 5.2 259.2 6.0 40

Description_Rm (MPa) _Kq / m_D.i. (Mm) _Ep. (mm) DK 173346 B1

Example 4 continued 26 5 5 reinforcements below 35 ° FM 15 thickness: 2.5 mm 780 31.3 271.2 5.0 6 Metal tape 0.5 281.2 0.75 10 7 Outer groove cap 6.6 282.7 7 0

Characteristics_English Units_metric Units 15 Inner Diameter 8.00 in 203.20 mm Outer Diameter 11.68 in 296.70 mm 20 Inner Volume 0.379 cf / ft 35.18 1 / m Outer Volume 0.744 cf / ft 69.14 1 / m empty weight in air 67.2 lb / ft 100.0 kg / m 25 weight filled with sea water in air 91.4 lb / ft 136.1 kg / m empty weight in sea water 19.6 lb / ft 29.2 kg / m weight filled with seawater in seawater 43.8 lb / ft 65.2 kg / m 1 empty flow factor in seawater 1.41 burst pressure 5386 psi 371 bar 40 collapse pressure 1570 psi 108 bar

Example 4 continued

Characteristics_English Units_metric Units 27 DK 173346 B1

5 limit of damage to feature 412,147 lbs 1B3,357 daN

theoretical immersion depth 2,812 m 10

It is found that with equivalent properties of the burst pressure and the collapse pressure, a relief of 15% of the weight of the seawater-filled flexible conduit filled with seawater is provided, and that the theoretical 15 deposition depth is 2,812 m.

A flexible line with equivalent mechanical properties and weight can be produced by replacing the alloy 6061, which may be used in state T8 or state T6 or T9, with alloys of the 6000-20 series, and alloys 6063, 6082 are used in the same state as alloy 6061.

A flexible conduit with equivalent mechanical properties may also be provided with 5000 series alloys, in particular the H3X state alloy 5056 25, i.e. it has undergone corrosion desensitization to corrosion at 230-240 ° C followed by a cold deformation or the state H1 and the alloy 5082 in the state H1.

Example 5:

A flexible wire such as that described in Example 1 is provided, but the layer of Zeta-shaped wire with a thickness of 6.2 mm of steel FM15 is replaced by a layer of Zeta wire with a thickness of 14 35 mm and made of an alloy 5082 in the H1 state and having a final cold deformation of 25% and having the following mechanical characteristics: Rm 350 MPa, A * 13%.

Under these conditions, the flexible wire will have the following characteristics:

Example 5

Description_Rit (MPa) _ Kg / m_ D.i. (Mm) _Ep. (mm) 28 DK 173346 B1 5 1 carcass of tape inox 304 80 x 2 mm 540 31.0 203.2 10.0 2 inner groove cap 4.9 223.2 6.0 10 3 Zeta aluminum thickness: 14.0 mm 350 24.4 235.2 14.0 4 Inner groove cap 5.3 263.2 6.0 15 5 Reinforcements below 35 ° FM 15 Thickness: 2.5 mm 780 31.9 275.2 5.0 20 6 Metal tape 0 , 5 285.2 0.75 7 Outer groove cap 6.7 286.7 7.0 25 Characteristics_English units_metric units inner diameter 8.00 in 203.20 mm outer diameter 11.84 in 300.70 mm 30 internal volume 0.379 cf / ft 35.18 l / m outer volume 0.764 cf / ft 71.02 l / m 35 empty weight in air 70.3 lb / ft 104.7 kg / m 40 DK 173346 B1

Characteristics_English units_metric units

Example 5 continued 29 5 weight filled with seawater in air 94.6 lb / ft 140.8 kg / m empty weight in seawater 21.5 lb / ft 32.0 kg / m 10 weight filled with seawater in seawater 45.7 lb / ft 68.0 kg / m Empty flow factor in seawater 1.44 burst pressure 5386 psi 371 bar collapse pressure 1570 psi 108 bar 20

limit of damage to feature 419,965 Ibs 186,835 daN

theoretical lay-off depth 23,747 m

It is found that the use of a Zeta-shaped wire, with a thickness of 14 mm, of an aluminum alloy makes it possible to produce a relief of the seawater-filled flexible conduit in seawater of 14.51 with respect to the flexible conduit. described in Example # 1 and that the theoretical laying depth reaches 2,747 m.

A flexible conduit with identical mechanical characteristics may be provided by replacing alloy 5082 with alloys 5086, 5154, 5754, 5052 in state H1 or with alloys 6005A, 6061, 6181, 6351, 6060, 6066, fT070 in state H1, T4, T6, T8 or T9 or with alloy 7020 in state T6.

40

Example No. 6: 30 DK 173346 B1

A flexible conduit such as that described in Example 1 is provided, but the layer 3 of Zeta-shaped wire having a thickness of 6.2 5 mm of steel FM15 is replaced by a layer of Zeta-shaped wire having a thickness of 16 mm of an aluminum alloy 5052 in the H1 state, and having a final cold deformation of 45% and having the following mechanical characteristics: Rm 310 MPa, A = 9%.

Under these conditions, the characteristics of the flexible wire produced are as follows:

Example 6.

Description_Rm (MPa) Kq / ro_D.i. (Mm) _Ep. (mm) 1 carcass of tape inox 304 8Q x 2 mm 540 31.0 203.2 10.0 20 2 inner groove cap 4.9 223.2 6.0 3 Zeta aluminum thickness: 16.0 mm 310 28.4 235 , 2 16.0 25 4 inner groove sheath 5.4 267.6 6.0 5 reinforcements below 35 ° FM 15 thickness: 2.5 mm 780 32.3 279.2 5.0 6 Metal strip 0.5 289 , 2 0.75 7 Outer groove cap 6.8 290.7 7.0 35 40 j Characteristics English units_metric units DK 173346 B1

Example 6 Continued 31 5 Inner Diameter 8.00 in 203.20 mm Outer Diameter 12.00 in 304.70 mm Inner Volume 0.379 cf / ft 35.18 1 / m 10 Outer Volume 0.785 cf / ft 72.92 1 / m empty weight in air 73.3 lb / ft 109.2 kg / m 15 weight filled with seawater in air 97.6 lb / ft 145.2 kg / m empty weight in seawater 23.1 lb / ft 34.4 kg / m 20 weight filled with seawater in seawater 47.4 lb / ft 70.5 kg / m empty flow factor in seawater 1.46 burst pressure 5386 psi 371 bar

Collapse pressure 1570 psi 108 bar 30

limit of damage to feature 423,475 Ibs 188,397 daN

theoretical immersion depth 2,672 ro

It is found that for Identical characteristics of blast pressure and collapse pressure with "this flexible conduit, a relief 40 of 11.3% has been obtained and that the theoretical lay-down depth is 2,672 m.

32 DK 173346 B1

A flexible conduit with approximately equivalent characteristics may be provided by replacing alloy 5052 with alloys 2017, 2117, 5050, 5154, 5754 in state H1, or with alloys 5056, 5082, 5086 and 5183 in state F or H.

5

Example # 7:

A flexible conduit such as that described in Example 1 is provided, but layer # 1, which forms an inner carcass of a 10 mm AISI 304 stainless steel band, is replaced by an aluminum alloy band. 5052 in H1 mode with a thickness of 3.5 mm and with Rm = 320 MPa and Re 290 MPa.

Under these conditions, the characteristics of the flexible wire produced are as follows:

Example 7.

Description_Rm (MPa) _Kq / m_D.l. (mm) - Ep. (mm) 20 1 carcass of aluminum strip 140 x 3.5 mm 320 19.3 203.2 17.5 2 inner groove cap 5.2 238.2 6.0 25 3 Zeta FM15 thickness 6.7 mm 780 35.8 250.2 6.7 4 inner groove cap 5.3 263.6 6.0 30 5 reinforcements below 35 ° FM 15 thickness: 2.5 mm 780 31.8 275.6 5.0 35 6 Metal strip 0.5 285, 6 0.75 7 Outer groove caps 6.7 287.1 7.0 40 DK 173346 B1

Characteristics_English units_metric units

Example 7 Continued 33 5 Inner Diameter 8.00 in 203.20 mm Outer Diameter 11.85 in 301.10 Nun Inner Volume 0.403 cf / ft 37.41 l / m 10 Outer Volume 0.766 cf / ft 71.21 l / m empty weight in air 70.2 lb / ft 104.5 kg / m 15 weight filled with seawater in air 96.0 lb / ft 142.9 kg / m empty weight in sea water 21.5 lb / ft 32.0 kg / m 20 weight filled with seawater in seawater 47.3 lb / ft 70.4 kg / m empty buoyancy factor in seawater 1.43 burst pressure 5365 psi 370 bar collapse pressure 4130 psi 106 bar 30

limit of damage to feature 407,937 Ibs 181,484 daN

theoretical immersion depth 2,578 m

It should be noted that with the characteristic of bursting and collapsing pressures equivalent to those of the flexible conduit described in Example 1, a relief of 11.4% has been produced and the theoretical deposition depth is 2,578 m .

34 DK 173346 B1

A flexible conduit with identical characteristics can be obtained regardless of the nature and condition of the aluminum used for the manufacture of the internal carcass, and preferably alloys having a better resistance to corrosion and in particular the alloys 1100, 1180, 3003, 5052 are used. , 5056, 5083, 5456, 6060, 6061, 6082, 6083, 6106. The 2000 series and 7000 series alloys can also be used.

Example # 8.

10

A flexible conduit such as that described in Example 1 is provided, but layer 1 constituting an inner carcass of stainless steel strip AI5I 304 having a thickness of 2 mm is replaced by an inner carcass consisting of a Zeta-shaped wire of an aluminum alloy Al 15 3103 with a thickness of 12 mm and in the state H1 with Rm = 250 MPa and with Re = 220 MPa and in layer # 3, the thickness of the Zeta-shaped wire of steel FM is raised to 6.4 mm.

Under these conditions, the flexible wire will have the following characteristics:

Example 8.

Description_Rm (MPa) _Kg / m_D.i. (Mm) _Ep. (mm) 25 1 Zeta aluminum thickness: 12.0 mm 250 18.6 203.2 12.0 2 inner groove cap 4.6 227.2 6.0 30 3 Zeta FM15 thickness 6.4 mm 780 32.7 239, 2 6.4 4 inner groove cap 5.1 252.0 6.0 35 5 reinforcements below 35 ° FM 15 thickness: 2.5 frame 780 30.6 264.0 5.0 40 DK 173346 B1

Example 8 continued 35

Description_Rm (MPa) _Kg / m_D. in. (mm) _Ep. (mm) 5 6 Metal strip 0.5 274.0 0.75 7 Outer groove cap 6.5 275.6 7.0 10 Characteristics_English units_metric units inner diameter 8.00 in 203.20 mm outer diameter 11.40 in 289.50 mm 15 inner volume 0.349 cf / ft 32.43 1 / m outer volume 0.709 cf / ft 65.82 1 / m 20 empty weight in air 66.2 lb / ft 98.5 kg / m weight filled with seawater in air 88 , 6 lb / ft 131.8 kg / m 25 empty weight in seawater 21.1 lb / ft 31.3 kg / m weight filled with seawater in seawater 43.4 lb / ft 64.5 kg / m 30 empty flow factor seawater 1.46 burst pressure 5428 psi 374 bar 35 collapse pressure 1768 psi 122 bar 40

Example 8 continues

Characteristics_English Units_metric Units 36 DK 173346 B1

5 limit of damage to feature 391,495 Ibs 174,169 daN

theoretical immersion depth 2,700 m 10

It is noted that for a burst pressure identical to that of the flexible conduit described in Example # 1 using an inner carcass of a Zeta-shaped wire having a thickness of 12 mm of an aluminum alloy, has made it possible to raise the collapse pressure to 122 bar, has produced a relief of 18.8% and that the theoretical depth of closure is 2,697 m.

Alloy Al 3103 can be replaced by any other alloy of series 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000, 6000 or 7000.

20

Example No. 9;

An 8'1 flexible wire is provided which is identical to that described in Example 1, but in layer # 3 the Zeta-shaped wire of 6.2 mm thickness of steel FM15 is replaced by a Zeta-shaped wire with a thickness of 10 mm of an aluminum alloy 2017 in state T4 that has undergone a final cold deformation of 10% and has the following characteristics: Rm 510 MPa, A 8%. In layer 5, the reinforcements of steel FM15 are also replaced by reinforcements with a thickness of 4 mm of 30 an aluminum alloy 6061 in state T9 with a final cold deformation of 8% after curing (free of revenue) and with Rm - 450 MPa and A * 6 %.

The flexible cord thus produced has the following characteristics: 40

Example 9

37 DK 173346 B1

Description_Rm (MPa) Kq / m_D. 1. (mm) _Ep. (mm) 5 1 Tire box carcase 304 80 x 2 mm 540 31.0 203.2 10.0 2 inner groove cap 4.9 223.2 6.0 10 3 Zeta aluminum thickness: 10.0 mm 510 17.4 135.2 10.0 4 inner groove cover 5.1 255.2 6.0 15 5 reinforcements below 35 ° aluminum thickness: 4.0 mm 450 17.1 267.2 8.0 20 6 Metal strip 0.5 283.2 0.75 7 Outer groove cap 6.7 284.7 7.0 25 Characteristics_English units_metric units inner diameter 8.00 in 203.20 mm outer diameter 11.76 in 298.70 mm 30 inner volume 0.379 cf / ft 35.18 1 / m outer volume 0.704 cf / ft 70.07 1 / m 35 40

Example 9 continued

Characteristics English units_metric units DK 173346 B1 38 5 empty weight in air 55.6 lb / ft 82.7 kg / m weight filled with seawater in air 79.8 lb / ft 118.7 kg / m 10 empty weight in sea water 7, 3 lb / ft 10.8 kg / m weight filled with seawater in seawater 31.5 lb / ft 46.9 kg / m 15 empty flow factor in seawater 1.15 burst pressure 5386 psi 371 bar 20 collapse pressure 1570 psi 108 bar

limit of damage to feature 315,318 Ibs 157,813 daN

25 theoretical immersion depth 3,365 m 1 2 3 4 5 6 40

It should be noted that the use of aluminum alloys in layer 3 and layer 25 allows Identical properties to produce a weight loss ratio 3 in relation to the flexible hose described in Example 4 column # 1 of 41% and the theoretical lay-off depth increases from 2,140 m 5 to 2,991 m.

6 DK 173346 B1

Example No. 10: 39

An 8'1 flexible wire is provided identical to that described in Example # 1 but replacing the FM15 steel with 5 aluminum alloys.

The AISI 304 stainless steel inner carcass is replaced by a 12 mm thick Zeta-shaped inner carcass of a T61 alloy 6061, which is then cold-deformed 10 20%, with Rm - 350 MPa and Re = 320 MPA, in layer # 3 Zeta wire with a thickness of 6.2 xm of a steel FM15 replaced by a Zeta-shaped wire with a thickness of 10 mm of an alloy 2017 in the T3 cold state propagated 15% fer curing (Rm 510} and in layer # 5, the steel reinforcement wires are replaced by reinforcing wires with a thickness of 4 mm of alloy 15 2017 in the same condition as the Zeta wire in layer 3.

The flexible wire thus produced has the following characteristics:

Example 10.

20

Description_Rm (MPa) _Kg / m_D.i. (Mm) _Ep. (mm) 1 Zeta aluminum thickness: 12.0 mm 350 18.6 203.2 12.0 25 2 inner groove cap 4.6 227.2 6.0 3 Zeta aluminum thickness: 10 Iran 510 17.7 239.2 10 , 0 30 4 inner groove sheath 5.2 259.2 6.0 5 reinforcements under 35th aluminum thickness: 4.0 mm 510 17.3 271.2 8.0 6 Metal strip 0.5 ~ 287.2 0, 75 7 Outer groove caps 6.8 288.7 7.0 40

Example 10 continued.

Characteristics_English units_metric units 40 DK 173346 B1 5 inner diameter 8.00 in 203.20 mm outer diameter 11.92 in 302.70 mm inner volume 0.349 cf / ft 32.43 1 / m 10 outer volume 0.775 cf / ft 71.96 1 / m empty weight in air 42.4 lb / ft 70.6 kg / m 15 weight filled with seawater in air 69.8 lb / ft 103.0 kg / m empty weight in seawater -2.1 lb / ft - 3.1 kg / m 20 weight filled with seawater in seawater 20.2 lb / ft 30.1 kg / m empty floating flow factor in seawater 0.96 burst pressure 5500 psi 370 bar collapse pressure 1768 psi 122 bar 30

limit of damage to feature 417,895 Ibs 185,915 daN

theoretical depth of lay-down 6,176 m

It is noted that for the same burst pressure as in the flexible conduit described in Example # 1 with the present flexible conduit, a 62.1% relief has been obtained, that the collapse pressure is greater than 40,122 bar and that the theoretical deposition depth is 6,176 m.

DK 173346 B1

Example 11: 41

A flexible wire is provided which is identical to that described in Example 10, but in which layer 1 has replaced the 5 Zeta wire 12 mm thick with a Zeta wire 14 mm thick. mm.

The flexible wire thus produced has the following characteristics: Example 11.

Description_Rm (MPa) _Kg / m_D.i. (ROM) _Ep. (mm) 1 Zeta aluminum 15 thickness: 14.0 mm 350 21.2 203.2 14.0 2 inner groove cap 4.6 231.2 6.0 3 Zeta aluminum thickness: 10 mm 510 17.9 243 , 2 10.0 4 Inner groove cap 5.3 263.2 6.0 5 Reinforcements under 25 35 ° Aluminum thickness: 4.0 mm 510 17.7 275.2 8.0 6 Metal strip 0.6 291.2 0, 75 30 7 Outer groove caps 6.9 292.7 7.0

Characteristics_English Units_metric Units 35 Inner Diameter 8.00 in 203.20 mm Outer Diameter 12.07 in 306.70 mm = Inner Volume 0.349 cf / ft 32.43 1 / m 40 Outer Volume 0.795 cf / ft 73.88 1 / m

Example 11 continued DK 173346 B1

Characteristics_English units_metric units 42 5 empty weight in air 49.8 lb / ft 74.1 kg / m weight filled with seawater in air 72.1 107.4 kg / m 10 empty weight in seawater -1.1 lb / ft “1 / 6 kg / m weight filled with seawater in seawater 21.2 lb / ft 31.6 kg / m empty flow factor in seawater 0.98 20 burst pressure 5413 psi 370 bar collapse pressure 2724 psi 188 bar limit

25 dementia by feature 427,166 Ibs 190,038 daN

Theoretical lay-down depth 6,013 m 1 2 3 4 5 6 40 2 In relation to the flexible conduit described in Examples 10, 3, it is noted that the collapse pressure is greatly increased to 188 bar versus 4 sentence to 122 bar relative to the flexible conduit. conduit described in Example # 1, that the weight saving is 60.2% and that the theoretical shutter depth is 6013 m.

Example No. 12:> DK 173346 B1 43

A flexible wire is provided which is identical to that described in Example 11, but in which 1 layer # 1 has replaced the Zeta wire of 14 mm thickness with a Zeta wire having a thickness of 16 mm.

Under these conditions, the flexible wire has the following characteristics.

10

Example 12.

Description Rrn (MPa) _Kq / m_D.i. (mm) _Ep. (mm) 15 1 Zeta aluminum thickness: 16.0 mm 350 24.8 203.2 16.0 2 inner groove cap 4.7 235.7 6.0 20 3 Zeta aluminum thickness: 10 mm 510 18.2 247.2 10 4 inner groove cap 5.4 267.6 6.0 25 5 reinforcements under 35 ° aluminum thickness: 4.0 mm 510 17.9 279.2 8.0 6 Metal strip 0.6 295.2 0.75 30 7 Outer groove caps 6.9 296.7 7.0

Example 12 continued 44 DK 173346 B1

Characteristics_English Units_metric Units 5 Inner Diameter 8.00 in 203.20 mm Outer Diameter 12.23 in 310.70 mm Inner Volume 0.349 cf / ft 32.43 1 / m 10 Outer Volume 0.816 cf / ft 75.82 1 / m empty weight in air 52.8 lb / ft 78.50 kg / m 15 weight filled with seawater in air 75.1 lb / ft 111.7 kg / m empty weight in seawater +0.5 lb / ft + 0.8 kg / m 20 weight filled with seawater in seawater 22.9 lb / ft 34.0 kg / m empty buoyancy factor in seawater 1.01 burst pressure 5365 psi 370 bar collapse pressure 3974 psi 274 bar 30

limit of damage to feature 427,483 Ibs 190,180 daN

theoretical depth 35,593 m

It is noted that the collapse pressure relative to Example 11 is greatly increased to 274 bar compared to 188 bar and to 108 bar which 40 appeared in the flexible conduit described in Example No. 1- DK 173346 B1 45 The weight saving relative to the flexible conduit described in Example # 1 is 57.2% and the theoretical immersion depth is 5,593 m.

Example No. 13: 5

A flexible wire is provided which is identical to that described in Example # 1, but in layer # 3 the Zeta wire having a thickness of 6.2 mm of steel FM15 has been replaced with a Zeta wire. with a thickness of 10 mm of an aluminum alloy 2017 having the following 10 mechanical characteristics: Rm = 500 MPa and A 9%.

It also replaces the steel FM15 reinforcements with 6 mm thick reinforcements consisting of a composite with an organic metric reinforced with fiberglass and having the following mechanical characteristics: Rm » 2500 MPa.

The flexible wire thus produced has the following characteristics: Example 13.

20

Description_Rm (MPa) _Kg / m_D.i. (mm) _Ep, (mm) 1 carcass of tape inox 304 25 80 x 2 mm 540 31 203.2 10.0 2 inner groove cap 4.9 223.2 6.0 3 Zeta aluminum thickness 10 mm 500 17 , 4 235.2 10.0 4 Inner groove cap 5.1 255.2 6.0 5 Reinforcements under 35 35 ° Composite material thickness: 6.0 mm 2500 15.8 267.2 12.0 6 Metal strip 0.6 291, 2 0.75 40 7 Outer groove caps 6.9 292.7 7.0

Characteristics_English Units__metric Units

Example 13 continued 46 DK 173346 B1 inner diameter 8.00 in 203.20 mm outer diameter 12.07 in 306.70 mm inner volume 0.379 cf / ft 35.18 1 / m 10 outer volume 0.795 cf / ft 73.88 1 / m empty weight in air 54.8 lb / ft 81.6 kg / m 15 weight filled with seawater in air 79.1 lb / ft 117.6 kg / m empty weight in seawater 3.9 lb / ft 5, 9 kg / m 20 weight filled with seawater in seawater 28.2 lb / ft 41.9 kg / m empty buoyancy factor in seawater 1.08 burst pressure 5365 psi 370 bar collapse pressure 1570 psi 108 bar 30

limit of damage to feature 1,061,829 Ibs 472,301 daN

theoretical lay-down depth 11,272 m Relative to the flexible conduit described in Example # 1, identical characteristics of the burst pressure and collapse pressure will be 47% relief and the theoretical lay-down depth exceeds 10,000.

DK 173346 B1 47

It can be seen from the above, In the case given in Example 1, that one can evaluate, as an approximation and specifically for comparison with the other examples, the order of magnitude of the possible water depth to approx. 713 m, which is the smallest of the 5 two constraints that can be estimated directly from the indicated indications in the tables "the theoretical depth of closure" 2,140 m divided by 3, which is 713 m and "collapse pressure" '. 1,115 m divided by 1.5, which is 743 m.

10 It is recalled that the restriction due to the weight of the flexible conduit as a function of its axial resistance may vary specifically, in fact from a single to a double depending on the circumstances.

15 If the same evaluation is used in Example 12, the depth reached will be greater than 1,800 m.

In Examples 2-10 and 13, the previous evaluation will result in an underestimation of the decay depths. In these examples, the inner carcass will not be sized to correspond to the decomposition pressure, this has been done in order to make a comparison of the various flexible conduits.

It should be noted that "collapse" occurs only if the outer sheath, which is generally dense, is pierced and, moreover, only if the sheath 4 is not dense or exhibits sealing failure.

Thus, if the flexible conduit does not show any error, it is possible to evaluate the mounting depth, taking into account the theoretical immersion depth and not for the limitation given in the example.

The present invention relates to conduits having constructions different from that illustrated in FIG. First

35

The present invention relates, inter alia, to flexible conduits comprising an inner tube of a plastic material or an elastomeric material with or without a carcass, etc. 1 In fig. 2, a section is shown through a layer constituted by a bonded band 8. This layer is generally the inner carcass 1.

DK 173346 B1 48 In fig. 3 illustrates a Zeta-shaped profile element 9. This shape makes it possible to have a part 10, such as a tab or rounding, which cooperates with a cavity 11 in the adjacent winding. Thus, interlocking of adjacent windings is achieved.

The Zeta-shaped profile is generally used for the manufacture of the pressure-resistant reinforcement but can also be used in the manufacture of the inner carcass 1.

It is within the scope of the present invention to use profile shapes other than a Zeta-shaped profile, among other simple shapes, such as profiles with a rectangular cross-section or U-shaped profiles.

In FIG. 3, a dashed line illustrates a rectangular profile 15 12 which completes the pressure reinforcement. In this example, the pressure reinforcement is a combination of a Zeta-shaped profile and a rectangular cross-sectional profile, which is preferably arranged exterior to the Zeta-shaped profile relative to the flexible conduit interior.

In FIG. 4 illustrates another embodiment of the pressure-resistant reinforcement, which reinforcement is made of two threads or profiles 13 and 14 having a U-shaped cross section and wound in a helical shape.

One of these profiles 14 has the U's branches 15 opening outwards relative to the axis of the flexible conduit 16, and the other profile U-branches 17 opening towards the axis of the conduit.

The branches 17 of the profile 13 interact with the U-shaped profile 14's cavity 30 18, and conversely, the branches 14 of the profile 14 interact with the U-shaped profile 13's cavity 19.

It is within the scope of the present invention that certain elements are soaked in a soft elastomeric resin, especially if the tensile-resistant reinforcing elements are submerged in a rubber mantle.

Specifically, in addition to the 40 given by way of example, among the various flexible conduit embodiments of the present invention, the following are noted: a flexible conduit of FIG. 1 but without the casing 4, but with a tensile-resistant reinforcement 5 and a pressure-resistant reinforcement of aluminum from the series 2000, 5000, 6000 or 7000; b) a flexible conduit according to FIG. 1 with without the pressure-resistant armor 3 or the casing 4 and with at least one of the elongate elements present in the construction comprising aluminum from the series 2000, 5000, 6000 or 7000; c) a flexible conduit according to FIG. 1 but further comprising a pressure-resistant reinforcing element 3 of Zeta shape, an annular 10 binder or an elongate element having a single cross-sectional shape, preferably a rectangular cross-section with or without sheath 4, at least one of the elongate elements present in the construction comprising aluminum from the series 2000, 5000, 6000 or 7000, d) all the examples given in the present application include an inner carcass 1 and a sheath 2, but these can be replaced by a dense tube which is sufficiently flexible to allow the final product to be made flexible and having a stiffness sufficient to prevent the final product from being compressed during the manufacture of the flexible conduit.

When the two layers of different metals follow one another, for example aluminum and derpl steel or in some cases aluminum of different types, it is preferable according to the present invention to insert an insulating jacket.

25

Furthermore, it is possible, within the scope of the present invention, to insert a sheath or layer of an anti-friction material between the various layers which constitute one of the components of the invention, and in particular in connection with the tensile-resistant reinforcement when it is steel.

According to the present invention, the constituents comprising aluminum alloys in the series 2000, 5000, 6000 or 7000 may preferably be substantially these aluminum alloys.

35

It is to be understood that in the present invention, when using the terms for the aluminum alloys of the 2000, 5000, 6000 or 7000 series, except in specific cases, it concerns any species of the alloys present in each of the alloys. series.

DK 173346 B1 50

The flexible conduit of the present invention may include, inter alia, composite materials with organic matrix.

In the examples given above (Examples 2-12), the aforementioned states 5 for the various aluminum alloys will correspond to those preferred for the stands.

The species and conditions mentioned in Examples 2-6 and 9-12 for the elongate elements contained in the tensile armrests or in the pressure resistant armors can be used in the elongated members of an aluminum alloy, contained in the tensile-resistant reinforcements.

Further, within the scope of the present invention, it will be possible to replace one of the aluminum alloys of the series, species and / or states mentioned with another equivalent aluminum alloy.

Claims (27)

A reinforced flexible conduit comprising one or more of the following components, a pressure-resistant reinforcement (3), a tensile-resistant reinforcement (5) and / or an internal carcass, characterized in that at least one of said components comprises a or several elongated elements, such as a profile, cable, wire or ribbon, which element has undergone a machining operation and is constituted by an aluminum-based alloy of the series 2000, 5000, 6000 or 7000, said aluminum alloy having a tensile strength (Rm) at least equal to 200 MPa, and preferably at least 250 MPa, and an elastic limit of 0.2%, Re0.i, at least equal to 150 MPa, and preferably at least 190 MPa and where said machining is a cold deformation with a degree of 3% at least in the case where an aluminum alloy from the series 2000, 6000, 7000, or a degree of 20% is used at least in the case where used and an aluminum alloy ng from the 5000 series. Conduit according to claim 1 comprising a pressure-resistant reinforcement (3) 20 and / or a thrust-resistant reinforcement (5), characterized in that at least one of said reinforcements comprises at least one elongated element consisting of an aluminum alloy of one of the following species: 2014, 2017, 2024, 2117, 2618, 5050, 5052, 5056, 5082, 5086, 5154, 5183, 5754, 6005, 6060, 6061, 6063, 6066, 6070, 6082, 6351, 7001, 7020, 7049, 7050, 257075, 7175, 7178 or 7475. Conduit according to any one of claims 1-2, characterized in that the elongated element of an aluminum alloy has a tensile strength (Rm) at least equal to 300 MPa and preferably 30 at least 350 MPa. Conduit according to claim 1 comprising an internal carcass (1), characterized in that the carcass comprises at least one elongated element consisting of an aluminum alloy of one of the species: 5050, 5052, 5056, 5083, 5456, 35 6060, 6061, 6082, 6083 or 6106. Conduit according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises an inner carcass comprising at least one elongated element, comprising "an aluminum alloy, which elongate element is a profile or thread, that can be shot or clipped to the seam DK 173346 B1 52 Conduit according to claim 5, characterized in that the elongated element is of the "Zeta" type (9). Conduit according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that the aluminum alloy has undergone heat treatment by placement in a separate solution. Θ. Conduit according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that the elongated element comprising the aluminum alloy has undergone a cold deformation operation at a final treatment which follows or is followed by a temper. Conduit according to claim 1, characterized in that the cold deformation is a cold deformation having a degree of between 3 and 40%, and preferably between 5 and 25% in the case where an aluminum alloy of the series 2000, 6000 or 7000th Conduit according to claim 1, characterized in that the cold deformation is a 20 cold deformation having a degree of between 20 and 90% and preferably between 40 and 70% in the case where an aluminum alloy of the 5000 series is used. . Conduit according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the elongated element has undergone rolling or pulling. Conduit according to claim 11, characterized in that the elongated element has undergone partial or total annealing or toughening operation, the characteristic parameters being a function of the degree of cold deformation and / or the nature of the alloy. Conduit according to any one of claims 1-12, characterized in that said aluminum-containing component is covered by a corrosion protection alloy. Conduit according to any one of claims 1-13, characterized in that the aluminum-containing component is covered by a thermoplastic film, in particular a film of polyethylene, polyamide, PVDF, an elastomer or a rubber. DK 173346 B1 53 Conduit according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the aluminum-containing component has a ductility of at least 3%. 5 Conduit according to claim 15, characterized in that said component comprises aluminum from the series 2000 or 7000 and that the ductility of said component is between 6 and 20% and preferably between 10 and 20%. Conduit according to claim 15, characterized in that said component comprises aluminum from the series 5000 or 6000 and that the ductility of said component is at least 6%. A wire according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a carcass, a sheath and a reinforcement, the carcass comprising a bonded band or a stranded wire, in particular with a Zeta-shaped cross-section, and the reinforcement comprising an element, which is a profile, cable or wire, characterized in that the bonded band or wire of the carcass and / or the elongate element of the reinforcement comprises an aluminum alloy. Conduit according to claim 18, characterized in that the carcass is constituted by a bonded band or thread of style. A wire according to claim 18, characterized in that the reinforcement comprises steel. Conduit according to claim 2, characterized in that the tensile-resistant reinforcement comprises substantially steel, and the pressure-resistant reinforcement comprises substantially an aluminum alloy. Conduit according to claim 21, characterized in that it comprises an anti-friction sheath which can preferably be tightly and electrically insulated, which sheath is arranged between the pressure-resistant reinforcement and the tensile-resistant reinforcement. Conduit according to claim 21 or 22, characterized in that it comprises a tensile-resistant reinforcement having at least two layers of wire, cable or profile and comprising a layer or sheath of an anti-friction material, soro is inserted between the at least two layers. DK 173346 B1 54 Conduit according to claim 2, characterized in that the tensile-resistant reinforcement and the pressure-resistant reinforcement comprise essentially an aluminum alloy of the series 2000, 5000, 6000 or 7000. Conduit according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises an outer band or outer threads which can be joined together and optionally comprises aluminum. Conduit according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least one inner sheath containing a plastic material such as polyamide, PVDF or an elastic material such as rubber or synthetic elastomers. Conduit according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a pressure-resistant reinforcement comprising at least one layer formed by a profile possibly having a cross-section in a shape, such as a Zeta. molding or a U-shape that can be pushed together and made of an aluminum alloy. 20 Conduit according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a composite material with an organic matrix. 1