TECHNOLOGY

Annulus Testing
Flexlife annulus testing service provides
the most accurate, quick and cost
effective means of determining riser
outer sheath integrity, splash zone
damage and annulus permeation levels.
ANNULUS TESTING EQUIPMENT

Flexlife has an exceptional track record, testing in excess of 236

risers over the past 6 years, globally for numerous key oil & gas
operators. The company’s policy of utilising the expertise of highly
skilled flexible riser experts as offshore test personnel has resulted
in a high percentage of conclusive tests.
FACT:
During installation and operation, within the annular region. This pressure
The Flexlife annulus testing kit
water can contaminate the annulus equates to a given hydrostatic pressure
can be mobilised quickly and
of a flexible riser through damage to at a depth safely below the splash zone.
efficiently anywhere in the world
the outer sheath. Loss of the outer
Regular annulus testing provides the and is easily carried to the test
sheath integrity within the splash zone
operator with valuable integrity data location without the need for
region is particularly critical due to the
in order to predict the condition of bulky supply containers and
corrosive nature of this environment,
the armour wires within the annulus. complex lifting operations.
and such flooding can eventually
This vital information can also be used Flexlife are unique in that almost all
lead to the catastrophic failure of the
to inform corrosion calculation and our testing personnel have direct
flexible riser if left unchecked. Flexlife’s
fatigue analysis, services which are also experience in the manufacturing
positive pressure testing method gives
supplied by Flexlife. This is essential of flexible risers – reducing the
categorical assurance of splash zone
to safely assess and maximize the risk of returning onshore with
integrity by demonstrating that a strictly
remaining life of the riser. inconclusive test results.
regulated pressure can be maintained
Each annulus testing campaign
is led by a fully qualified and
experienced Engineer.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION

Item Content Capability Comment

2 x Peli Cases Testing Manifold 79cm x 61cm x 44cm 13kg each

Connection Hoses
& Regulators

1 x Peli Case Tools and Spares 63cm x 49cm x 35cm 13kg each

CASE STUDY CLIENT TESTING

One of Flexlife’s previous clients has a number of flexible jumpers Previous Annulus Testing clients include:
connected to a riser tower in deep water, West Africa. Previous routine
annulus testing by an alternative vendor had highlighted that 2 out of 11
risers were likely to be breached in the splash zone.

One of the risers in question was a production critical water injector. Flexlife carried out
annulus testing and found that there was poor communication through the vent ports of
the questionable risers.

Flexlife’s positive pressure testing was able to re-establish communication and to verify that
both riser’s outer sheaths were NOT damaged and the splash zone region was intact.

The operator was able to bring production back up to optimal level without the need for
further intervention.

Estimated Added Value - mitigated cost of c.$5m for replacement /lost production
($800k per day).
• DELIVERY • INTEGRITY • TECHNOLOGY

Northpoint, Exploration Drive, Bridge of Don, Aberdeen, AB23 8HZ, UK

Tel: +44 1224 617900 info@flexlife.co.uk www.flexlife.co.uk