SIMEROS, in its continuous search for innovative solutions, developed and patented PipeACOM, a system for controlling the annular space in flexible pipes. This modular and non-intrusive system, designed for unbonded pipes, facilitates access to and management of the annular region without affecting the pipe’s structure or production flow.

This advancement aims to address a critical vulnerability of flexible pipes: the premature corrosion of their structural layers caused by the indeterminate annular environment that develops during operation. In collaboration with Petrogal Brasil, Galp, and Petrobras, SIMEROS advanced from conceptual design to a fully operational prototype in just 18 months, capable of operating in extreme environments, such as ultra-deep waters.

The PipeACOM system, installed between two end fittings, is integrated without the need for alterations to the original design of the flexible pipe and its accessories. Its circuit connects the annular regions of the two adjacent flexible pipe segments, allowing effective flow control.

With exclusive access to the annular space, the PipeACOM system adds innovative functionalities during operation, without interrupting the production flow, such as:

• Automatic relief of annular pressure;
• Detection of annular flooding;
• Monitoring of annular pressure evolution;
• Interconnection of annular regions of adjacent pipe segments, forming a unified annular circuit;
• Injection of corrosion inhibitors;
• Purging and cleaning of the corrosive annular environment;
• Sampling of annular fluids for chemical composition and permeation analysis.

Developed with an emphasis on reliability and safety, PipeACOM follows recommended practices and standards for submarine systems, incorporating redundant flow control valves and barriers to ensure watertightness. It also offers a maintenance-friendly interface, with easily replaceable safety components and monitoring indicators, compatible with standard ROV tools.

After rigorous laboratory qualification, PipeACOM was implemented in the submarine system installed beneath Petrobras’ P66 platform, located in the Brazilian pre-salt fields, at water depths of up to 2300 meters.

The project was well-received, resulting in SIMEROS and Petrogal being awarded the technological innovation prize by the National Petroleum Agency (ANP), the highest distinction in the oil and gas sector in Brazil.