C-1.1 General
C-1.1.1 This ANNEX C is based on standard API RP 17B. All items related to standard API RP 17B mentioned in this ANNEX, are mandatory.
C-1.1.2 This ANNEX C defines some standardized basic qualification test procedures applicable to conventional flexible pipes (Pipes which concept follows the configuration of layers and end fitting showed, respectively, in Figures 6 and 8 of standard API RP 17B).
Also, these procedures are only valid for products concepts which have been already considered field proven by the purchaser.
C-1.1.3 Test samples shall represent the actual product to be supplied, considering both, the design methodology and the manufacturing processes. Training and manufacturing instructions for operators, processes and machines used to produce test samples and products to be delivered shall be the same. If previously and mutually agreed, the sample can include weak points (such as weld, repairs or process variations) and extreme manufacturing tolerances, in order to check the product performance against the established criteria.
C-1.1.4 Before testing, manufacturer shall issue and submit to the purchaser a detailed test procedure including, at least, the following items:
a) purpose of the test;
b) description of the test bench, including dimensions, load capacity range, displacement range, sketches, photos and limitations, if any;
c) description of test sample, including size, type and characteristics (data sheet and drawings of ancillary components and accessories);
d) measuring, monitoring and recording equipment and instrumentation (including their accuracy, resolution, and sensitivity);
e) description of the equipment and measures necessary in order to avoid hazard of personnel involved in the test;
f) description of test preparation and sample conditioning;
g) test description;
h) description of the data acquisition system and treatment procedure;
i) data forms to be recorded and filled in, during test;
j) acceptance criteria, predicted results, and corresponding loading, deformation, strain, stresses, wear, and failure mode(s) and sequence of failures of pipe layers, ancillary components and accessories, when applicable;
k) references, if any;
l) schedule of tests and reference of the laboratory or company that will carry out the test.
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C-1.1.5 After testing, manufacturer shall present a detailed test report including, at least, the following items:
a) gathered data and final results;
b) uncertainties of instruments and calculated global uncertainties of measurements;
c) comparisons between predicted and observed values, data, and sequence of failures, if applicable;
d) conclusions;
e) certificates of calibration of test equipment and instrumentation (including traceability reference with National standards);
f) traceability of the test sample, including summary of raw material certificates, reference of the position where the sample was gathered from the pipe);
g) findings of dissection, if required.
C-1.1.6 Prototype dissection (including end fitting and ancillary components) shall be done whenever sample fails, irrespectively if dissection was previously required or not by the purchaser. Evaluation of failures and abnormalities shall be carried out and reported by the manufacturer.
C-1.1.7 In order to verify prototype performance, the tests shall simulate typical and extreme loads and boundary conditions to which the product shall be subjected during its installation (including handling) or operation phases, for example. If the purpose of the test is to check pipe capacity, the test loading shall achieve: the loading corresponding to the extreme loading in service (utilization as per Chapter 5 of this Standard), the loading corresponding to the predicted damage (utilization = 1), and the loading corresponding to the pipe failure.
Whenever ancillary components and accessories affect the test result, test sample shall include them.
C-1.1.8 If pipe structure accommodation can affect the results, manufacturer shall evaluate the necessity of cycling the sample internal pressure, before testing.
C-1.1.9 Manufacturer may suggest modifications on the test basic procedures described herein, in order to adjust available facilities and equipment ready to use, or to better investigate design predictions and failure modes, for a specific design concept. Manufacturer may also adjust test conditions to better represent the operational conditions. However, any suggested modification shall keep the test purpose, comprehensiveness, and the variables to be monitored, registered and recorded. Modifications of the basic procedures herein described, if any, shall be submitted to the purchaser and be clearly identified in the detailed test procedure.
Note: It should be understood that test requirements found hereafter shall never be considered as a reason for over-dimensioning the product besides the specified functional requirements and recommendations (reference Chapter 4 and other contractual or performance specifications).
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C-1.1.11 Qualification tests shall only be carried out after the approval, by the purchaser, of its procedure.
C-1.1.12 Qualification tests shall be witnessed by IVA and a representative of the purchaser, at its discretion.
C-1.1.13 Manufacturer shall assure the tests are carried out in accordance with safety, health, environmental requirements, and country regulations. Precautions shall be taken in order to avoid hazardous to personal and premises.
C-1.2 Description of the Variables
C-1.2.1 The variables are defined herein, based on the state in which they are measured, using the following terms:
a) initial - dimensions before the beginning of the test (unloaded sample);
b) loaded - dimensions obtained with the sample under loading;
c) residual - dimensions obtained after load relief (unloading the sample, after each loading cycle included in the test procedure).
C-1.2.2 Identification and expression of the variables to be used for data gathering, reports or any test document shall use the following terms (for a given pipe cross section, horizontal and vertical diameters, mean diameters measured at 2 different positions, 90° apart one from the other):
a) LI - initial length;
b) LL, LR - loaded and residual lengths, respectively;
c) DVI, DHI - initial vertical and horizontal diameters, respectively;
d) DVL, DHL - loaded vertical and horizontal diameters, respectively;
e) DVR, DHR - Residual vertical and horizontal diameters, respectively;
f) DMI, L, R - mean diameter, initial (I), loaded (L) or residual (R) values:
g) OVI,L,R - sample ovalization (see definition, item 3.1.75), initial (I), loaded (L) or residual (R) values:
h) percent length deformation for loaded sample and residual, respectively:
L 100
i) percent diameter deformation for loaded sample:
DV 100
N-2409 REV. A ENGLISH MAY / 2003 j) percent residual diameter deformation:
I I
R RDV
DV DV = DV −
∆ and
I I
R RDH
DH DH = DH −
∆