Bend and fatigue protection

Bend restrictors prevent over-bending at the interface between flexible flowlines, umbilicals, cables and rigid structures.

Restrictors are normally used in static applications and differ from bend stiffeners in that they provide protection only once the pipe has achieved the desired bend radius between the flexible line and rigid structures (such as the wellhead connections, J-tube exits, rigid pipe crossovers and PLET connections).

Our bend restrictors improve project outcomes and provide cost effective solutions through optimised design methods, ongoing research and development, and the use of multiple rigid PU grades.

Supplied as two-piece boltless design or bolted together.

Balmoral bend restrictors are fully accredited by Bureau Veritas to API 17L standards.

Balmoral bend stiffeners support flexible pipe, umbilicals and cables when connected to rigid structures or a floating production system where there is a requirement to control the minimum bend radius of the pipe.

Stiffeners are usually attached at either the topside or seabed connection and are suitable for both dynamic and static applications. For dynamic uses, stiffeners must have sufficient fatigue resistance to control the in-service bend radii and sustain cyclic loads through the specified lifecycle. For static applications, they are used to guard against gross over-bending. Stiffeners are typically conically shaped polyurethane mouldings with a cylindrical bore that slips over the pipe, umbilical or cable.

Balmoral Comtec’s bend stiffeners use specifically formulated polyurethane materials and are designed to meet the demands of parameters such as fluid temperature variance, project specific flowline, umbilical or cable stiffness, and minimum bend radius (MBR) requirements.

Balmoral bend stiffeners are fully accredited by Bureau Veritas to API 17L standards.

Advancing connections in offshore infrastructure
Balmoral’s innovative bend stiffener connector (BSC) is designed to enhance and simplify subsea connections within the offshore energy sector. Seamlessly integrating dynamic bend stiffeners with offshore structures, the Balmoral BSC introduces diverless installation and an elevated level of operational performance.

Advanced, robust CPS for offshore wind project protection

Balmoral’s CPS is a cost-effective impact and abrasion protection solution, supplied as pairs of interlocking half shells secured around the core product using circumferential straps.

Balmoral's patented CPS system mechanically locks to the end connectors removing a reliance on PU bonding, which is notoriously unpredictable, while providing market-leading strain and stiffness levels that are unachievable using traditional PU manufacturing methods. These innovations also contribute to greatly increased fatigue life.

Providing an increase in axial tension capacity by a factor of two while controlling axial elongation, the system increases bend stiffness by a factor of 1.5 allowing improved control and reduction in the cable’s maximum bend radius within a slimline profile.

Proven long-term creep performance is a substantial improvement on traditional CPS while bending and axial stiffness is optimised without having to qualify alternative PU materials.

We believe the Balmoral cable protection system represents a significant step forward for CPS offering cost-effective performance enhancement across installation, management and maintenance for fixed offshore wind turbines.

DURAGUARD can be manufactured in a range of polyurethane elastomer grades to suit specific operational conditions and can be supplied in a wide range of diameters, thicknesses and lengths, with typical lengths varying from 500-2000mm. DURAGUARD can be fitted during unreeling/laying or priory and is installed by placing the two modules around the flexible asset and banding them into place. Bands can be installed using manual or pneumatic tools for rapid installation, with alternative strapping systems available to suit project requirements.

For projects which require added ballast, DURABALLAST® adds heavy filler materials to the DURAGARD mix to increase density and overall weight. This offers high impact absorption (reinforced options available for extreme environments), protection, added stiffness, and an increase in thermal insulation performance as demonstrated by lab tests. Specific solutions can be configured according to buoyancy requirements.

Balmoral DURAMAT® can also be used for dropped object impact and abrasion protection while allowing for flexing and separation of the protected lines. DURAMAT can be installed by diver or ROV and is generally supplied with holes for rope handling. Typically provided in 3000x3000x40mm sections but mats can be custom sized.

Balmoral crossing protection system protects and separate new cables or pipelines and existing cables in a subsea environment.

The system acts both as a physical and thermal barrier to provide protection to the cable or pipeline, while also serving as a clear visual indicator of the crossing locations in subsea fields. The system has been engineered to articulate, rotate freely and conform over any third-party assets.

The system comprises three main components:

• A string of hollow cable separators clamped to the cable
• Transition pieces at either end of the cable that connect to the impact and abrasion solution – Balmoral DURAGUARD®
• DURAGUARD – cost effective impact and abrasion protection supplied as pairs of interlocking half shells secured around the core product using circumferential straps.

Benefits include:

• Rapid installation generating significant offshore savings – can be rock dumped.
• Lightweight and modular
• Designed to articulate, freely rotate and conform over third party assets
• Cost effective localised impact and abrasion protection