Umbilical Testing

TUV NEL has a range of facilities capable of carrying out accelerated 'ageing', subsequent analysis and testing of umbilical lines. These procedures allow us to accurately predict the chemical compatibility of various industrial and other fluids with any thermoplastic lining material used in umbilical lines.

The ageing methods we use are based on cyclic pressure testing of hose samples at elevated temperatures. As some fluids can actually permeate the liner and effect the hose reinforcement, the test is also an evaluation of the general hose construction. The fluid compatibility test procedures conform to the specifications laid down in API 17E; "Specification for Subsea Production Control Umbilicals: 1998". The facilities are also employed to test the chemical compatibility of a range of elastomeric seals.
Our services include:
  • Cyclic pressure testing of hoses with test fluids at elevated temperatures (ageing)
  • Immersion testing (gross incompatibility test)
  • Mechanical testing
  • Scanning Electron Microscopy examinations
  • Fluid analysis, including chemical evaluation using a Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer, Turbidity & Specific Gravity etc.
We are regularly commissioned to carry out chemical compatibility testing by various operators, hose manufacturers and chemical suppliers. Our service is seen as a valuable tool that can predict how a particular umbilical/chemical combination will perform in service. It can be used for selecting products for use in a new installation or to evaluate the effects of a change in chemicals in an umbilical already deployed in the field.
Click here for more information on TUV NEL services to the Oil & gas industry
Contact us to find out more about umbilicals testing.