| Deepwater development has been accompanied by an increasing demand on Steel Catenary Risers (SCR) to meet greater load requirements and more hostile operating environments. From the early development of Steel Catenary Risers to the present day, Oil States SCR FlexJoint® have been a key component in the success of the SCR for the following reasons: |
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- • The FlexJoint® dramatically reduces the motion-induced stresses between a floating offshore
facility and the riser.
• The FlexJoint® may be used in either import or export riser carrying gas, oil and/or water.
• Each FlexJoint® is designed to meet the individual requirements of the application.
• May be adapted to various connection methods.
• Capable of providing a free angular rotation of ±20° for a single-ended FlexJoint® or ±35°
for a double-ended FlexJoint®.
• Withstands operating pressures up to 10,000 psi.
• Supports axial tensions up to 11,000 kips. |
The fundamental constituent of the FlexJoint® is the laminated flex element. The flex element is a molded elastomeric bearing consisting of a series of spherical shaped metal reinforcements laminated between and encased by a proprietary elastomeric material. Each SCR FlexJoint® is designed to the specific application requirements including an optional Bellow System for handling high-pressure gas saturated fluids. A typical non-bellows FlexJoint® will include the following basic components:
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Attach flange with center ball |
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Body |
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Elastomer |
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Reinforcements |
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Extension | |
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| Oil States SCR FlexJoint® have met the demands of SCR installations throughout the world and Gulf of Mexico (SCR FlexJoint® Utilization and Description) through an array of outstanding features including: |
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• The use of high-grade steels and proprietary
nitrile elastomers that offer enhanced physical
properties and a high resistance to
hydrocarbons.
• Available in both a standard configuration for
low pressure export risers and a high pressure
design for import risers.
• The fail safe design assures the riser-to-
platform connection would be maintained
if severe deterioration of the elastomer
occurred.
• Current designs include a range of sizes from
4.5" to 20".A single-ended FlexJoint® has a
±21° rotation capability and a double-ended
FlexJoint® with two flex elements can attain
a ±35° rotation capability. |
SCR Receptacle
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• An optional bellows system isolates the flex element from the potential effects of explosive
decompression in high pressure gas saturated environments.
• Either a side entry slotted receptacle or various pull-in I-tube connectors are available as
attachment methods to the platform, buoy or FPSO.
• Under select conditions, the SCR FlexJoint® and riser may be temporarily laid on the seabed
without damage to await final installation. |
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Click Here to View SCR FlexJoint® Application
To view the SCR FlexJoint® Brochures & Contacts, click on the corresponding link below:
FlexJoint© Brochure
SCR Brochure
SCR FlexJoint© Contacts
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Oil States Industries, Inc.
Oil States International, Inc.