We often see how oil and other fluids safely transfer from the middle of the ocean to the ships offshore. Have you ever wondered how that’s even possible? The answer lies in the robust structure of submarine hoses. Without them, the offshore oil and gas industries would not run as smoothly as they do today. However, these hoses are not as simple as they seem.
They have complex construction and need careful installation. Moreover, these hoses also come in various types, each specific for different duties. Are you new to this? Worry not! In this article, I will walk you through everything you need to know about submarine hoses. By the end, you will clearly understand how they work and why they are beneficial. So, let’s get started!
Overview of Submarine Hoses
Submarine hoses, also known as subsea hoses, are giant flexible rubber pipes. They transfer oil, gas, and other fluids between vessels, platforms, and pipelines under the sea. That’s why they are named submarines. These hoses can float or rest on the seabed as per the needs of users.
Submarine hoses are mainly used in offshore oil and gas production areas. These areas are far from land and include oil platforms, storage ships, and underwater pipelines. Submarine hoses connect all these parts, such as oil platforms, with storage ships or underwater pipelines. As a result, oil is transferred from deep-sea areas to land and processed for different purposes.
Moreover, their usability is also common in the Single Point Mooring( SPM) systems. In this setup, ships load and unload oil without docking at the harbor. These hoses help them connect to the floating buoy(connect to the underwater pipelines) to move oil between the ship and the pipeline.
Bauwesen
As I said above, submarine hoses work under the sea. They must face harsh conditions, such as high pressure and salty water. Hence, these hoses have robust construction to ensure safety and leakage-free fluid transfer. Let’s look at the composition of submarine hoses.
- Inner Liner (Tube): The inner liner is the innermost layer of the submarine hoses. This part directly touches the oil and other fluids. Therefore, usually, it is made with oil-resistant rubber so that it does not deteriorate.
- Reinforcement Layers: Around the inner lining, there are one or more reinforcement layers. Their job is to protect the hose from seawater pressure and prevent bursting. Thus, they come with strong materials such as cords or steel wires.
- Helical Wire: This cage-like structure provides extra strength to submarine hoses. These wires are primarily present around the inner lining in a helical pattern. Without them, hoses may collapse or flatten when high-pressure fluid passes through hoses.
- Outer Cover: The outermost layer is known as the outer cover. It protects the entire hose from sunlight, UV rays, and abrasion and keeps everything safe. Thus, it acts as the skin of the hoses and is made of strong rubber.
- Flanges: This is a special part added to submarine hoses. Flanges are metal rings present on the ends of the hose and used to connect ships or pipes.
Types of Submarine Hoses
Submarine hoses aren’t one-size-fits-all. They come in various types and differ in design, size, and material. Each type is specific to fulfill different industry requirements. Let’s explore some of the common submarine hose types.
1- Floating Hoses
As the name suggests, these hoses float on the water surface. Floating hoses feature foam material or have an air chamber inside them. This structure prevents them from sinking and helps them stay on the water’s surface. The lightweight material does not mean they are not strong.
Their lightweight yet strong rubber helps these hoses handle several harsh conditions. You can see them at the Single Point Mooring system, where ships load and unload far from shore. In this system, floating hoses connect a vessel to storage platform pipelines. Thus, the oil is transferred safely between ships and storage tanks.
2- Submerged Hoses
Submerged hoses are strong underwater connectors. Unlike floating hoses, they sink to the sea bed and stay entirely underwater. As you know, in the deep sea, pressure becomes very high. As a result, there is a higher chance of bursting hoses. Therefore, submerged hoses are designed to resist damage, ocean currents, rocks, and corrosion.
These hoses connect offshore platforms to subsea pipelines. For example, when an offshore platform sends oil down to the pipelines, a submerged hose carries it to the storage tank. Remember, these hoses are complicated to install underwater. Therefore, they often have a permanent connection between oil platforms. It means they stay inside the water for a long time once installed.
3- Tanker Rail Hoses
It is a special submarine hose that directly connects ships and oil platforms to transfer oil. These hoses are usually attached to rail systems like tracks; that’s why they are called “tanker rail hoses.”.” You can find tanker rail hoses on tankers at sea. When a ship comes to the oil platform, this house moves along the rail and connects it to the platform.
Once connected, oil flows from the tanker to the ship through tanker hoses. What makes them special is their flexibility, like slurry hoses. They can easily bend and twist with ocean waves without breaking down, making them safe enough to use in far-deep-sea areas.
4- Reducer Hoses
This type of submarine hose connects two hoses or pipes of different sizes in the sea. As you know, not all parts are equal in offshore oil systems. Sometimes, one end of the system, such as a ship or pipeline, is narrow, and the other is broad. If you try to connect them directly, they won’t fit and will cause oil leakage. That’s where the reduced hose comes in.
These hoses act as a bridge and connect the two different sizes. One end of the reduced hoses is narrow, and the other is broad. In this way, they reduce the diameter from one end to another and are called reducer hoses. Like other hoses, they are also made with robust material to cope with harsh ocean conditions.
5- Y-Piece Hoses
It is a special kind of marine hose that looks like the letter “Y.” This hose starts with one large opening and is split into two small branches or hoses. Hence, this design allows fluid to move simultaneously from one source to two places. In offshore and gas works, oil sometimes needs to be transferred to two ships at once.
Without Y-piece hoses, you need to connect and reconnect a hose each time you want to transfer oil in two directions. This can waste time and energy, and there are more chances of leaks and accidents. But using Y-piece hoses, you can transfer different fluids to different locations simultaneously. Moreover, these hoses possess a strong composition of robust materials.
6- Double Carcass Hoses
Double carcass hoses are designed for offshore oil operations where safety is a top priority. What makes them different is their double protection layer. Unlike other hoses, they have two layers called “carcasses.” Both of these layers work together to ensure double safety. HOW?
The first or inner carcass handles the primary fluid flow and continuously interacts with harsh fluids or oil. However, the outer layer acts as a backup shield. If the inner carcass ruptures or breaks down, the second layer is always there to protect the fluid. Thus, these hoses prevent leakage and save marine life from pollution.
Installation of Submarine Hoses
Installing the submarine hoses is not just connecting two ends. This is a planned process that ensures the proper working of heavy-duty hoses. A wrong installation not only causes leakage but also damages the hoses. So, let’s dive in and explain the step-by-step installation process for submarine hoses.
Step 1: Planning and Site Inspection
It is one of the most critical steps when installing a submarine hose. As you know, these hoses are used in deep-sea environments and face unpredictable ocean conditions. So, it is most important to check the site and make some plans. For example, you should examine the water depth and the seabed’s condition. Also, check the wind speed and wave height to choose the right time for installation.
Step 2: Transporting Hoses
Once planning is done, the next step is choosing the right type and transporting it. These long hoses are heavy, so safely moving them requires special handling. Some hose manufacturers’ facilities offer special vehicles, such as cranes and trailers, to help you transport a hose. Once it is at the port, you have to deliver it to offshore sites. For this purpose, you must use special vessels and barges for safe transport.
Step 3: Laying the Hose
Now that the submarine hose has reached its destination, it is time to lay it. Laying means placing the hose on the water surface or seabed, depending on the hose type. So, first, lower the hose using a crane or roller, but prevent it from getting tangled or kinked. If you have a floating submarine hose, hold it in place using buoys. However, if you use a submerged hose, you must use weight or remotely operated vehicles(ROVs) to lower it to the seabed.
Step 4: Connecting the Hose
After the hose is safely laid, the next step is connecting it to the system it’s working with. These systems might be oil platforms, tankers, or pipelines. First, ensure the hose’s proper orientation. This means aligning the hose end correctly with the equipment to which it will be connected. Then, you must use flanges or couplings to connect another part to the system. Remember, this connection must be tight to ensure leakproof transportation.
Step 5: Testing and Final Checks
Once the submarine hose is safely connected, the last step is checking that it works correctly. This step is crucial to ensure leak-free oil transportation and help reduce financial loss. So, first, pump water through the hose at high pressure. It will mimic the real condition of oil pressure. Check for leakage and see whether the hose can handle this pressure. After that, the flexibility of the house will be checked, and a visual inspection of the house will be done. Also, examine the joint’s fitting and wear.
Benefits of Submarine Hoses
Submarine hoses play a vital role in the offshore oil industry. They are more than just tubes that ensure the safe transport of oil from the deep ocean to where it needs to go. But what exactly makes them so special? Let’s find out the answer to its benefits.
1- Safe and Reliable Transfer of Fluids
One of the most significant advantages of submarine hoses is their ability to transfer fluids safely. As you know, a small oil leakage can significantly impact marine life. Moreover, oil leakage can also cause costly financial losses. But submarine hoses have robust structures. They have multi-layers that prevent them from bursting. Therefore, you can transport oil and other fluids with the risk of leakage.
2- Flexibility and Movement Handling
Ocean waves and currents are undoubtedly very powerful. They can flow anything with them and drown it. However, submarine hoses have extensive flexibility. Unlike rigid hoses, these can easily bend and move with waves, reducing the chance of breakage and damage. Even in harsh marine conditions, they remain connected to the buoys and ships without a risky pipe system.
3- Easy to Install and Replace
Submarine hoses are easier to install and maintain than other complex offshore systems. They do not require a lot of time and tools to install. With some special tools and proper planning, you can easily install them. Moreover, if these hoses get damaged, you can replace them with new ones. Instead of shutting down the whole system, you can also replace its faulty part.
4- Supports Remote Operations
Submarine hoses are very helpful for distant areas from the shore. Building a pipeline system in deep seas and remote places is impossible. That’s where these hoses make it possible to transfer oil and other fluids. Companies can produce and store oil in isolated areas to save time and money. The submarine hoses will help them transport that fluid to different places.
5- Protects the Environment
Submarine hoses protect the ocean and sea life. They ensure leakage-free transportation of different fluids and oils. If these liquids drop into the sea, they form a layer on the water’s surface. This layer prevents oxygen and sunlight from entering. This causes the death of marine life and pollution in the environment. Thus, submarine hoses prove handy in protecting our environment.
Häufig gestellte Fragen
How long can submarine hoses last?
On average, submarine hoses can last 5 to 10 years, depending on their usability. However, salty water and high pressure can cause frequent wear. This can reduce their lifespan; thus, regular checks are crucial to enhance their life.
Are submarine hoses reusable?
Yes, you can reuse a submarine hose in good condition. However, if you see any wear, repair it first and then carefully install it. But I recommend not using a rupture hose as it can cause leakage.
Can submarine hoses be customized?
Yes, submarine hoses can be customized for specific needs. They can be built in various sizes, materials, and lengths. For example, if you want an added layer for extra protection, you can ask the manufacturer for customization.
Schlussfolgerung
Submarine hoses play a vital role in the smooth functioning of offshore oil operations. These are large rubber tubes made with robust material. Their multi-layer ensures the safe and leak-free transfer of oil and other harsh fluids from the deep ocean to land. Depending on the type and needs, these hoses may float on the water surface or sink at the seabed.
In this article, I have covered all those types and their specifications. Moreover, these hoses require a proper installation to ensure smooth transfer operations. Proper planning and checking before and after installation are crucial to prevent mishaps. Lastly, submarine hoses offer several benefits, including environmental safety.