IKM Testing AS ordered a 1,600m/5,249 ft of thermoplastic composite pipe (TCP) from Airborne Oil & Gas. The TCP Downline will be used for the pre-commissioning of risers and pipelines.
Odd Reidar Boye, engineering manager with IKM Testing, explains the preference for the composite downline over steel coiled tubing and other downline solutions: "The TCP downline has a superior fatigue life compared to other solutions we have looked at for execution of pre-commissioning operations in these water depths [1,300m/4,265 ft). The light weight, ease of handling and the external pressure resistance capability makes it the preferred alternative for us, both technically and operationally."
With this order, Airborne says it solidifies its position in composite downlines and composite pipes for deepwater applications in general. "Having built a track record for a number of years, including a deepwater world record, this order is testament to the success of the composite pipes in these challenging deepwater applications," says Rogier Cornelisse, sales manager TCP downlines and TCP hoses.
Founded in 2007, Airborne manufactures flowlines, risers, downlines, hoses and jumpers for offshore application.