Simulated Service Vessel (SSV)

Simulating service conditions experienced by subsea insulation coatings in our state-of-the-art facility.

Features and benefits

With this one-of-a-kind vessel, we simulate deepwater service conditions for insulated pipe, flexible pipe and custom-coated subsea structures by controlling both water and pipe temperatures and applying pressure to the water surrounding the insulation coatings. Simulating these conditions and measuring the heat flow and compressive creep of the insulating material, we can advise the pipeline design engineer of both the thermal efficiency and depth rating of the insulation.

Simulated subsea conditions

• Insulated pipe is installed in a pressurized tank and tested under subsea pressure and temperature conditions for long periods of time to determine thermal performance over time.
• Pressure increases are conducted in steps to determine the immediate and long-term response of insulation properties to changes in pressure.
• With market requirements trending toward deep and ultra-deep exploration opportunities, the SSV has been designed to accommodate testing to an equivalent water depth up to 3,000 m (9,842 ft.) at an internal pipe temperature of up to 180°C (356°F).

Reduced product qualification time

• We adjust testing schedules to accommodate customer requirements.
• Our qualified on-site technical staff validates all test results via third-party inspections.

Project-specific pipe configuration testing

• Testing accommodates the exact configuration of pipe that will be put into service, including large diameter (up to 610 mm [24 in.] OD) at lengths of up to 6 m (18 ft.) so that clients will have an accurate understanding of the thermal performance for their installed pipe.
• The SSV can test both the field joint and the main line insulation.

Unique testing capabilities

• Shawcor is able to measure how thermal conductivity and compressive response changes over time as a function of hydrostatic pressure.
• The SSV can evaluate the insulation’s long-term reliability by testing cool-down time and creep.
• The heating system ensures accuracy through precise temperature control.

Pipeline applications

• Oil and gas
• Subsea
• Large diameter
• Small diameter

Typical plant capabilities and product properties