APPLICATION OF RADIOGRAPHY TO THE DETERMINATION OF FLEXIBLE PIPE INTERNAL DEFORMATIONS

Abstract Due to the composite nature of the construction of flexible pipes, the determination of the deformations of their internal components is a difficult task, whether by theoretical or experimental means. This paper describes an experimental method developed for the determination of the deformation of the interlock tube, one of the key structural components of flexible pipes for offshore oil and gas applications. This method is basically to employ the technique of radiography to produce images of the metallic parts of the pipe under different prescribed loading conditions. By studying and processing these images, useful information about the deformations of the interlock tube and other movements of components which take place within the pipe construction can be obtained.