N°.

:
PROCEDURE I-PR-3A46.03-1519-24A-SYB-950
CLIENT: SHEET:
LIBRA 1 of 17
JOB:
DESENVOLVIMENTO DO SISTEMA DE PRODUÇÃO MERO 3 -
AREA:
MERO 3
TITLE:
Thermal Insulation for Rigid Spools and Subsea
DDP Structures - Procedure for Tri-axial Compression
and Creep Test SUB/IPSUB-BS-LIBRA/
PROJSUB-LIBRA/MERO3

SUBSEA 7 DO BRASIL SERVIÇOS LTDA.

CONTRACT NUMBER 5900.0117888.21.2

MAURICIO SUAREZ DE OLIVEIRA – CREA 2011120958

INDEX OF REVISIONS

REV. DESCRIPTION AND/OR REVISED SHEETS

0 Issued for Comments

A Issued for Comments as per ADP-3A46.03-EDR-SYB-01302 and DRE-23-01171
Approved for Construction as per ADP-3A46.03-EDR-SYB-01479 and DRE-23-
B
01487

REV. 0 REV. A REV. B REV. C REV. D REV. E REV. F REV. G REV. H

DATE 18/07/2023 13/09/2023 29/09/2023
DESIGN BY Subsea7 Subsea7 Subsea7
Fábio Rafael Assinado de forma digital

EXECUTION F. Henrique F. Henrique Henrique

por Fábio Rafael Henrique
Dados: 2023.09.29 06:33:51
-03'00'

CHECK C. Finamore C. Finamore C. Finamore

APPROVAL D. Manso D. Manso D. Manso
INFORMATION IN THIS DOCUMENT IS PROPERTY OF PETROBRAS, BEING PROHIBITED OUTSIDE OF THEIR PURPOSE
FORM OWNED TO PETROBRAS N-381 REV. L
 N°: REV.
PROCEDURE I-PR-3A46.03-1519-24A-SYB-950 B
SHEET
MERO 3 2 of 17
TITLE:
Thermal Insulation for Rigid Spools and Subsea
Structures - Procedure for Tri-axial Compression and
Creep Test SUB/IPSUB-BS-LIBRA/
PROJSUB-LIBRA/MERO3

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................................................... 3

1.1 DOCUMENT PURPOSE ...................................................................................................................... 3

1.2 PROJECT DESCRIPTION ................................................................................................................... 3

2 REFERENCES ............................................................................................................................................ 4

3 APPENDIX 1 - VENDOR / SUBCONTRATOR DOCUMENT – 7860-1505 PROCEDURE FOR TRI-

AXIAL COMPRESSION AND CREEP TEST – EHP 18.01 PROCEDURES FOR TRI-AXIAL CREEP
TESTING - REV A …………………………………………………………………………………..……………. 5
 N°: REV.
PROCEDURE I-PR-3A46.03-1519-24A-SYB-950 B
SHEET
MERO 3 3 of 17
TITLE:
Thermal Insulation for Rigid Spools and Subsea
Structures - Procedure for Tri-axial Compression and
Creep Test SUB/IPSUB-BS-LIBRA/
PROJSUB-LIBRA/MERO3

1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 DOCUMENT PURPOSE
The purpose of this document is to present the Procedure for Tri-axial Compression and Creep Test
for the Mero 3 project.

1.2 PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The Libra Block is located on Santos’ Basin ultra-deep waters, in the Pre-Salt area, auctioned on
October 21st, 2013, in the first Pre-Salt bidding round won by the consortium formed by PETROBRAS
(40 %), Shell (20%), Total (20%), CNOOC (10%), CNPC (10%) and PPSA (0%). The Figure 1 show
the geographic location of Libra and Figure 2 shows Mero Field.

Figure 1 – Santos Basin Pre-Salt Projects (PPSBS) & Mero Field

Libra is the first Pre-Salt block on the production-sharing regime. Mero 3 project will be the third
definitive system to come into operation in the block, with first oil scheduled for January 2024.

Mero 3 project's subsea system scope of work consists of the connection of 15 wells, being 8 producers
and 7 WAG injectors, all connected to a chartered FPSO (Oil capacity: 180,000 bbl/d). The wells will
be connected in two phases. The first phase, which is scope of this contract, will connect 12 wells (6
producers and 6 injectors). The other 3 wells (2 producers and 1 WAG injector), will be connected on
the second phase.

The subsea system of this project includes rigid lines (risers and flowlines) for the production and WAG
injection pipelines, and flexible lines for the service lines and jumpers connecting the WAG injections.
 N°: REV.
PROCEDURE I-PR-3A46.03-1519-24A-SYB-950 B
SHEET
MERO 3 4 of 17
TITLE:
Thermal Insulation for Rigid Spools and Subsea
Structures - Procedure for Tri-axial Compression and
Creep Test SUB/IPSUB-BS-LIBRA/
PROJSUB-LIBRA/MERO3

2 REFERENCES

Unless otherwise noted, the applicable version of these documents, including relevant appendices and
supplements, is the latest revision published at the effective date of this document.
 N°: REV.
PROCEDURE I-PR-3A46.03-1519-24A-SYB-950 B
SHEET
MERO 3 5 of 17
TITLE:
Thermal Insulation for Rigid Spools and Subsea
Structures - Procedure for Tri-axial Compression and
Creep Test SUB/IPSUB-BS-LIBRA/
PROJSUB-LIBRA/MERO3

APPENDIX 1 - VENDOR / SUBCONTRATOR DOCUMENT – 7860-1505

PROCEDURE FOR TRI-AXIAL COMPRESSION AND CREEP TEST – EHP
18.01 PROCEDURES FOR TRI-AXIAL CREEP TESTING - REV A
 Test Methodology

C25 – Tri-Axial and Creep Testing

Mero 3

Document ref: C25 – Tri-Axial and Creep Testing

Issue no: 01
30th
Date: Aug 2023

Prepared by: Fábio Henrique

Approved by: Kamil Tomaszewski

AIS, Quedgeley West Business Park, Bristol Road, Gloucester, GL2 4PA, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 1452 880880 Email: info@aisltd.com Page 1 of 10
www.aisltd.com
PROCEDURE NO: EHP 18.01

PROCEDURE FOR Tri-Axial Creep Testing

Document review record

Author Element Hitchin Owner QA Department
A summary of updates to the procedure to be recorded on this table. The initials of the (technically competent)
reviewer and the (management representative) approver of the updates to be recorded also.
Revision Description Reviewed Approved Date
1 Retained in Quality system L Shield R Ward May 2019
A Inclusion of AIS and Petrobras documents for creep S Ward July 2023
life and final density extrapolation over 30 years
instead of 20 years

EHP 18.01 Page 1 of 11 EHP18.01 V 01.0 (14/5/19)

1.0 SCOPE AND FIELD OF APPLICATION
1.1 This procedure relates to the Tri-axial Compression Test to be carried out on various polymeric insulation
materials used on steel pipes to determine the compression modulus and the creep behaviour of the tested
material.
1.2 The tri-axial test method is aimed at determining the compression and creep of samples that are
constrained in two dimensions. This test closely mimics the true nature of the forces and degrees of
freedom that apply on a bonded coating system on pipe. The base of the chamber represents the outside
diameter of the pipe, whilst the walls of the chamber mimic the hoop and axial constraint from other
identical bonded material. The loading is applied through a piston whilst temperature and pressure are
controlled.

2.0 NORMATIVE REFERENCES

2.1 ISO/DIS 12736:2014 - Petroleum and natural gas industries ― Wet thermal insulation coatings for
pipelines, flow lines, equipment and subsea structures. Annex A3
2.2 Client Specifications
2.3 I-ET-0000.00-431-P9U-001 Rev.A – Wet Thermal Insulation for Flowlines and Risers
2.4 I-PR-3A46.03-1519-970-SYB-121 – Thermal Insulation for Rigid Spools and Subsea Structures – ITP
PPT/PQT (Inspection ad Tests)
*Unless otherwise instructed by the client, the current edition of the above standard(s) will be used.

3.0 TERMS AND DEFINITIONS

3.1 Tri-axial test: A test whereby a specimen is subjected simultaneously to lateral and axial loads.
3.2 Creep: determination of displacement under constant load and temperature
3.3 Compression modulus: a measure of the relative volume change of a solid as a response to a pressure
3.4 Polymeric insulation: high molecular weight synthetic materials used as insulation on subsea pipelines

4.0 HEALTH AND SAFETY

4.1 The personnel performing holiday detection shall be conversant with their responsibilities as defined within
the following European Health & Safety Procedures:
• EHSP07 Electrical Equipment
• EHSP09 Hazardous Substances
• ESHP25 Pressure systems
4.2 A task specific risk assessment shall be maintained by the laboratory.
4.3 Personnel performing tri-axial testing shall be responsible for ensuring that the correct PPE is used in
relation to the specific task being performed.

5.0 METHOD
5.1 Equipment
5.1.1 The test rig consists of a C-Clamp as the means to apply a load to a sample of material held
inside a constraining cylinder. The cylinder can be heated and force applied by means of
pressurized nitrogen from a cylinder. The deflection in the C-Clamp is monitored in relation to the
temperature and pressure.

5.2 Sample Preparation

5.2.1 All testing is carried out in triplicate.
5.2.2 Test specimens shall be prepared by either cold cut from the insulated pipe or from free film
plaques as provided by the client. The specimen dimensions are 31.90 mm +/- 0.02mm in
diameter and nominally 51 mm +/- 1mm in length with the specimen length being in the radial
direction of the insulation, parallel tolerance must be within 0.05mm. In case of thinner insulation
than 51 mm, specimens can be placed on top of each other to build one test sample.(where
possible ensure specimens are of the same height or if not possible ensure dimensions are clearly
stated in the report)
5.2.3 In case of elevated test temperature, the diameter shall be reduced to allow for thermal expansion

EHP 18.01 Page 2 of 11 EHP 18.01 V 01.0 (14-5-19)

 of the specimen according to table below.

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 Table 1. Diameter of specimens at room temperature for different test temperatures

Coefficient of Test temperature [ºC]

Thermal 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 95
Expansion Specimen diameter [mm]
[K-1] (Tolerances +/-0,03mm)
60 x10-6 31,90 31,89 31,88 31,86 31,84 31,81 31,77 31,73 31,71
80 x10-6 31,90 31,89 31,88 31,85 31,82 31,78 31,73 31,68 31,65
100 x10-6 31,90 31,89 31,87 31,84 31,80 31,75 31,69 31,62 31,59
120 x10-6 31,90 31,89 31,86 31,83 31,78 31,72 31,65 31,56 31,52
140 x10-6 31,90 31,89 31,85 31,82 31,76 31,69 31,61 31,51 31,47
160 x10-6 31,90 31,88 31,85 31,80 31,74 31,66 31,56 31,45 31,41
180 x10-6 31,90 31,88 31,85 31,79 31,72 31,63 31,52 31,40 31,33
200 x10-6 31,90 31,88 31,84 31,78 31,70 31,60 31,48 31,34 31,27

5.2.4 Typical coefficient of thermal expansion for the most common materials from published literature
are given in table 2.

Table 2. Typical Coefficient of Thermal Expansion for some material grades.

Typical CTE
Material
[K-1 x 10-6]
PP solid (900 kg/m3) 100
PP foam (740 kg/m3) 110
PP foam (600 kg/m3) 120
Polyurethane solid
70
(1030 kg/m3)
Polyurethane foam
80
(840 kg/m3)
Synt. PP (700 kg/m3) 70
C25-770 180

5.2.5 Prior to testing the density of the test specimens shall be determine by water displacement in
accordance with appendix A
5.3 Procedure
5.3.1 Set Up
5.3.1.1 Before commencing testing check the cylinder and bearings- there should be a
continuous circle of bearings in the top and bottom piston prior to testing commencing
and a packing of silicone grease holding them in.
5.3.1.2 Open the autoclave by removing the upper piston and add water. Cover the cylindrical
outer edge of the test specimen(s) with silicon grease and insert it in the autoclave. Press
the specimen/s gently down with a flat ended rod until it reaches the bottom piston such
that all the water under the specimen is pressed towards top of the specimen. Ensure
vent tube is open then place the upper piston on top of the specimen, tilt so the vent tube
is uppermost then push down to displace the water through the valve. Close the vent
tube.
5.3.1.3 If the specimens are to be tested at elevated temperature, mount the heating band
around the autoclave before putting the autoclave in the test jig. In cases where the test
temperature is above 95°C, an insulated pad will be inserted between the head of the
cylinder and the piston to prevent heat damage.

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 5.3.1.4 Check that the distance from the top of the autoclave to the pressure cylinder in the C-
clamp is less than 5 mm to allow for sufficient travel. Attach the thermocouple to the
autoclave, switch on the temperature controller, and set the test temperature on the
control panel. Test temperature in this case is 120°C.

Measured temp

Setpoint

5.3.1.5 Allow the samples to condition at least two hours for ambient tests and 12 hours for
elevated test before starting the loading.

5.3.2 Loading
5.3.2.1 Use the relevant chart to find the gas pressure corresponding to the required test
pressure for the nitrogen cylinder. (E.g. use 70 bars if the depth to be simulated is 1000
metres/10 MPa.) Test pressure in this case is 210 bar.
5.3.2.2 The loading sequence shall be determined by the final test pressure divided into approx.
8 equal steps. The gauge position at zero pressure can be difficult to measure accurately.
Therefore, it is better to start at 2 bar gas cylinder pressure and extrapolate down to 0 to
find the starting point of loading.
5.3.2.3 Setup and start DAQ software recording.
5.3.2.4 Increase the pressure from the gas cylinder by the steps determined in 5.3.2.2, one step
every one minute.

5.3.3 Creep
5.3.3.1 The creep shall be recorded after approx. one hour of loading. Record the temperature
from the control panel
5.3.3.2 The autoclave cylinder shall be rotated left and right a couple of times before the reading
to ensure that the samples is not fastened to the cylinder wall.(Care- Depending on the
test temperature the handle may be hot)
5.3.3.3 The creep and temperature will then continue to be recorded – minimum DAQ recording
frequency in accordance with table 3

Table 3- Recording frequency

Day Frequency
First value shall be read after 1
1 hour and can be doubled for each
new reading.
2-7 Every 12 hours
7 - 28 Every 24 hours

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 5.3.3.4 If the gas bottle is running low on pressure- disconnect the rig using the valve on the
upper right then change the gas rig. Once a new bottle is in place very slowly open the
valve and record any deflection that may have occurred.

5.3.4 Test Termination

5.3.4.1 The end of the test is determined by either the client’s specification or if the plot of creep
readings reached a stable end point.
5.3.4.2 Switch off the temperature controllers then allow the cylinders to cool
5.3.4.3 Close the gas pressure regulator; slowly release the pressure using the left-hand valve.
5.3.4.4 Remove the samples and store in a labelled plastic bag.

5.4 Calculation
5.4.1 A spreadsheet E-E-OP-GE-CT-SD-MD072 FO3 is used to calculate the creep and modulus. A
master template of the sheet is stored in the departmental folder S:\Department\Coatings
Reports\Tri-axial testing to E-E-OP-GE-CT-SD-MD072 and a new copy is created for each
individual test and stored under the job number in the same folder.
5.4.2 There are two tabs on the sheet - one for the load and the other for the creep. Input the results
from the testing. The graph does not automatically update after adding each data point, this will
require manual adjustment.

5.5 Reporting
5.5.1 The following minimum information shall be included in the final report:
1. A reference to the test standard
2. Element project reference
3. Client name
4. Details of the coating system (where these are provided by the client)
5. Specimen length and diameter (mm)
6. Initial density of samples
7. Test temperature and pressure
8. Tri-axial modulus : calculated volume change as a function of pressure;
9. Initial compression : mechanical response (expressed as a volume change) shown by the
sample during the first 24 hours of test;
10. 30 year creep : end of life creep using log law; As per I-ET-0000.00-0000-431-P9U-001
Rev.A “The test period of ‘tri-axial compression and creep test’ shall be at least 28 days
and the test period shall be enough in order to allow the extrapolation of data for 30
years”.
11. Creep rate / decade : slope of the steady state creep curve plot against the log of time;
12. Final density (test) : recalculated density against the volume change and the initial
density;
13. Final density (30 year) : extrapolated density over a 30 year period as per I-ET-0000.00-
0000-431-P9U-001 Rev.A.
14. Any deviations from the test standard
15. Date of the test

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6.0 Calibration
6.1 Calibration of pressure
6.1.1 Calibration of pressure will be carried out by a third-party ISO 17025 accredited test house using a
calibrated load cell that can be placed into the space where the test chamber would normally sit to
measure the load applied corresponding to varying gas pressures applied to the C-Clamp.
6.1.2 The measurements are added into the spreadsheet to calculate the slope which is then amended
in the results master spread sheet E-E-OP-GE-CT-SD-MD072 FO3
6.2 Thermocouples will be calibrated in accordance with the procedure in Appendix B
6.3 Dial gauges will be calibrated by a third party ISO 17025 accredited test house.
6.4 Pressure gauges will be calibrated by a third party ISO 17025 accredited test house.
6.5 Deflection of the C-Clamp will be verified annually in accordance with the procedure in Appendix C

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7.0 REVISION HISTORY
Date Reason for revision Details of revision Revised by
Documents from AIS and Petrobras
included for creep life and density
Specific customer request for their
July 2023 extrapolation over 30 years instead of S Ward
testing
20 years which Element usually
performs

EHP 18.01 Page 8 of 11 EHP 18.01 V 01.0 (14-5-19)

8.0 APPENDIX A –Determination of density of samples
8.1 Equipment
8.1.1 Analytical balance to 4dp
8.1.2 Wire to hold sample
8.1.3 200 ml Glass beaker containing 150ml deionized water
8.1.4 Thermometer or thermocouple

8.2 Method
8.2.1 Measure and record the water temperature
8.2.2 Weigh the specimen in air to the nearest 1 mg
8.2.3 Attach to the balance a piece of fine wire sufficiently long to reach from the hook above the pan to
the support for the glass beaker. Attach the specimen to the wire such that it is suspended about
above the vessel support.
8.2.4 Completely immerse the suspended specimen (and sinkers, if used) in water at a temperature of
23 ± 2°C. The vessel must not touch sample holder or specimen. Remove any bubbles adhering
to the specimen, sample holder, or sinker, by rubbing them with a wire.
8.2.5 Determine the mass of the suspended specimen
8.2.6 Weigh the sample holder (and sinker, if used) in water with immersion to the same depth as used
in the previous step
8.2.7 Calculate the density as follows

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9.0 Appendix B- Calibration of Thermocouples
9.1.1 Temperature measuring devices used for monitoring the test temperature will be calibrated.
9.1.2 A UKAS calibrated simulator will be used as the reference device.
9.1.3 A separate calibration will be completed for each cylinder.
9.1.4 Record results on E-E-OP-GE-CT-SD-MD072 FO5

9.2 Method
9.2.1.1 Allow the simulator to stabilise at room temperature for 1 hour.
9.2.1.2 Using the appropriate connector, connect the simulator to the relevant temperature
channel. Set simulator to first calibration point and record temperature display and
simulator setpoint.
9.2.1.3 Increase the temperature in intervals and repeat measurement run.
9.2.1.4 The instrument will be deemed acceptable if its condition is found to be satisfactory and
the difference between true and measured values does not exceed 0.5°C.

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10.0 Appendix C – Verification of deflection of C frame
10.1 Testing at high pressures will force the C-Clamp to deflect and give extra movement in the measuring
gauges. A spread sheet E-E-OP-GE-CT-SD-MD072 - F04 has been devised to calculate a correction
factor which is then used in the main results calculation spread sheet E-E-OP-GE-CT-SD-MD072 FO3

10.2 Method.
10.2.1 Measurements will be carried out at ambient temperature - 23°C ± 2°C.
10.2.2 A steel cylinder 49.8 to 50mm in diameter and 188-190mm in length with ends that are
parallel to ±0.05mm to prevent any off-axis loading is inserted into the C-Clamp(ensure there
are no signs of damage or rust prior to use)
10.2.3 The pressure is increased in stages and the deflection is recorded from the dial gauge.
10.2.4 As the set up does not allow measurement at zero the first reading will be at nominally 20
bar.
10.2.5 The results are then added to the spread sheet E-E-OP-GE-CT-SD-MD072 - F04 from which
a graph will be calculated.
10.2.6 The slope represents the deflection in the C-Clamp and is inserted into the master loading
spread sheet E-E-OP-GE-CT-SD-MD072 FO3
10.2.7 Save a copy of the sheet in the Tri-axial folder.

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