Abstract: A buoyancy compensating element for connection to a flexible pipe and method of producing a buoyancy compensating element are disclosed. The buoyancy compensating element includes a first body portion and a further body portion, wherein the first and further body portion are configured to be connectable to each other and in use to encompass a portion of flexible pipe.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for supporting a riser are disclosed. The apparatus includes an anchoring element (420) for anchoring a riser to a fixed structure, and a supporting portion (412) configured to support a section of flexible pipe (406), the supporting portion having a bearing surface for the section of flexible pipe to bear against to thereby restrain the flexible pipe from upward movement.

Abstract: A pre-machined forging for use with a subsea hydrocarbon assembly includes a common master valve block. The common master valve block has an upper cylindrical portion with a main central axis. A lower cylindrical portion of the common master valve block includes a lower axis that is parallel to, and offset from, the main central axis. A valve portion of the common master valve block is located axially between the upper cylindrical portion and the lower cylindrical portion. A main bore extends axially through the common master valve block from a bottom end of the common master valve block to a top end of the common master valve block along the main central axis.

Abstract: A flexible pipe body configured for offshore use or a flexible pipe precursor, and a method of preparing a flexible pipe are disclosed. The pipe body or precursor includes a sacrificial layer which is, at least partially, removable on contact with a solvent medium such as an aqueous solvent, in particular water.

Abstract: A method of supplying multiple chemicals in a supply line. The method includes: supplying a first chemical to the supply line; and supplying a second chemical, different from the first chemical, to the supply line. The first and second chemicals are sequentially supplied as discrete slugs.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing a thermal insulation layer in a flexible pipe includes one or more encapsulated regions of aerogel material disposed in a layer of flexible pipe body and a helically wound tape layer having a valley region and hook region that interlock adjacent windings. In addition, a method of manufacturing flexible pipe body includes providing one or more encapsulated regions of thermally insulating aerogel material.

Abstract: A production control system for an underwater well, comprises: first electrically operated means for supplying first hydraulic fluid, for opening a first control valve of the well; second electrically operated means, for supplying second hydraulic fluid at a higher pressure than said first fluid, for opening a further control valve of the well; electronic circuitry (SEM1) for providing electrical power for operating said first and second means; and means for controlling the sequence of closing said control valves as a result of a loss of electrical power from said electronic circuitry. The controlling means comprises: electrical power storage means; detection means responsive to said loss of power from said electronic circuitry; and means coupled with said detection means for using electrical power from said storage means to keep said further control valve open for a period after closure of said first control valve and close it after said period.

Abstract: Apparatus for providing a thermal insulation layer in a flexible pipe, including one or more encapsulated regions of aerogel material disposed in a layer of flexible pipe body is disclosed. In addition, flexible pipe body including such apparatus, and a method of manufacturing flexible pipe body is disclosed.

Abstract: A flexible pipe and method of producing a flexible pipe are disclosed. The method includes bending armour wires of a flexible pipe body about 10 to 50 degrees from a longitudinal axis of the pipe body using a temporary collar member; inserting a further collar member radially inwards of the bent armour wires such that a portion of the armour wires lay over the further collar member; and mating the flexible pipe body and further collar member with an end fitting body.

Abstract: A power and data supply system that includes circuitry for supplying power and data to an output via a common transmission line is provided. The circuitry comprises a DC power source, a data signal source, a modulator configured to generate a modulated signal in dependence on the data signal, and an inverter, wherein the inverter is controlled by the modulated signal, such that the inverter generates an AC signal for output to the transmission line.

Abstract: A subsea wellhead assembly includes a production tree and a tubing hanger assembly having a tubing hanger and an orientation adapter. A passage is formed through a side wall of the orientation adapter for porting communication from within a main bore of the wellhead assembly. When the tubing hanger assembly lands in the wellhead, a key on the orientation adapter engages a helical profile on an inner surface of the main bore and rotates the orientation adapter so that the passage registers with a passage in the tree. Fluid and electricity communicates through the registered passages. Examples of connectors between the respective passages include spheriseal connectors and electrical wet connects.

Abstract: An elongate metallic or polymeric or composite tape is disclosed along with a method of manufacturing such tape. The tape is of a type suitable for forming at least one helically wound layer of interlocked windings in a flexible pipe body for transporting production fluids. The tape is configured for interlocking of adjacent windings in the layer of tape by nesting a hooked region of a winding in a valley region of an adjacent winding. The tape comprises first and second elongate tape elements arranged in contacting relation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for supporting a flexible pipe. The method includes the steps of responsive to a change in at least one condition experienced by a flexible pipe, varying an amount of support provided at at least one location on the flexible pipe.

Abstract: A downhole control system can include a pair of drive lines passing through a wellbore member such as a tubing hanger, and a plurality of hydraulic switches, each in communication with the drive lines. Each hydraulic switch can have a unique pressure band, wherein the switch only responds when the pressure in the drive lines is within the unique pressure band. Once the pressure in the drive lines is within the pressure band, the switch can open or close in response to a pressure differential in the drive lines.

Abstract: Flexible pipe body for transporting fluids from a sub-sea location includes a carcass layer comprising adjacent interlocked annular elements each comprising a body portion that extends around an inner circumference of a bore region and a channel region provided within the body. A method of manufacturing flexible pipe body is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for testing the integrity of a portion of flexible pipe body. The method includes the steps of, via at least one port in an end fitting assembly in which an end of a portion of flexible pipe body is terminated, monitoring at least one parameter associated with an annulus region disposed between layers of the flexible pipe body, the annulus region being connected to the port by a connecting passageway.

Abstract: Flexible pipe body for transporting fluids from a sub-sea location includes a carcass layer comprising adjacent interlocked annular elements each comprising a body portion that extends around an inner circumference of a bore region and a channel region provided within the body. A method of manufacturing flexible pipe body is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of testing a control system including a valve which is operable by a solenoid is disclosed. The method comprises applying a current through a coil of the solenoid, the current being insufficient to cause the solenoid to operate the valve, and monitoring a response of the system to the current.

Abstract: A sealing arrangement and a method for testing the integrity of a sealing arrangement of a flexible pipe are disclosed. The method includes locating a first annular sealing element and a second annular sealing element in a joint between two elements of a flexible pipe, with a region of the joint therebetween; and pressurising the region between the first sealing element and the second sealing element through a port extending towards the region to a predetermined pressure of 0.2 MP or greater.

Abstract: A buoyancy compensating element for connection to a flexible pipe and method of producing a buoyancy compensating element are disclosed for increasing or decreasing buoyancy of the portion of flexible pipe. The buoyancy compensating element includes a body portion; and a channel extending through the body portion for receiving a portion of flexible pipe, wherein the body portion and channel are configured such that when a portion of flexible pipe is received in the channel, the portion of pipe has increasing ability to flex towards an end of the channel.