TechnologyR&D LABORATORY

Project Product LineDiscipline

Technology

SBM OFFSHORE TECHNOLOGY R&D

Since its establishment in 1989, the SBM Offshore laboratory has played a leading role in the development of many key technologies, including high pressure fluid swivels, weldable seals, drag anchors, cryogenic offloading hoses, and chain connectors. The laboratory is located in Carros France, close to our Monaco office, and forms part of an integrated organisation with the R&D team in Monaco. This integrated approach allows ideas to quickly progress from theoretical studies to prototypes, and ensures that insights and data from testing programmes are incorporated into the design of products in the shortest possible time.

R&D LABORATORY

The laboratory is well equipped with dedicated rigs for prototype testing up to full scale, system simulation, and materials characterization under classification society review. Monitoring tools such as videoextensometers, photogrammetry equipment, and high speed and infra-red cameras are available as part of the lab’s standard equipment, and partnerships with external organisations such as the University of Nice Sophia Antipolis gives access to advanced monitoring and analytical techniques.

FACILITIES

Supplier materials are subject to a qualification process to determine their mechanical properties before inclusion in SBM products. The process gives confidence in the values of the property used in design, removing reliance upon information supplied by manufacturers. The large database of material properties now available allows SBM to select the most appropriate material for each application, for example, the selection of bush material based on their coefficient of friction, wear rates, and the material load capacity

MATERIAL QUALIFICATION

KEY FACTS

Established in 1989, relocated to new premises in 2016

2300m2 test hall with a large variety of test benches

Dedicated laboratory staff working in conjunction with R&D staff in Monaco

4 OTC Spotlight on New Technology awards for products developed in the laboratory, in the last 10 years

TESTS • Test rig development

• Test management

MECHANICAL PROPERTIES • Tensile Test Machines

• 3D Scan

• Video Extensometer

• Rapid camera

SBM OFFSHORE TECHNOLOGY R&D

SBM OFFSHORE TECHNOLOGY R&D

Continuing the development of SBM’s range of swivels is a core activity of the laboratory. Working closely with the Monaco office, new swivel technologies continue to be developed and tested to extend the operating envelop of pressure and swivel diameter, and to verify the long term behaviour of the designs. All seal configurations undergo endurance testing in the laboratory to ensure their long term performance. Recent developments include qualification of a Very High Pressure (VHP) fluid swivel at a maximum operating pressure of 830 bar (12,000 psi), and qualification of swivels to operate at cryogenic temperatures.

SWIVEL DEVELOPMENT

MATERIALS• Numerical Microscope

• DSC - DMTA

• Bonding

• Ageing

• Chemical Compatibility

FRICTION AND WEAR • Linear Friction Bench

• Large Rotary Bushings

• Axial Friction Bench

SBM OFFSHORE TECHNOLOGY R&D

The sole intention of this factsheet is to share general information.

Contact Details Technology@sbmoffshore.com

© SBM Offshore 2017. All rights reserved. www.sbmoffshore.com - March 2017

1989 Lab facility established

1992 Development of the MAG anchor

1997 Weldable seals developed

1999 2m diameter swivel qualified

2002 16” LNG pipe swivel qualified

2002 OPB chain failure mode characterised

2004 ITP subsea cryogenic pipe qualified

2005 Trelline Gimbal hose developed

2006 20” LNG toroidal swivel qualified

2011 18” COOL Hose developed

2011 HVAC Electric Swivel qualified at 146 MW

2012 Chain Connector Bushes qualified against 10 000 year storm'

2014 12’’ VHP Swivel qualified at 830bars

2016 Relocation to new lab facility

Safety is of paramount importance in the laboratory, and the safety record is exemplary, with no Lost Time Incidents (LTI) or Medical Treatment Cases (MTC) in the last 5 years.

SAFETY

MAJOR MILESTONES

CRYOGENICS - THERMODYNAMICS• Molecules (N2 - CH4 - CH3OH - CO2)

• Systems (Hoses - Swivels - Pipes)

HV-AC Electrical Swivel