scope:

PURPOSE

This specification defines the technical requirements for safe, dimensionally and functionally interchangeable bonded flexible pipes that are designed and manufactured to uniform standards and criteria.

Minimum requirements are specified for the design, material selection, manufacture, testing, marking and packaging of bonded flexible pipes, with reference to existing codes and standards where applicable. Reference API RP 17B for guidelines on the use of flexible pipes and ancillary components.

PRODUCTS

This specification applies to bonded flexible pipe assemblies, consisting of segments of flexible pipe body with end fittings attached to both ends. This specification does not cover flexible pipes of unbonded structure. Reference API Spec 17J for unbonded flexible pipes.

This specification does not apply to flexible pipe ancillary components. Guidelines for ancillary components are given in API RP 17B.

This specification may be applied to flexible pipes which include non-metallic reinforcing layers, though no effort was made to address the specific and unique technological aspects of this product. If this specification is used for pipes with non-metallic reinforcing layers, the manufacturer shall demonstrate by analysis and tests that the level of safety during the service life is not less than that given by this specification for metallic reinforced pipes.

This specification may be applied to a bonded construction pipe that includes a material or layer construction that is covered in API Spec 17J, and to which API Spec 17J requirements shall apply. The manufacturer shall demonstrate by analysis and tests that the levels of safety are not less than those required by API Spec 17J and API Spec 17K.

APPLICATIONS

The applications addressed by this specification are sweet and sour service production, including export and injection applications. Production products include oil, gas, water and injection chemicals. This specification applies to both static and dynamic flexible pipes used as flowlines, risers, jumpers and offshore loading and discharge hoses. This specification applies to pipes with a design pressure greater than or equal to 15 bar. The specification may be used for lower design pressure pipes, though the requirements of these pipes have not been specifically addressed. Reference OCIMF 'Guide to purchasing, manufacturing and testing of loading and discharge hoses for offshore moorings' for guidelines on these pipes.

This specification does not apply to flexible pipes for use in choke and kill line applications. Reference API Spec 16C for choke and kill line applications. This specification may be applied to flexible pipes for pile hammer, gas flare, water supply and jetting applications though no effort was made to address the specific and unique technological aspects relating to each of these requirements.

SPECIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Within this specification the following definitions apply:

a. Shall - Is used to state that a provision is mandatory.

b. Should - Is used to state that a provision is not mandatory, but is recommended as good practice.

c. May - Is used to state that a provision is optional.

UNITS

System International (SI) units are used in this specification. Imperial units may be given in brackets after the SI units.

APPENDICES

Appendices to this specification are not considered as requirements. They are intended only as guidelines or for information.