The Full-scale Blistering Test is a bonded flexible pipe specific prototype test which is intented to determine the pipe’s suitability in a gas-containing environment. The mixed gas used in this test consists of nitrogen, carbon dioxide and hydrogen-sulfide. This mixed gas has to occupy 100 % of the internal pipe. Then the test pipe has to reach a 100 bar test pressure to check the gas stability inside the flexible pipe. The pressure and temperature should be held long enough to ensure full saturation of the pipe’s body. After saturation is achieved 60 decompression cycles follow. One decompression takes minimum 2 hours. After the 60 decompression cycle the pipe has to be ventilated to remove dissolved gas from the hose body. Once the test is complete, the pipe body is cut and examined. No delamination, blistering or voids are allowed in the liner of the pipe.
Flexible line test station