9.13 Inch Gas Export Flexible Pipe Prototype Development for Ultra Deep Water Projects in the Brazilian Pre-Salt Area

Although commercial operation of the Brazilian pre-salt cluster has already commenced with both the TUPI EWT and the TUPI Pilot projects employing both 4-inch and 6-inch flexible pipes, forthcoming developments will require the consolidation of large diameter pipeline technology to make fluid exportation feasible, since the pre-salt cluster is located approximately 300km offshore in water depths reaching up to 2500m. This paper discusses the main technological challenges and summarizes the development process of a 9.13-inch flexible pipe designed to function within the operating envelope expected for the TUPI Pilot project.