Engineering Department

Hydrostatic testing by independent laboratories and supervised by Det Norske Veritas have demonstrated time after time that even pipelines with severe defects reinforced with MSS (Mexssub Sleeve System) can sustain operating pressures in excess of the maximum pressure rating.

Destructive Tests Using Strain Gage

Our research on the mechanical and physical behavior of the MSS establishes that this composite system reinforces defective pipeline sections, providing these sections with a higher strength than that of a non-defective main pipe. The results are supported by data collected from instrumented tests on full scale specimens, as well as by computer simulations using the finite element method (ANSYS 7.1).

PERFORMANCE CURVES

Stress Analysis by F.E.A.

The mechanical behavior of each specimen was computer simulated by the finite element analysis method. The results are presented in the form of stress maps at the highest test pressure and were used for the validation of the hydrostatic tests .

Fillet Weld Analysis

Distribution Stress in Fillet Weld by F.E.A.

New Risers/Spool Replacement

Corrosion Protection For New Risers Applying the Mexssub process to new risers as they are being fabricated eliminates the need for a diver/welder, the support vessel and crew for a typical seven to ten day period at sea, transporting the supporting materials to the offshore platform and all other related costs. Because installing the MSS on new risers is not conducted in-situ, the total time required is significantly reduced. The materials-steel sleeve and specifically formulated resin to counter the conditions expected when installed in the production field are the same proven components used during insitu installations. Applying the protection on new materials assures greater structural integrity because corrosion and erosion has not deteriorated the riser. By creating a thermal barrier between the riser and the salt water in the critical splash zone, accelerated rates of corrosion are arrested. New risers protected by the Mexssub process will deliver much longer service life and eliminate the need for rehabilitation in the future. New risers are type-certified as permanent by DNV, and Mexssub certifies the process, procedures and materials used in the corrosion protection system.

Mexssub Sleeve System (MSS)

The Mexssub Sleeve System (MSS) consists of a number of mating sleeve sections which are welded together around the damaged or corroded pipe area. The sleeve is fabricated with different types of steel that allows a Maximum Allowable Working Pressure (MAWP) of 1,350 psi and 2,220 psi as it is shown in the Type Approval Certificate from Det Norske Veritas D-2500. It has a larger diameter to create an annulus between the sleeve and the existing pipe. After preparation of the existing pipe, welding the sleeve sections into position and performing the Non Destructive Testing (NDT), specially formulated epoxy resin is injected in between the annulus of the sleeve and existing pipe. The epoxy resin completely integrates the sleeve and the existing pipe providing additional structural reinforcement. The epoxy's formula and the size of the annular space can be altered to create an insulator bringing the outside surface of the sleeve to within ambient temperature ~ 50 F (10C), thus significantly arresting the cause of failure of protective coatings and accelerated corrosion due to thermal shock. A range of epoxy formulas and annular space combinations are incorporated to arrest specific external corrosion and internal erosion (production with high solids) problems. The annular space can also be sized to enclose leaking or corroded clamps on the pipeline. All welding procedures for fabrication and field installation are qualified in accordance with ASME section IX for Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW). This procedure is used for installation, and SMAW and Flux Core Arc Welding (FCAW) procedures are used in the fabrication of the sleeves. For risers, pipelines and subsea rehabilitation, Mexssub uses three different underwater habitats. These patented habitats create a totally contaminant and spark free (nitrogen or helium filled) working environment to enable hyperbaric welding, depending on the repair depth.