Flexjoints and bearings for offshore platforms

Flexjoints and Bearings

Flexjoints provide flexible connections for riser joints and TLP tethers. Elastomeric bearings provide structural flexibility and fatigue resistance. Required to resist fatigue and environmental exposure for design life.

MERL provides a range of services to support operators and suppliers.

Design, feasibility and pre-engineering
Elastomer and bond testing
Advanced rubber compounding
Design review, technical evaluation
Elastomer fatigue characterisation
Effects of production fluids and gas decompression
Fatigue life assessment and verification testing

Field developments where MERL have been involved include: Hutton, Snorre, Heidrun, Troll, Ram Powell, Diana and Kizomba

FEA of a cracked rubber layer

Tension leg platform

© 2010 MERL Ltd. The registered company address of:
Materials Engineering Research Laboratory Limited is Wilbury Way,
Hitchin, Hertfordshire, UK, SG4 0TW.
Registered in England. Company registration number: 2015020.
Tel: +44(0)1462 427 850
Polymer Engineering, Testing, Inspection, Research and Development, UK