Hydrostatic pressure testing
Our ability to run this critical testing operation in-house, reduces the risk and costs associated with product qualification, providing peace of mind to our customers.
Physical and simulation testing
Full-scale physical testing simulates the application that a product is designed for and validates the design is fit for purpose. Trelleborg use a variety of mechanical tests to qualify computer models, and to proof load the products up to service loads. We test that the products can be installed safely and correctly, that they will remain in position despite expected service or installation loads, and that they will continue to do the job for which they are intended for their entire service life and beyond.
Testing can include:
- Buoyancy up-thrust
- Compression and shear load
- Tensile proof loads
- Static bend loads
- Simulated S-Lay/ J-Lay
- Fit-up and assembly
- Slippage and capacity
- Diaphragm closure pressure
- Dropped object and impact
- Creep and relaxation
The majority of our testing is carried out on-site, providing risk reduction and cost benefits. A range of 3rd party partners support us with designing and carrying out new full-scale testing for more unusual products and requirements.
Fire testing
Jet fire testing
A jet fire may occur when combustible liquids (oil, gas) leak from a damaged pipeline, forming a fluid pit or reservoir which ignites. The extent of the fire can vary significantly depending on different conditions including surrounding environment, type of fuel, pressure, and volume.
ISO22899 (previously OTI95634) defines the test set up required for testing the resistance of passive fire protection materials to jet fire. ISO22899 describes a set-up with a pressurized gas release of 0.3kg/s giving a severe combination of erosive forces and heat. This can be highly destructive to some PFP systems, resulting in potential failure of the system. The test setup is sufficient when giving an indication of the performance of a wide range of PFP materials and systems, with the heat flux achieved limited to 250 kW/m².
Products covered in this standard are:
- Tubulars
- Panels
- Structural steel
- Pipe and cable penetrations
We can also offer the performing of the tests with third party witnesses if required.
Extended jet fire and high heat flux (HHF) testing
It is now recognized that the higher heat flux and temperatures of jet fires, requires the need for new extended jet fire and HHF testing standards to be created. HHF testing, often performed sequentially with HC fire testing, currently has no standardized test protocols or programs, and it is often left to individual suppliers to demonstrate HHF material or system compliance.
Our test center in Norway has created a large-scale bespoke HHF testing rig to assess PFP materials in higher temperatures and heat fluxes. A larger than normal chamber measuring 3 x 3 x 2.7 meters with pressurized gas input to the same standard as stated in ISO22899, has been constructed. For the HHF test, air is added to the chamber to increase the temperature, creating a high heat flux environment of 350kW/m2 with a temperature of approximately +1300 °C. For comparison, our standard jet fire test chamber built and operated in accordance to ISO22899 measures 1.5 x 1.5 x 0.5 meters.
This test method achieves:
- Higher temperatures (approx. +1350OC)
- Higher heat flux (350kW/m² on average)
- Possibility to test larger test specimen
- Test furnace measures 3 x 3 x 2.7 meter inside
Hydrocarbon testing
Hydrocarbon (HC) fires or pool fires are fires fueled by hydrocarbon compounds (oil and gas). This type of fire is characterized by a flame temperature reaching about 1100°C within approximately 10 minutes and continuing at this stage for a total of 120 minutes with a calculated heat flux of approximately 150kW/m2. Materials and products are tested for their reaction to this type of fire in accordance to NS-EN 1363-2:1999 fire resistance tests. Our hydrocarbon test furnace measures 1 x 1.5 x 0.8 meter inside.