ICP – Enabling Technology for Ultra Deep Water Developments

GMC formally launched its Intelligently Connected Pipe Concept (ICP) to the Offshore Northern Seas (ONS 2012), Stavanger Forum, Norway in August.

ICP is a major step forward in riser technology as it allows GMC to deliver fatigue resistant, lightweight, non welded steel risers. By machining the GMC mechanical connector directly onto ‘upset’ OCTG pipe joints, all welding can be removed from a steel riser system allowing:

• a significant increase in the fatigue life – by a factor of over 20 in comparison to a welded riser system
• the use of high grade steel such as P110 and Q125 in riser construction resulting in weight savings of over 50% in comparison to a standard X65 SCR

In addition the use of mechanical connections in the construction of a riser, simplifies and speeds offshore installation reducing the overall cost of an offshore development.

“The innovative ICP technology can be used in both flowlines and risers, but we believe that its advantages are most significant for future Ultra Deep Water (UDW) Developments. ICP allows GMC to deliver lightweight, fatigue resistant and durable risers from field proven materials which are all key requirements for such projects.” – Toby Bailey, GMC European Sales and Marketing.

GMC and strategic partner PROTEA exhibited together at the ONS conference and received many positive reviews.