Bend Tests
Assessing shape during pipe reeling trials
Repeated bending and unbending cause a pipe’s shape to change from round to oval and back again. As the pipe is straightened for laying it will retain some ovality from the bending process which could result in the pipeline failing to meet specification. Carrying out bending trials before reeling ensures that the pipeline meets specification before it is loaded onto the vessel.
The OMS reeling trial involves bending a CRA-lined pipe against a previous pipe with the same radius as the spool on the vessel and then straightening it. Our profiling device uses ultra HD cameras and lasers to take measurements at specified intervals throughout the pipe, creating a detailed image of its interior. Measurements are taken before and during bending, and again after straightening. We also repeat the process to simulate re-reeling in case this is required.
Data captured by our device is then analysed by our sophisticated software, which provides various visualisations including images that have been stitched together to provide a 3D picture of the pipe interior. Vital information is provided to the pipeline engineer, who can decide whether the pipeline meets specification or not.
Key features:
Verification of reeling installation criteria and design parameters
Simultaneous laser and camera measurements allow 3D visualisation
Enables creation of a reeling finite element model
Multiple scans identify pipe ovality changes through reeling cycles
Highly accurate and repeatable tools
Select and analyse localised features and defects
Reports available in multiple formats
