Section 1 Introduction

1.1 General

1.1.1 Flexible pipe systems are complex technologies which have allowed the development of oil and gas fields that are difficult to reach. These products are increasingly being used to transport hazardous products in deeper water and harsher environmental conditions. It is therefore becoming increasingly important for Owners and manufacturers of these systems to be able to demonstrate that their assets/products are compliant with the relevant specifications and standards, and are reliable and safe for use.

1.1.2 Given the complexity of flexible pipe structures, the methods of manufacture and the confidential nature of the technology, it is challenging for manufacturers and Owners to demonstrate that each manufactured flexible pipe design is compliant with the relevant specifications and standards on a case-by-case basis. Therefore, manufacturers may seek Type Approval for their products (or a specific range of their products) in order to demonstrate that they have the capability to design and manufacture pipes within a certain envelope of sizes and operating conditions.

1.1.3 It is acknowledged that flexible pipe structures vary in levels of complexity, from just a few simple layers of polymers and metals, to many layers of polymers and metals with complex profiles. It is therefore necessary to provide a framework for the appraisal of flexible pipes that enables manufacturers to seek assurance as required, either on a case-by-case basis, or wider assurance such as Type Approval.

1.1.4 It is acknowledged that verification and certification bodies, such as Clasifications Register (LR), have developed different regimes to provide assurance to manufacturers and Owners of the compliance of their flexible pipe products. These Guidance Notes describe LR's approach to independent appraisal services of flexible pipe systems.

1.2 Purpose

1.2.1 These Guidance Notes describe the application of LR’s independent appraisal services, which are documented individually, addressing flexible pipe systems, in order to provide a common scheme for appraisal methodology.

1.2.2 The document provides guidance to manufacturers, Owners, Operators and other stakeholders with an interest in different types of appraisal.

1.3 Scope

1.3.1 These Guidance Notes cover appraisal of bonded and unbonded flexible pipes (risers, flowlines and jumpers), and associated ancillary equipment during product development, project design, manufacture, installation, commissioning, and operations including life extension, for offshore and onshore applications.

1.3.2 Reuse of flexible pipes is outside the scope of these Guidance Notes.

1.3.3 Umbilical, hose, choke and kill line systems are outside the scope of these Guidance Notes.

1.4 Applicable appraisal services

1.4.1 This document addresses appraisal according to the following LR services, which can be provided in isolation or as complementary appraisals:

Type Approval – appraisal to confirm compliance of general design and manufacture with recognised Codes or standards, including consideration of the production controls in place at the manufacturing location. A continual process which includes mandatory inspections to confirm the continued conformity of the product during the validity period of the Type Approval certificate.
Certification – appraisal to confirm compliance with recognised Codes or standards; can cover design, manufacture, installation, commissioning or operation (including fitness for service and life extension). Where there is a statutory requirement for certification, such as offshore Canada, reference should be made to the applicable statutory regulations rather than this document.
Verification – appraisal to confirm the suitability of the components/system in accordance with defined requirements, not necessarily limited to recognised Codes or standards; can cover design, manufacture, installation, pre-commissioning or operation (including fitness for service and life extension). Where there is a statutory requirement for verification, such as on the UKCS, reference should be made to the applicable statutory regulations rather than this document.
Approval in Principle – appraisal of the key aspects of a design confirming that the design principles are sufficiently defined/mature to progress to detailed design; normally applied during the early stages of product design, as an intermediate appraisal towards certification, verification or Type Approval.
Technology Qualification – a process for assessing novel flexible pipe system technologies and managing their qualification; typically applied during the early stages of a product development, may contribute to subsequent appraisals as part of certification, verification or Type Approval.

1.4.2 These services, and their typical interrelationships, are shown in Figure 1.1.1 LR services for flexible pipe systems covered by these Guidance Notes, and are discussed in more detail in Ch 1, 4 Certification to Ch 1, 7 Technology Qualification of this document.