Baker Hughes has developed new designs for flexible pipe, moving from purely metallic strength to a carbon fiber composite pressure armor layer, marking a major step-change in the industry. The hybrid composite flexible pipe reduces overall system complexity.
The choice of subsea pipeline technology is often based on local conditions, technical requirements, installation vessel availability, operator preferences, and cost efficiency.
The ability to apply flexible pipe in the most challenging environments is a significant part of its appeal. High performance in water depths beyond 2,500 m (8,202 ft), high pressure reaching beyond 10,000 psi, and high temperatures more than 130°C (266°F), as well as the ability to withstand large vessel motions in adverse weather conditions, point toward why flexible pipelines have increased in popularity in recent times.
