Layer support

Abstract

A method and apparatus for providing support at a desired position to an outermost layer of a flexible pipe and a flexible pipe assembly are disclosed. The method comprises: prior to or during terminating flexible pipe body, that comprises an outer sheath and an outermost layer that is coaxial with and radially surrounds the outer sheath, with an end fitting, removing a portion of the outermost layer to reveal an exposed portion of the outer sheath; during or subsequent to terminating the flexible pipe body with the end fitting, providing at least a section of a first portion of a securing device radially around at least a re-covered region of said an exposed portion; and providing at least a section of a further portion of the securing device radially around a residual end region of the outermost layer proximate to said an exposed portion thereby providing support at a desired position to the outermost layer of the flexible pipe body.

Description

[0001] LAYER SUPPORT

[0002] The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for providing support at a desired position to an outermost layer of a flexible pipe and a flexible pipe assembly. In particular, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to supporting an outermost layer, that optionally is an abrasion resistant layer, of flexible pipe body at a desired position on a flexible pipe via a securing or supporting device.

[0003] Flexible pipes are widely used in the oil and gas industry in offshore applications for the transportation of oil, gas, water, or other fluids from one location to another. Flexible pipe is particularly useful in connecting sea-level supporting structures and subsea locations (which may be deep underwater, say 1000 metres or more), where the pipe may act as a riser. A flexible pipe is generally formed as an assembly of flexible pipe body and one or more end fittings. Flexible pipe body may have an internal diameter of typically up to around 0.6 metres (e.g. diameters may range from 0.05 m up to 0.6 m). Due to their location, flexible pipes are exposed to a range of challenging conditions that may have high pressures, seawater, high tensile strain, and corrosive environments. Flexible pipe body is therefore composed of several concentric polymeric, metallic, and / or composite layers. For example, pipe body may include polymer and metal layers, or polymer and composite layers, or polymer, metal and composite layers. Layers may be formed from a single piece such as an extruded tube or by helically winding one or more wires at a desired pitch or by connecting together multiple discrete hoops that are arranged concentrically side-by-side. Depending upon the layers of the flexible pipe used and the type of flexible pipe some of the pipe layers may be bonded together or remain unbonded. The polymeric layers generally provide sealing from fluid ingress and the metallic layers structural rigidity.

[0004] Some flexible pipes have been used for deep water (less than 3,300 feet (1 ,005.84 metres)) and ultra-deep water (greater than 3,300 feet) developments. It is the increasing demand for oil which is causing exploration to occur at greater and greater depths (for example in excess of 8202 feet (2500 metres)) where environmental factors are more extreme. For example, in such deep and ultra-deep water environments, ocean floor temperature increases the risk of production fluids cooling to a temperature that may lead to pipe blockage. In practice, flexible pipes are conventionally designed to perform at operating temperatures of -30°C to +130°C and pipe body are being developed for even more extreme temperatures. Increased depths also increase the pressure associated with the environment in which the flexible pipe must operate. For example, a flexible pipe may be required to operate with external pressures ranging from 0.1 MPa to 30 MPa acting on the pipe. Equally, transporting oil, gas or water may well give rise to high pressures acting on the flexible pipe from within, for example with internal pressures ranging from zero to 140 MPa from bore fluid acting on the pipe. As a result, the need for high levels of performance and environmental resilience from certain layers such as a pipe carcass or a pressure armour or a tensile armour layer of the flexible pipe body is increased. It is noted for the sake of completeness that flexible pipe may also be used for shallow water applications (for example less than around 500 metres depth) or even for shore (overland) applications.

[0005] The innermost layers of flexible pipe body often include an inner sheath which can be an extruded non-porous polymer layer that confines a bore fluid to its internal circumference, and often a carcass, a spirally wound interlocking metal structure which forms the very innermost layer. The carcass prevents the collapse of the inner liner and also protects the liner from abrasive particles. When a carcass layer is present in the flexible pipe body, the inner sheath is referred to as a barrier layer. When a carcass layer is not present in the flexible pipe body, the inner sheath is referred to as a liner.

[0006] The outermost sealed or fluid tight layer of a flexible pipe is typically the outer sheath, an extruded non-porous polymer layer that protects the pipe’s structural elements from the environment around the flexible pipe and prevents the ingress of seawater. A flexible pipe can however include additional layers located radially outside of the other sheath. These additional layers can for example include insulation layers and / or an outermost protective layer that often helps protect the outer sheath (and any insulation layers) from abrasion related damage due to contact with rough or sharp substances in the environment. The layers that are disposed radially outside of the outer sheath are typically not sealed (or fluid tight) in order to reduce the axial compression experienced by a flexible pipe in use.

[0007] For some flexible pipes that include intermediate polymer layers flexible pipe body may include multiple annuli. For many flexible pipes though only an outer and an inner polymer layer is included. A single annulus of such a flexible pipe is thus provided as a region between the innermost fluid containing layer and the outermost fluid containing layer. The innermost layers in the annulus region are pressure armour layers, which are made of helically wound flattened metallic wires arranged at a lay angle close to 90°. Neighbouring wound wires in the pressure armour layer interlock to control the gap between windings. Pressure armour is designed to withstand hoop stress in the pipe wall, which is caused by the bore fluid pressure. Pairs of tensile armour layers are also located in the annulus, and these are cross-wound radially outside the pressure armour layer. Tensile armour layers are often made of slightly flattened rectangular metallic wires arranged at a lay angle of about 30 - 55°. Tensile armour layers support the weight of all internal pipe layers and transfer the resulting tensile stress to the sealevel supporting structures. The annulus may also have other layers such as anti-wear and anti-birdcaging tapes, and thermally insulating layers. Carbon steel wires in the annulus are thus often a feature of flexible pipes for subsea environments.

[0008] Conventionally in the end fitting, flexible pipe body is typically terminated by sealing and securing ends of polymer or composite layers and securing any pressure armour windings and securing the tensile armour wires. The annulus which extends along the flexible pipe body segment thus extends into a region within the end fitting. In configurations where two flexible pipes are joined end-to-end to form a pipeline there is no fluid connection between the annulus in one flexible pipe and the annulus in the other flexible pipe.

[0009] T raditionally flexible pipe is utilised to transport production fluids, such as oil and / or gas and / or water, from one location to another. Flexible pipe is particularly useful in connecting a sub-sea location to a sea level location. Flexible pipe is generally formed as an assembly of a portion of flexible pipe body and one or more end fittings. The pipe body is typically formed as a composite of layered materials that form a pressure containing conduit. The pipe structure allows large deflections without causing bending stresses that impair the pipe's functionality over its lifetime. The pipe body is generally built up as a composite structure including metallic and polymer layers.

[0010] The end fittings of a flexible pipe may be used for connecting segments of flexible pipe together or for connecting them to terminal equipment such as a rigid sub-sea structures or floating facilities. As such amongst other varied uses, flexible pipe can be used to provide a riser assembly for transporting fluids from a sub-sea flow line to a floating structure. In such a riser assembly a first segment of flexible pipe may be connected to one or more further segments of flexible pipe. Each segment of flexible pipe includes at least one end fitting. It is well-known that there are many varied problems associated with the provision of end fittings for ends of flexible pipe body. The end fittings must ensure both good fastening and good sealing. Particular problems occur when the various specific layers of the multi layer flexible pipe body are terminated. The flexible pipe body may include layers having very different material characteristics such as single polymer layers and / or interlocked metallic layers. The termination of each of these layers in an end fitting brings with it characteristic problems. For example, flexible pipe body typically includes a barrier layer formed generally as a polymer sheath or pressure sheath. Such a layer operates as a primary liquid retaining layer. To prevent rupture of such a layer or indeed any underlying layer under high pressure caused by the pressure of the transported fluid, an interlocked wire layer is often located outside the barrier layer. Armour layers formed by layers of wire may also be provided to sustain tensile loads and internal pressure. If a pressure armour layer is not supported along its length, it is possible for portions of the barrier layer or other such underlying layer to burst through under pressure and cause failure of the terminating structure.

[0011] Additionally, problems relating to flexible pipe layers disposed radially outside of the outer sheath are known. As these layers often comprise insulation layers and may not necessarily be sealed or fluid tight, and these layers may not be terminated in the end fitting as the other pipe body layers sometimes are. In fact in order to terminate a segment of flexible pipe in an end fitting, it is typically necessary to cut or trim these external layers back at respective longitudinal positions so that the components of the end fitting, such as the end fitting jacket, can be slid over the outer sheath and also so that the outer sheath can be accessed for termination (via sealing rings or the like). While this assists in keeping the physical size of the end fitting components from being excessively large and heavy, this often leaves an exposed portion of the outer sheath that is prone to damage as there is no protective layer disposed radially around this portion, and this same section of pipe body often does not benefit from the thermal insulation pipe layers radially outside the outer sheath. Consequences may be that a breach or any damage to the outer sheath of a flexible pipe can drastically reduce the fatigue life of a flexible pipe and can be costly and time consuming to repair. Similarly bore fluids may solidify and block the pipe at the location in the pipe body where there is reduced insulation cover.

[0012] T o mitigate these consequences, sometimes the exposed region of a flexible pipe outer sheath is covered with a protective cover after the flexible pipe is terminated in an end fitting, the cover spanning the distance between the end fitting and an outermost protective layer of the flexible pipe. However, it is known that in use the outermost protective and / or insulating layers can slip or slide axially along part of the length of a flexible pipe thereby revealing further exposed regions of the outer sheath. This may particularly be an issue if the outermost protective and / or insulating layers of a flexible pipe is not sealed or fluid tight, meaning that these layers are typically not secured to or supported on any particular part of the flexible pipe.

[0013] It is an aim of the present invention to at least partly mitigate the above-mentioned problems. It is an aim of certain embodiments of the present invention to provide a securing device to secure an outermost layer of a flexible pipe (that is disposed outside of a flexible pipe outer sheath) to the flexible pipe.

[0014] It is an aim of certain embodiments of the present invention to secure an outermost layer, that optionally is an outermost protective layer disposed radially around a flexible pipe outer sheath, to an end fitting.

[0015] It is an aim of certain embodiments of the present invention to secure an outermost layer of a flexible pipe to a flexible pipe outer sheath.

[0016] It is an aim of certain embodiments of the present invention to provide a securing device around a region of flexible pipe body during or subsequent to terminating the segment of flexible pipe body in an end fitting.

[0017] It is an aim of certain embodiments of the present invention to fix an outermost layer of flexible pipe body that is not otherwise terminated via an end fitting in place to stop that outer most layer (and any other layers also not fully terminated, such as insulation layers) sliding away from an end fitting during use.

[0018] According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of providing support at a desired position to an outermost layer of a flexible pipe, comprising the steps of: prior to or during terminating flexible pipe body, that comprises an outer sheath and an outermost layer that is coaxial with and radially surrounds the outer sheath, with an end fitting, removing a portion of the outermost layer to reveal an exposed portion of the outer sheath; during or subsequent to terminating the flexible pipe body with the end fitting, providing at least a section of a first portion of a securing device radially around at least a re-covered region of said an exposed portion; and providing at least a section of a further portion of the securing device radially around a residual end region of the outermost layer proximate to said an exposed portion thereby providing support at a desired position to the outermost layer of the flexible pipe body.

[0019] Aptly the outermost layer is not terminated in an end fitting.

[0020] Aptly the outermost layer is not a fluid tight layer.

[0021] Aptly the outermost layer is not a fluid retaining layer.

[0022] Aptly the outermost sleeve is a protective sleeve.

[0023] Aptly at least one insulation layer is disposed between the outer sheath and the protective sleeve.

[0024] Aptly the method further comprises, during or subsequent to providing at least a section of the further portion radially around the residual end region, urging a radially inner facing securing surface of the further portion against a radially outer surface of the residual end region.

[0025] Aptly the method further comprises, during or prior to providing at least a section of the first portion radially around at least the re-covered region, wedging a tapered neck portion of a first collar member between the outermost layer, at the residual end region, and at least one insulation layer, of the flexible pipe body, that is disposed between the outer sheath and the outermost layer.

[0026] Aptly the method further comprises wedging the tapered neck portion between the outermost layer and the insulation layer via arranging an inner surface of the outermost layer at the residual end region over a tapered drive surface of the tapered neck portion thereby flaring the residual end region radially outwardly.

[0027] Aptly the method further comprises, during urging the securing surface against the outer surface of the residual end region, clamping the residual end region between the securing surface and the tapered neck portion. Aptly the method further comprises, during urging the securing surface against the outer surface of the residual end region, clamping the residual end region between the securing surface, that is oblique with respect to a longitudinal axis of the flexible pipe, and the drive surface.

[0028] Aptly the method further comprises urging the securing surface against the radially outer surface of the residual end region via providing at least a section of a securing body, that comprises the securing surface, of the further portion at least partly over the first portion.

[0029] Aptly the method further comprises urging the securing surface against the radially outer surface of the residual end region via urging a deformable portion of a further collar, that comprises the securing surface and is arranged radially around the residual end region, against a radially inner tapered surface region of the further portion thereby urging the deformable portion radially inwardly.

[0030] Aptly the method further comprises, during urging the deformable portion against the tapered surface region, securing a first annular body of the first portion that is located at a first end region of the first portion distal to said an exposed portion, to a further annular body of the further portion that comprises the inner tapered surface region.

[0031] Aptly the method further comprises, during or subsequent to providing at least a section of the first portion radially around at least the re-covered region, securing the first portion and / or the further portion to the end fitting.

[0032] Aptly the method further comprises securing the first portion and / or the further portion to the end fitting via providing a still further collar member radially around at least a section of a jacket of the end fitting; and securing a further end region of the first portion and / or an end region of the further portion to the still further collar member.

[0033] Aptly the method further comprises providing at least a section of a first portion of a securing device radially around at least a re-covered region of said an exposed portion comprises securing a radially inner surface of the first portion to said an exposed region via an interference fit. According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided apparatus for providing support at a desired position to an outermost layer of a flexible pipe, comprising: a securing device comprising a first portion that comprises a through passageway that extends from a first end of the first portion to a further end of the first portion, and in which at least a re-covered region of an exposed portion of an outer sheath of a flexible pipe is locatable, and a further portion comprising a radially inner facing securing surface, a section of the further portion being at least partly locatable radially around a residual end region of an outermost layer of the flexible pipe that radially surrounds a covered portion of the outer sheath; wherein the first portion is couplable to or integrally formed with the further portion.

[0034] Aptly the outermost layer is not terminated in an end fitting.

[0035] Aptly the outermost layer is not a fluid tight layer.

[0036] Aptly the outermost layer is not a fluid retaining layer.

[0037] Aptly the outermost sleeve is a protective sleeve.

[0038] Aptly the apparatus further comprises at least one insulation layer is disposed between the outer sheath and the protective sleeve.

[0039] Aptly the apparatus further comprises a securing body of the further portion comprising a tubular region, at least a section of which is locatable radially around the first portion, and a conical region that comprises the securing surface, the securing surface being oblique with respect to a longitudinal axis of the through passageway.

[0040] Aptly the apparatus further comprises a first collar member that comprises a body portion and a tapered neck portion that is locatable between a radially inner surface of the residual end region and at least one insulation layer, the tapered neck region having a tapered drive surface that is oblique with respect to the longitudinal axis.

[0041] Aptly the apparatus further comprises a further collar member of the further portion comprising a deformable portion that comprises the securing surface. Aptly the apparatus further comprises a radially inner facing tapered surface region of the further portion that is urgable against the deformable portion to urge the deformable portion radially inwardly.

[0042] Aptly the apparatus further comprises a still further collar member disposed at an end region of the securing device and that is securable to an end fitting of the flexible pipe.

[0043] Aptly the apparatus further comprises a conical body of the first body portion that extends between the first collar member that is located at the further end of the first body portion, and proximate to a widened region of the conical body, and a first annular body that is located at the first end of the first portion and proximate to a narrowed region of the conical body, wherein the first collar member and the first annular body are connected via at least one elongate element that extends through the conical body.

[0044] According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a segment of flexible pipe body comprising an inner fluid retaining layer, an outer sheath that is coaxial with and disposed radially outside of the inner fluid retaining layer and that comprises an exposed portion proximate to at least one terminal end of the flexible pipe body, and an outermost layer that is coaxial with and radially surrounds a covered portion of the outer sheath; an end fitting disposed at the terminal end of the flexible pipe body; and a securing device comprising a first portion that is at least partly disposed radially around at least a re-covered region of an exposed portion of the outer sheath and a further portion that is at least partly disposed radially around a residual end region of the outermost layer.

[0045] Aptly the outermost layer is not terminated in an end fitting.

[0046] Aptly the outermost layer is not a fluid tight layer.

[0047] Aptly the outermost layer is not a fluid retaining layer.

[0048] Aptly the outermost sleeve is a protective sleeve.

[0049] Aptly the segment of flexible pipe body further comprises at least one insulation layer is disposed between the outer sheath and the protective sleeve. According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of providing support at a desired position to an outermost layer of a flexible pipe which is not terminated in an end fitting, comprising the steps of: prior to or during terminating flexible pipe body, that comprises an outer sheath and an outermost layer that is coaxial with and radially surrounds the outer sheath, with an end fitting, removing a portion of the outermost layer to reveal an exposed portion of the outer sheath; during or subsequent to terminating the flexible pipe body with the end fitting, providing at least a section of a first portion of a securing device radially around at least a re-covered region of said an exposed portion; and providing at least a section of a further portion of the securing device radially around a residual end region of the outermost layer proximate to said an exposed portion thereby providing support at a desired position to the outermost layer of the flexible pipe body.

[0050] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided apparatus for providing support at a desired position to an outermost layer of a flexible pipe which is not terminated in an end fitting, comprising: a securing device comprising a first portion that comprises a through passageway that extends from a first end of the first portion to a further end of the first portion, and in which at least a re-covered region of an exposed portion of an outer sheath of a flexible pipe is locatable, and a further portion comprising a radially inner facing securing surface, a section of the further portion being at least partly locatable radially around a residual end region of an outermost layer of the flexible pipe that radially surrounds a covered portion of the outer sheath; wherein the first portion is couplable to or integrally formed with the further portion.

[0051] According to a sixth aspect of the present invention there is provided a segment of flexible pipe body comprising an inner fluid retaining layer, an outer sheath that is coaxial with and disposed radially outside of the inner fluid retaining layer and that comprises an exposed portion proximate to at least one terminal end of the flexible pipe body, and an outermost layer that is coaxial with and radially surrounds a covered portion of the outer sheath and is not terminated in an end fitting; an end fitting disposed at the terminal end of the flexible pipe body; and a securing device comprising a first portion that is at least partly disposed radially around at least a re-covered region of an exposed portion of the outer sheath and a further portion that is at least partly disposed radially around a residual end region of the outermost layer. Certain embodiments of the present invention provide an outermost layer, that optionally is an outermost protective layer located radially around a flexible pipe outer sheath, of a flexible pipe that is secured to an end fitting of the flexible pipe.

[0052] Certain embodiments of the present invention provide an outermost layer, that optionally is an outermost protective layer located radially around a flexible pipe outer sheath, that is supported at a desired position on a flexible pipe and is thereby resistant to slippage.

[0053] Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a flexible pipe that is protected from abrasive damage along its length.

[0054] Certain embodiments of the present invention provide an outermost layer, that optionally is an outermost protective layer located radially around a flexible pipe outer sheath, that is secured to the outer sheath.

[0055] Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a securing device for securing an outermost layer of a flexible pipe at a desired position of the flexible pipe.

[0056] Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a method of securing an outermost layer, that optionally is an outermost protective layer located radially around a flexible pipe outer sheath, to the remainder of the flexible pipe during or subsequent to terminating flexible pipe body in an end fitting.

[0057] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described hereinafter, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0058] Figure 1 illustrates flexible pipe body;

[0059] Figure 2 illustrates certain uses of a flexible pipe;

[0060] Figure 3 illustrates an end of a flexible pipe where flexible pipe body is terminated in an end fitting and two end fittings are shown in a back-to-back configuration;

[0061] Figure 4 illustrates a segment of flexible pipe body that includes an outermost layer and an insulation layer radially outside of an outer sheath and underneath the outermost layer; Figure 5 illustrates a securing device that secures an outermost layer of a flexible pipe to an end fitting of the flexible pipe;

[0062] Figure 6A illustrates the securing device of Figure 5 in more detail;

[0063] Figure 6B illustrates parts of the securing device of Figures 5 and 6A in greater detail;

[0064] Figure 7 illustrates an alternative securing device that secures an outermost layer of the flexible pipe to an end fitting of the flexible pipe;

[0065] Figure 8A illustrates a first step of how an outermost layer can be supported at a desired location of a flexible pipe using the securing device of Figures 5, 6A and 6B;

[0066] Figure 8B illustrates a second step of how an outermost layer can be supported at a desired location of a flexible pipe using the securing device of Figures 5, 6A and 6B;

[0067] Figure 8C illustrates a third step of how an outermost layer can be supported at a desired location of a flexible pipe using the securing device of Figures 5, 6A and 6B;

[0068] Figure 8D illustrates a fourth step of how an outermost layer can be supported at a desired location of a flexible pipe using the securing device of Figures 5, 6A and 6B;

[0069] Figure 8E illustrates a fifth step of how an outermost layer can be supported at a desired location of a flexible pipe using the securing device of Figures 5, 6A and 6B;

[0070] Figure 8F illustrates a sixth step of how an outermost layer can be supported at a desired location of a flexible pipe using the securing device of Figures 5, 6A and 6B;

[0071] Figure 8G illustrates a seventh step of how an outermost layer can be supported at a desired location of a flexible pipe using the securing device of Figures 5, 6A and 6B;

[0072] Figure 9A illustrates a first step of an alternative on how an outermost layer can be supported at a desired location of a flexible pipe using the alternative securing device shown in Figure 7; Figure 9B illustrates a second step of how an outermost layer can be supported at a desired location of a flexible pipe using the securing device of Figure 7;

[0073] Figure 9C illustrates a third step of how an outermost layer can be supported at a desired location of a flexible pipe using the securing device of Figure 7;

[0074] Figure 9D illustrates a fourth step of how an outermost layer can be supported at a desired location of a flexible pipe using the securing device of Figure 7;

[0075] Figure 9E illustrates a fifth step of how an outermost layer can be supported at a desired location of a flexible pipe using the securing device of Figure 7;

[0076] Figure 9F illustrates a sixth step of how an outermost layer can be supported at a desired location of a flexible pipe using the securing device of Figure 7;

[0077] Figure 9G illustrates a seventh step of how an outermost layer can be supported at a desired location of a flexible pipe using the securing device of Figure 7;

[0078] Figure 9H illustrates an eighth step of how an outermost layer can be supported at a desired location of a flexible pipe using the securing device of Figure 7;

[0079] Figure 10A illustrates a first step of an alternative on how an outermost layer can be supported at a desired location of a flexible pipe using an oversized end fitting;

[0080] Figure 10B illustrates a second step of how an outermost layer can be supported at a desired location of a flexible pipe using an oversized end fitting;

[0081] Figure 10C illustrates a third step of how an outermost layer can be supported at a desired location of a flexible pipe using an oversized end fitting;

[0082] Figure 11 illustrates a still further alternative securing device that can be used to secure an outermost layer of a flexible pipe to an outer sheath of the flexible pipe;

[0083] Figure 12 illustrates the securing device of Figure 11 in more detail; Figure 13A illustrates a first step of an alternative on how an outermost layer can be supported at a desired location of a flexible pipe using the securing device illustrated in Figures 11 and 12;

[0084] Figure 13B illustrates a second step of how an outermost layer can be supported at a desired location of a flexible pipe using the securing device of Figures 11 and 12;

[0085] Figure 13C illustrates a third step of how an outermost layer can be supported at a desired location of a flexible pipe using the securing device of Figures 11 and 12;

[0086] Figure 13D illustrates a fourth step of how an outermost layer can be supported at a desired location of a flexible pipe using the securing device of Figures 11 and 12;

[0087] Figure 13E illustrates a fifth step of how an outermost layer can be supported at a desired location of a flexible pipe using the securing device of Figures 11 and 12; and

[0088] Figure 13F illustrates a sixth step of how an outermost layer can be supported at a desired location of a flexible pipe using the securing device of Figures 11 and 12;

[0089] In the drawings like reference numerals refer to like parts.

[0090] Throughout this description, reference will be made to a flexible pipe. It is to be appreciated that certain embodiments of the present invention are applicable to use with a wide variety of flexible pipe. For example, certain embodiments of the present invention can be used with respect to flexible pipe body and associated end fittings of the type which is manufactured according to API 17J. Such flexible pipe is often referred to as unbonded flexible pipe. Other embodiments are associated with other types of flexible pipe.

[0091] It will be understood that the illustrated flexible pipes are an assembly of a portion of flexible pipe body and one or more end fittings in each of which a respective end of the pipe body is terminated. Figure 1 illustrates how pipe body 100 is formed from a combination of layered materials that form a pressure-containing conduit. Although a number of particular layers are illustrated in Figure 1 , it is to be understood that certain embodiments of the present invention are broadly applicable to coaxial pipe body structures including two or more layers manufactured from a variety of possible materials. The pipe body may include one or more layers comprising composite materials, forming a tubular composite layer. It is to be further noted that the layer thicknesses are shown for illustrative purposes only. As used herein, the term “composite” is used to broadly refer to a material that is formed from two or more different materials, for example a material formed from a matrix material and reinforcement fibres.

[0092] A tubular composite layer is thus a layer having a generally tubular shape formed of composite material. Alternatively, a tubular composite layer is a layer having a generally tubular shape formed from multiple components one or more of which is formed of a composite material. The layer or any element of the composite layer may be manufactured via an extrusion, pultrusion or deposition process, or by a winding process in which adjacent windings of tape which themselves have a composite structure are consolidated together with adjacent windings. The composite material, regardless of manufacturing technique used, may optionally include a matrix or body of material having a first characteristic in which further elements having different physical characteristics are embedded. That is to say elongate fibres which are aligned to some extent or smaller fibres randomly orientated can be set into a main body or spheres or other regular or irregular shaped particles can be embedded in a matrix material, or a combination of more than one of the above. Aptly the matrix material is a thermoplastic material, aptly the thermoplastic material is polyethylene or polypropylene or nylon or PVC or PVDF or PFA or PEEK or PTFE or alloys of such materials with reinforcing fibres manufactured from one or more of glass, ceramic, basalt, carbon, carbon nanotubes, polyester, nylon, aramid, steel, nickel alloy, titanium alloy, aluminium alloy or the like or fillers manufactured from glass, ceramic, carbon, metals, buckminsterfullerenes, metal silicates, carbides, carbonates, oxides or the like.

[0093] The pipe body 100 illustrated in Figure 1 includes an internal pressure sheath 110 which acts as a fluid retaining layer and comprises a polymer layer that ensures internal fluid integrity. The layer provides a boundary for any conveyed fluid. It is to be understood that this layer may itself comprise a number of sub-layers. It will be appreciated that when a carcass layer 120 is utilised the internal pressure sheath is often referred to by those skilled in the art as a barrier layer. In operation without such a carcass (so-called smooth bore operation) the internal pressure sheath may be referred to as a liner. A barrier layer 110 is illustrated in Figure 1. It is noted that a carcass layer 120 is a pressure resistant layer that provides an interlocked construction that can be used as the innermost layer to prevent, totally or partially, collapse of the internal pressure sheath 110 due to pipe decompression, external pressure, and tensile armour pressure and mechanical crushing loads. The carcass is a crush resistant layer. It will be appreciated that certain embodiments of the present invention are thus applicable to ‘rough bore’ applications (with a carcass). Aptly the carcass layer is a metallic layer. Aptly the carcass layer is formed from stainless steel, corrosion resistant nickel alloy or the like. Aptly the carcass layer is formed from a composite, polymer, or other material, or a combination of materials and components. The carcass layer is usually radially positioned within the barrier layer.

[0094] The carcass layer is a “layer” in the sense that a radially innermost and outermost surface are created in single pass at a single manufacturing node. The single manufacturing node may include multiple tape handling sections axially close together so that they are effectively a single node. The node aptly extends over an axial distance of less than 2.5m. Aptly the node has a length of 1m or less.

[0095] The pipe body includes a pressure armour layer 130 that is a pressure resistant layer that provides a structural layer that increases the resistance of the flexible pipe to internal and external pressure and mechanical crushing loads. The layer also structurally supports the internal pressure sheath. Aptly as illustrated in Figure 1 the pressure armour layer is formed as a tubular layer. Aptly for unbonded type flexible pipe the pressure armour layer consists of an interlocked construction of wires with a lay angle close to 90°. Aptly in this case the pressure armour layer is a metallic layer. Aptly the pressure armour layer is formed from carbon steel, aluminium alloy, stainless steel or the like. Aptly the pressure armour layer is formed from a pultruded composite interlocking layer. Aptly the pressure armour layer is formed from a composite formed by extrusion or pultrusion or deposition. A pressure armour layer is positioned radially outside an underlying barrier layer.

[0096] The flexible pipe body illustrated also includes a first tensile armour layer 140 and second tensile armour layer 150. Each tensile armour layer is used to sustain tensile loads and optionally also internal pressure. Aptly for some flexible pipes the tensile armour windings are metal (for example steel, stainless steel or titanium or the like). For some composite flexible pipes the tensile armour windings may be polymer composite tape windings (for example provided with either thermoplastic, for instance nylon, matrix composite or thermoset, for instance epoxy, matrix composite). For unbonded flexible pipe the tensile armour layer is formed from a plurality of wires (to impart strength to the layer) that are located over an inner layer and are helically wound along the length of the pipe at a lay angle typically between about 10° to 55°. Aptly the tensile armour layers are counter-wound in pairs. Aptly the tensile armour layers are metallic layers. Aptly the tensile armour layers are formed from carbon steel, stainless steel, titanium alloy, aluminium alloy or the like. Aptly the tensile armour layers have a microstructure that consists of orientated lamellae. Aptly the tensile armour layers are formed from a composite, polymer, or other material, or a combination of materials.

[0097] Aptly the flexible pipe body includes optional layers of tape 160 which help contain underlying layers and to some extent prevent abrasion between adjacent layers. A tape layer may optionally be a polymer or composite or a combination of materials, also optionally comprising a tubular composite layer. Tape layers can be used to help prevent metal-to-metal contact to help prevent wear. Tape layers over tensile armours can also help prevent “birdcaging” of the tensile armour wires.

[0098] The flexible pipe body also includes optional inner layers of insulation 165 and an outer sheath 170, which comprises a polymer layer used to protect the pipe against penetration of seawater and other external environments, corrosion, abrasion and mechanical damage. Any thermal insulation layer helps limit heat loss through the pipe wall to the surrounding environment. An annulus 180 is a region associated with the space between the internal pressure sheath 110 and the outer sheath 170. In other words, in the flexible pipe body illustrated in Figure 1 , the pressure armour layer 130, the first tensile armour layer 140, the further tensile armour layer 150, the optional layers of tape 160, and the optional layers of insulation 165 are located in the annulus region 180. It will be appreciated that in some embodiments, the annulus region 180 may contain any or none of the layers present in the flexible pipe body illustrated in Figure 1.

[0099] Figure 1 helps illustrate how layers of insulation 185 may be provided outside the outer sheath 170 and an abrasion protector layer 190 coaxial with the outer sheath 170 forms the very outermost layer.

[0100] It will be appreciated that the outer sheath 170 provides the radially outer most fluidly sealed layer and the abrasion protector layer 190 is the radially outermost layer. An outermost layer of the flexible pipe body may optionally be provided by other layers that each may serve a respective purpose.

[0101] The flexible pipe comprises at least one portion, referred to as a segment or section, of flexible pipe body 100 together with an end fitting located at least one end of the flexible pipe. A respective end fitting may be used to terminate each end of the flexible pipe body. An end fitting provides a mechanical device which forms the transition between the flexible pipe body and a connector. The different pipe layers as shown, for example, in Figure 1 are terminated in the end fitting in such a way as to transfer the load between the flexible pipe and the connector.

[0102] Figure 2 illustrates a riser assembly 200 suitable for transporting production fluid such as oil and / or gas and / or water from a sub-sea location 221 to a floating facility 222. For example, in Figure 2 the sub-sea location 221 includes a sub-sea flow line 225. The flexible flow line 225 comprises a flexible pipe, wholly or in part, resting on the sea floor 230 or buried below the sea floor and used in a static application. The floating facility may be provided by a platform and / or buoy or, as illustrated in Figure 2, a ship. The riser assembly 200 is provided as a flexible riser, that is to say a flexible pipe 240 connecting the ship to the sea floor installation. The flexible pipe may be in segments of flexible pipe body with connecting end fittings.

[0103] It will be appreciated that there are different types of riser, as is well-known by those skilled in the art. Certain embodiments of the present invention may be used with any type of riser, such as a freely suspended (free-hanging, catenary riser), a riser restrained to some extent (buoys, chains), totally restrained riser or enclosed in a tube (I or J tubes). Some, though not all, examples of such configurations can be found in API 17J. Figure 2 also illustrates how portions of flexible pipe can be utilised as a jumper 250.

[0104] Figure 3 illustrates a first (left-most in Figure 3) end fitting 300i and a further (right-most) end fitting 3002 arranged in a back-to-back arrangement. The first end fitting 300i terminates a respective end of a first segment of flexible pipe body 100i and the further end fitting 3002 terminates a respective end of a further segment of flexible pipe body IOO2. It will be understood that a still further end fitting may terminate a remaining end of the first segment of flexible pipe body 100i or a remaining end of the further segment of flexible pipe body IOO2. The end fittings 300i, 3002 are connected together via respective connector flanges 310i, 3102. These are bolted together via bolts (not shown in Figure 3) and have matching seal ring grooves on opposing flange faces.

[0105] Each end fitting 300 further includes a central flange 320 spaced apart from the connector flange 310 via a neck region 330. An outer jacket 340 is secured to the central flange and an outer collar 350 is secured to the jacket 340 and seals against an outer surface of an outer sheath 170 of the flexible pipe body 100 via at least one seal ring. A radially innermost surface of the jacket 340 is spaced apart from a radially outer surface of a generally cylindrical but slightly flared outwards end of an elongate end fitting body 360 of the end fitting. An open mouth 365 of the end fitting body faces associated the segment of flexible pipe body. Tensile armour wires are terminated in the tapered space between the outer casing and the end fitting body. Aptly epoxy is located in the tapered space to entomb the ends of the tensile armour wires. The end fitting 300 is associated with a central longitudinal axis A-A and the central longitudinal axis of each end fitting is aligned along a common line when the end fittings are arranged in a back-to-back configuration. During use production fluids are transported along a bore provided by the barrier layer or liner of the flexible pipe body and the inner surface of each end fitting 300.

[0106] The end fittings 300i, 3002 illustrated in Figure 3 also each include a respective purge valves 370i, 3702. It will be appreciated the purge valves are fluidly connected to the annulus region of each respective flexible pipe via respective internal tubes 380i, 3802 that are not filled with epoxy and thus provide a fluid communication pathway of the end fittings that extends between respective purge valves and annulus regions of the flexible pipes.

[0107] Figure 4 helps further illustrate how flexible pipe body 100 of a flexible pipe can include further layers that are located outside of the outer sheath 170. It will be understood that Figure 4 only illustrates a portion 410 of a segment 415 of flexible pipe body 100 however it will be appreciated that the layers shown in Figure 4 may extend along at least most of the segment of flexible pipe body 415. It will also be understood that the segment 415 of flexible pipe body may be terminated in one or more end fittings. As shown in Figure 4, the segment 415 of flexible pipe body includes an outer sheath 170 and insulation layers 185 and an abrasion protector layer 190 radially outside the outer sheath 170.

[0108] Figure 4 shows how each of one or more insulation layers 185 radially surrounds the outer sheath. It will be appreciated that the outer sheath is coaxial with and arranged radially within the insulation layer 185. The insulation layer may instead be multiple insulation layers that may by arranged adjacent to each other or may be interspaced by other layers. The insulation layer may, for example, be made from a syntactic material comprising glass microspheres in a polypropylene matrix material. Other insulation materials may also be applied to flexible pipes. Insulation layers may be applied as helically wound tapes or as an extruded layer or the like. Aptly the segment 415 of flexible pipe body may not include an insulation layer. It should be noted that there may alternatively or also be at least one layer of insulation material introduced radially inside of the outer sheath 170 in the pipe body structure, that layer also optionally being radially outside the tensile armour layer 150.

[0109] An outermost layer 190 radially surrounds the at least one insulation layer 185 and is arranged coaxially with the outer sheath 170 and the insulation layer 185. The outermost layer 190 in Figure 4 is a protective outermost layer. The outermost layer in Figure 4 is a protective sleeve. The outermost layer in Figure 4 is an abrasion resistant layer or an abrasion protection layer. Aptly, the outermost layer may be any other suitable layer. The outermost layer 190 in Figure 4 is a polymeric layer. Aptly the outermost layer 190 may be made from any other suitable material. The outermost layer 190 may be an extruded layer or may be made via any other suitable manufacturing method, for instance helically wrapping of a tape.

[0110] It will be appreciated that the outer sheath 170 is the radially outermost sealed or fluid tight layer of the flexible pipe body 100. The outermost layer and the optional insulation layer / layers are not fluid tight / sealed. This allows for environmental pressure to be incident around the outer sheath 170 in use, for example in a subsea or underwater environment, which reduces axial compression of a flexible pipe due to the axial endcap effect and problems associated therewith.

[0111] Figure 5 illustrates how an outermost layer 190 of a segment of flexible pipe body 415 can be secured to an end fitting 300 of a flexible pipe via a securing device 520. It will be appreciated that the securing device 520 is an example of a supporting device that provides support to the outermost layer 190 at a desired position along the flexible pipe. It will be appreciated that the segment of flexible pipe body 415 illustrated in Figure 5 is substantially the same as the segment of flexible pipe body 415 illustrated in Figure 4 and thus includes all the layers of the flexible pipe body 100 illustrated in Figure 1. Alternatively, the flexible pipe may include more or fewer layers to those shown with respect to Figure 1. It will be appreciated that Figure 5 illustrates an example of a flexible pipe assembly 517 that includes the flexible pipe and the securing device 520.

[0112] Figure 5 illustrates how the securing device includes a generally conical main body 525, a first annular body 530 and a further annular body 535. The generally conical main body 525 may be made from a flexible or semi flexible material comprising a polymer. It will be understood that the flexible or semi flexible material may be a composite of polymer and filler particles or fibres; it may also or alternatively comprise a polymer alloy comprising more than one polymer material. Alternatively, the securing device 520 may comprise a sequence of annular ring elements of reducing outside diameter to provide the overall generally conical main body 525. It will be appreciated how the thickness of the generally conical main body 525 increases from a narrowed end (or narrowed region 540) at a first end 542 of the generally conical main body 525 to a widened end (or widened region 545) at a further end 547 of the conical main body 525. It will thus be appreciated how the generally conical main body 525 of the securing device 520 acts like a bend restricting element when arranged around a portion of the segment of flexible pipe body 415 and allows a relatively large degree of flex of the flexible pipe body 100 at the first (relatively narrow) end 542 of the generally conical main body 525 than at the further end 547 of the conical main body 525. The generally conical main body thus limits forces on, and local stress concentration in, the flexible pipe body, due to flexing of the flexible pipe body, at the transition between the flexible pipe body and the end fitting 300 and thus reduces a likelihood of damage to the flexible pipe at this transition region. Aptly, the generally conical main body 525 made be made from any other suitable material, for example a metallic material. Aptly a body that is not conical may be utilised instead of the generally conical main body 525.

[0113] As shown in Figure 5, the first annular body 530 is secured to be located at the first end of the generally conical main body 525. The first annular body 530 of Figure 5 is made from a substantially rigid material that may be a corrosion resistant or cathodically protected material. This material is optionally a metallic material. Aptly, the first annular body 530 may be made from any other suitable material such as a rigid composite material. The distal side of the first annular body 530 that is connected to the generally conical main body 525 is connected to the further annular body 535. The further annular body 535 is also made from a substantially rigid material that may be a corrosion resistant or cathodically protected material. This material is optionally a metallic material. Aptly the further annular body 535 may be made from any other suitable material such as a rigid composite material. Figure 5 also shows how the further end of generally conical main body 525 is secured to the end fitting 515 via a collar member 550. The collar member 550 is also made from a substantially rigid material that optionally is a metallic material. It will be appreciated that the collar member 550 may be secured to the end fitting via an interference fit (via being tightly fit around the end fitting jacket or a flange of the end fitting body) or by securing elements such as bolts and / or straps and / or the like. Aptly the collar member may be made from a deformable material.

[0114] Figure 6A illustrates the flexible pipe assembly 517 shown in Figure 5 in more detail. Figure 6A illustrates the generally conical main body 525 and the collar member 550 in cross section. Figure 6A helps illustrate how the securing device 520 is connected to the end fitting 300 via the collar member 550. Figure 6A shows how the collar member includes a stepped inner surface region 604 that provides a seat for the end of the end fitting 300 (that is most proximate to the flexible pipe body 100) to abut. A widened portion of the collar member 550 provided by the stepped region 604 thus radially surrounds a portion of the end fitting jacket 340 and is secured to the end fitting jacket 340 via an interference fit. Similarly, a portion of an outer surface of the collar member 550 is located within a cutaway region 612 of the generally conical main body 525. The collar member 550 and the generally conical main body 525 are secured via an interference fit between a radially inner surface of the cutaway region 612 and at least a portion of a radially outer surface of the collar member 550. Optionally, the collar member 550 and the generally conical main body 525 may not be secured via an interference fit. The collar member 550 may instead thus merely rest in the cutaway region and be secured by other mechanisms, for example via bolting or the like, or entirely via the cable arrangement described in the below few paragraphs.

[0115] Figure 6A also helps illustrate how the generally conical main body 525 includes a through passageway 616 that radially surrounds an exposed portion 620 of the outer sheath 170 of the flexible pipe body 510. It will be appreciated that the exposed portion 620 is a portion of the outer sheath 170 that is not covered by any other layers, such as insulation layers or an outermost layer or the like. It will be appreciated that the exposed portion 620 may be revealed by cutting away layers of the flexible pipe located radially outwardly of the outer sheath 170 over a portion of the segment of flexible pipe body 415 prior to arranging the generally conical main body 525 around the outer sheath 170.

[0116] Figure 6A illustrates how the first annular body 628 is secured at the first end 542 of the generally conical main body 525. As shown in Figure 6A, a plurality of cables 632 extend through the generally conical main body 525. It will be understood that the cables 632 are examples of elongate elements. Figure 6A illustrates two cables 632 extending through the conical body 525, one on either side of the through passageway 616. It will however be appreciated that any other number of cables 632 may be arranged to extend through the generally conical main body 525. The cables 632 illustrated in Figure 6A are flexible cables made from metallic material. Optionally the cables 632 are made from any other suitable material. Optionally the cables shown in Figure 6A may be substituted with threaded bars or other suitable metallic fasteners. Figure 6A illustrates how one respective terminal end of each of the cables 632 is connected to the collar member 550 (that is disposed at the further end 547 of the generally conical main body 525). A respective remaining end of each cable 632 is connected to the first annular body 530 (that is located at the first end 542 of the generally conical main body 525). The cables 632 thus secure the generally conical main body 525 between the collar member 550 and the first annular body 530. It will be appreciated that, as the cables 632 are flexible, the cables 632 allow the generally conical main body 525 to flex and thus permit the bend restricting / limiting function of the generally conical main body 525. That is to say that the generally conical main body 525 varies in its flexibility along its length (from the widened region to the narrowed region). Furthermore, as the first annular body 530 is not directly secured to the generally conical main body 525, but is instead connected to the cables 632, a degree of movement of the first annular body 530 relative to the generally conical main body 525 is permitted which helps allow the flexible pipe body 100 to flex proximate to the narrowed end of the generally conical main body 525 while reducing the stresses impaired on the securing device and / or the connection between the securing device the outermost layer 190 (described in more detail below). If the cables are substituted with metallic rods / bars or fasteners, the material of those may be chosen to provide a degree of elasticity which still permits a degree of increased movement at the narrow end of the conical main body 525.

[0117] As will be discussed in greater detail below, at least a section (that is to say at least some) of the generally conical main body 525 and the first annular body 530 radially surround at least a section (that is to say at least some) of the exposed portion 620. The generally conical main body and the first annular body thus form a first portion 636 of the securing / supporting device 520. The further annular body 535 radially surrounds at least a section (that is to say at least some) of the outermost layer 190 at an end region of the outermost layer 190. Thus, the further annular body 535 partly forms a further portion 640 of the securing / supporting device 520. It will be understood that the end region of the outermost layer 190 is a residual end region 644 that remains after the exposed region 620 of the outer sheath 170 is provided / revealed (for example, by cutting a previous end region of the outermost layer 190 away). Figure 6B illustrates the how the generally conical main body 525, the first annular body 530, the further annular body 535 and the outermost layer 190 of Figure 6 are secured in more detail. Figure 6B helps illustrate how the terminal end of the cables 632 that are connected to the first annular body 630 each include a rigid securing block (or fastener head) 645. Figure 6B helps illustrate how the first annular element includes a stepped through hole 648 for each cable 632. That is to say, for each of the cables that extend through the generally conical main body, a through hole is located through the first annular body 530 that includes a stepped inner surface. The stepped inner surface provides a securing seat 652 against which the rigid securing blocks abut to thereby secure the cables 632 to the first annular body 530. It will be appreciated that the cables are each fed through a respective stepped through hole until each rigid securing block 644 abuts against each securing seat 652. The cables are then passed through respective cable housing through holes that extend though the generally conical main body 525 and a remaining end of each cable 632 is then connected to the collar member 550 to secure the first annular body 530, the generally conical main body 525 and the collar member 550 together. Figure 6B also helps illustrate how the first annular body 530 radially surrounds an end region of the exposed portion 620 of the outer sheath 170.

[0118] Figure 6B also illustrates how the further annular body radially surrounds the residual end region 644 of the outermost layer 190. Figure 6B illustrates how the inner diameter of the first annular body 530 is smaller than the inner dimeter of the further annular body 535 so that the first annular body fits radially around the exposed portion 620 and the further annular body fits radially around the outermost layer 190. The further annular body 535 includes a through hole 656 for receiving a bolt 660 that is an example of a securing element. Although only one through hole 656 is shown in Figure 6B, it will be understood that many through holes may be provided in the further annular body 535. Figure 6B shows how, for each through hole 656, a blind hole 664 is arranged at a corresponding position in the first annular body 530 for receiving an end region of a respective bolt 660. Thus, the first annular body 530 and the further annular body 535 are securable via bolts 660, or by other suitable securing elements.

[0119] Figure 6B shows how a securing collar member 668 is located between the further annular body 535 and the residual end region 644 of the outermost layer 190. The securing collar of Figure 6B is made from a deformable material, optionally a corrosion resistant metal or the like. Optionally the outer collar may be made from a rigid material or a semi-rigid material. Aptly any other suitable material may instead be utilised to make the securing collar member 668. The securing collar member 668 includes a deformable portion 672. The deformable portion 672 includes a gripping surface or securing surface 676, for example an undulated or toothed surface, on a radially inner surface of the securing collar 668. Figure 6B also illustrates how the further annular body includes a radially inner tapered surface region 680 that is located radially around the deformable portion 672. It will be appreciated that, as the first annular body 530 and the further annular body 535 are secured, the radially inner tapered surface region 680 is urged against the deformable portion 672. The deformable portion 672 is thus urged radially inwardly and deforms radially inwardly such that the securing surface 676 grips and bites into the residual end region 644 of the outermost layer 190. The securing surface 676 thus acts to secure the outermost layer 190 to the further annular body 535. The respective securement of the outermost layer 190 to the further annular body 535, the further annular body 535 to the first annular body 530 (that is secured along with the generally conical main body 525 to the collar member 550 via the cables 632) and the collar member 550 to the end fitting 515 thus secured the outermost layer 190 to the end fitting 300 and supports the outermost layer 190 at a desired position on the flexible pipe.

[0120] Figure 6B also shows how a reinforcing sleeve 684 can be arranged or driven beneath the outermost layer 190 at least at the residual end region 644. Aptly the reinforcing sleeve may comprise a reinforcing collar. The reinforcing sleeve 684 is made from a durable rigid material, that optionally is a corrosion resistant material, and prevents the deformable portion 672 from biting through the outermost layer 190. The reinforcing sleeve 684 provides a surface for the securing surface 676 to secure against. Aptly no reinforcing sleeve 684 is utilised. Figure 6B also shows how one or more insulation layers 185 may be arranged between the outer sheath 170 and the outer most layer 190 throughout, or partially throughout, a covered region 692 of the outer sheath 170. It will be appreciated that a covered region 692 of the outer sheath 170 is a region of the outer sheath that includes one or more layers radially around the outer sheath 170, for example the outermost layer 190 and / or one or more insulation layers 185.

[0121] It will be appreciated that the further annular body 535 and the securing collar member together form the further portion of the securing device.

[0122] Figure 7 illustrates a further flexible pipe assembly 700. Figure 7 helps illustrate another example of how an outermost layer 190 of a flexible pipe can be secured to an end fitting 300. Figure 7 shows a segment of flexible pipe body 415. The segment of flexible pipe body 415 is substantially the same as the segment of flexible pipe body described with respect to Figure 4. As shown in Figure 7, the flexible pipe body 100 includes an outer sheath 170 and an outermost layer 190 disposed radially around, and coaxial with, the outer sheath 170. At least one insulation layer 185 is disposed between the outer sheath 170 and the outermost layer 190. Figure 7 also shows how the outer sheath 170 includes an exposed portion 725, that is a portion of the outer sheath 170 that does not include any layers radially outwardly of the outer sheath 170. The outer sheath 170 also includes a covered portion 726, that is a portion of the outer sheath 170 around which further layers of the flexible pipe body 100, such as the outermost later 190 are radially arranged. The outermost layer 190 of the flexible pipe body 100 includes a residual end region 727 that is the end region of the outermost layer located proximate to the exposed portion 725 and is a remaining end region of the outermost layer left when a previous end region of the outermost layer 190 is removed to reveal the exposed portion.

[0123] Figure 7 illustrates how a tapered collar member 728 comprises a body portion 730 and a tapered neck portion 732 that extends away from the body portion 730. Figure 7 illustrates how the tapered neck portion 732 is wedged between an inner surface of the outermost layer 190 at the remaining end region 727 and an insulation layer 185. Optionally the tapered neck portion may be wedged between another other suitable layers, for example the outermost layer 190 and the outer sheath 170 if the flexible pipe body 100 does not include any insulation layers around the outer sheath. It will be appreciated that the outermost layer 190 may be heated prior to urging / wedging the tapered neck portion 732 between the outermost layer (at the residual end region 727) and the insulation layer 185 to help ease the tapered neck portion 732 beneath the outermost layer 190 and to help reduce the risk of splitting / damaging the outermost layer 190. As shown in Figure 7, wedging the tapered neck portion 732 between the outermost layer 190 and insulation layer 185 flares the residual end region radially outwards. It will be appreciated that the tapered neck portion 732 includes a tapered drive surface 734 on a radially outer surface of the tapered neck portion 732 over which the residual end region 727 extends and flares out. Figure 7B also illustrates how an optional inner spacer collar member 736 is disposed radially inside of the body portion 730 of the tapered collar member 728.

[0124] Figure 7 illustrates how an inner tubular body 738 is arranged radially around the exposed portion 725. The inner tubular body 738 forms a first portion 740 of a supporting device 742 that is an example of a securing device. The inner tubular body may be made from a metallic material or a polymeric material or any other suitable material.

[0125] A securing body 744 forms a further portion 746 of the securing device 742. As shown in Figure 7, the securing body includes a tubular portion 740 and a conical portion 750. At least a section (that is to say at least some) of the tubular portion 740 radially surrounds the inner tubular body 738. At least a section (that is to say at least some) of the conical portion 750 radially surrounds the residual end region 727 of the outermost layer 190. As shown in Figure 7, the conical portion 750 includes a radially inner tapered securing surface 752 that is oblique with respect to a longitudinal axis of the flexible pipe. The tapered drive surface 734 is also oblique with respect to the longitudinal axis of the flexible pipe and is angled to cooperate with the radially inner tapered securing surface 752. It will be appreciated that the radially inner tapered securing surface 752 is urged against an outer surface of the flared out outermost layer 190 at the residual end region 727 thereby clamping the residual end region 727 between the radially inner tapered securing surface 752 and the tapered drive surface 734 of the tapered neck portion of the tapered collar member.

[0126] Figure 7 illustrates how an end region of the securing body 744 distal to the conical portion 750, that is an end region of the further portion of the securing / supporting device, is secured to the end fitting 300 via a collar member 754. The collar member 754 extends radially around a region of the end fitting jacket 340 and is secured via an interference fit, or via bolts and the like. The collar member is located at least partly in a cutaway region 758 at the end region of the securing body 744, and is secured to the securing body 744 via an interference fit or via bolts or the like.

[0127] Figure 8A illustrates a first step s800 of how an outermost layer 802 can be supported at a desired location of a flexible pipe using the securing device 520 of Figures 5, 6A and 6B. Figure 8A illustrates how a segment of flexible pipe body 415 that includes an outermost layer 190 radially around an outer sheath 170. It will be appreciated that the segment of flexible pipe body 814 shown in Figure 8A is substantially the same as the flexible pipe body described with respect to Figure 4, and may include any of the layers of the flexible pipe body 100 described with respect to Figure 1.

[0128] Figure 8B illustrates a second step s810 of how an outermost layer 190 can be supported at a desired location of a flexible pipe using the securing device of Figures 5, 6A and 6B. Figure 8B illustrates how layers of the flexible pipe body 100 located radially outside of the outer sheath 170, including the outermost layer 190 and any insulation layers 185 are cut / trimmed to reveal / expose an exposed portion 620 of the outer sheath 170. Trimming / cutting the outermost layer also provides a residual end region 644 of the outermost layer that is a remaining and region subsequent to cutting / trimming.

[0129] Figure 8C illustrates a third step s820 of how an outermost layer 190 can be supported at a desired location of a flexible pipe using the securing device of Figures 5, 6A and 6B. Figure 8C illustrates how an end fitting jacket 340 can be slid over at least some of the exposed portion 620 of the outer sheath 170.

[0130] Figure 8D illustrates a fourth step s830 of how an outermost layer 190 can be supported at a desired location of a flexible pipe using the securing device of Figures 5, 6A and 6B. Figure 8D illustrates how an end fitting body 360 is provided at a terminal end of the flexible pipe body 100 while the end fitting jacket 340 is arranged radially around the exposed portion 620 of the outer sheath 170. It will be understood that some layers of the flexible pipe body, for example a pressure armour layer 130, may be terminated in the end fitting 300 during this step s830 radially within / beneath the end fitting body 360 and also tensile armours 140, 150 may be set around the outside of a portion of the end fitting body 360.

[0131] Figure 8E illustrates a fifth step s840 of how an outermost layer 190 can be supported at a desired location of a flexible pipe using the securing device of Figures 5, 6A and 6B. Figure 8E illustrates how the end fitting jacket 340 is slid up at least partially over the end fitting body 360 and is secured to a jacket securing flange 320 of the end fitting body 360. It will be understood that various layers of the flexible pipe body 100, for example the outer sheath 170, may be terminated during this step s840 radially within / beneath the end fitting jacket 340. As shown in Figure 8E, the now constructed end fitting 300 and the outermost layer 190, that optionally is an abrasion protective layer, are separated by the exposed portion 620 of the outer sheath 170. This separation is an Abrasion Gap wherein the outer sheath is susceptible to abrasion from external matter and associated damage.

[0132] Figure 8F illustrates a sixth step s850 of how an outermost layer 190 can be supported at a desired location of a flexible pipe using the securing device of Figures 5, 6A and 6B. As shown in Figure 8F, the further portion 640 of the securing device of Figures 5 and 6 (that includes the further annular body 535 and the securing collar member 668) is slid over the end fitting 300 and arranged over the residual end region 644 of the outermost layer 190. It will be understood that the inner diameter of the securing collar member 668 of Figures 5, 6A and 6B, and the further annular body if Figure 5, 6A and 6B can be larger than the widest diameter of the end fitting 300 to apply the further portion of the securing device over the residual end region 644 in this matter. It will also be appreciated that the further annular body 535 can be slid over the end fitting 300 and into position over the residual end region 644 prior to the securing collar member. It will be appreciated that alternatively one or more parts of the further portion 640 of the securing device / supporting device can instead be slid over the exposed portion 620 and over the residual end region 644 prior to sliding the end fitting jacket 340 over the exposed portion 620 in the third step s820, particularly if the inner diameter of any parts of the further portion 640 (for example the further annular body 535 and / or the securing collar member of Figures 5, 6A and 6B) is less than the widest diameter of the end fitting 300.

[0133] Alternatively, the further portion 640 may include one or more split bodies (or split body portions) that can be arranged around a desired region of a flexible pipe at a desired time and secured at said a desired region.

[0134] Figure 8G illustrates a seventh step s860 of how an outermost layer 190 can be supported at a desired location of a flexible pipe using the securing device of Figures 5, 6A and 6B. As shown in Figure 8G, the first portion 636 of the securing device 520 of Figures 5, 6A and 6B is slid over the end fitting 300 and is arranged so that at least a section (that is to say at least some) of the first portion 636 of the securing device 520 is arranged radially around the exposed portion 620 of the outer sheath 170. Alternatively, the first portion may include a split body (or a plurality of split body portions) that can be arranged around a desired region of a flexible pipe at a desired time and secured at said a desired region. It will be appreciated that, as the first 636 and further 640 portions of the securing device 520 are secured together (as described with respect to Figure 6B), the further portion of the securing device 520 is secured to the residual end region of the outermost layer as described with respect to Figure 6B. It will be appreciated that the collar member 550 is secured to the end fitting 300 as described with respect to Figures 5, 6A and 6B.

[0135] Figure 9A illustrates a first step s900 of how an outermost layer 190 can be supported at a desired location of a flexible pipe using the securing device 742 of Figure 7. Figure 9A illustrates how a segment of flexible pipe body 415 that includes an outermost layer 190 radially around an outer sheath 170. It will be appreciated that the segment of flexible pipe body 415 is substantially the same as the segment of flexible pipe body described with respect to Figure 4 and may include any of the layers described with respect to the flexible pipe body 100 of Figure 1.

[0136] Figure 9B illustrates a second step s910 of how an outermost layer 190 can be supported at a desired location on / at a flexible pipe using the securing device 742 of Figure 7. Figure 9B illustrates how layers of the flexible pipe body 100 located radially outside of the outer sheath 170, including the outermost layer 902, and any insulation layers, are cut / trimmed to reveal / expose an exposed portion 725 of the outer sheath 170. Trimm ing / cutting the outermost layer 190 also provides a residual end region 727 of the outermost layer that is a remaining and region subsequent to cutting / trimming.

[0137] Figure 9C illustrates a third step s920 of how an outermost layer 190 can be supported at a desired location of a flexible pipe using the securing device 742 of Figure 7. Figure 9C illustrates how an end fitting jacket 340 can be slid over at least some of the exposed portion 725 of the outer sheath 170.

[0138] Figure 9D illustrates a fourth step s930 of how an outermost layer 190 can be supported at a desired location of a flexible pipe using the securing device 742 of Figure 7. Figure 9D illustrates how an end fitting body 360 is provided at a terminal end of the flexible pipe body 100 while the end fitting jacket 240 is arranged radially around the exposed portion 725. It will be understood that various layers of the flexible pipe body 100, for example a pressure armour layer 130, may be terminated in the end fitting 300 during this step s930 radially within / beneath the end fitting body 360 and also tensile armours 140, 150 may be set around the outside of a portion of the end fitting body 360.

[0139] Figure 9E illustrates a fifth step s940 of how an outermost layer 190 can be supported at a desired location of a flexible pipe using the securing device of Figure 7. Figure 9E illustrates how the end fitting jacket 340 is slid up at least partially over the end fitting body 360 and is secured to a jacket securing flange 320 of the end fitting body 360. It will be understood that various layers of the flexible pipe body 100, for example the outer sheath 170, may be terminated during this step s940 radially within / beneath the end fitting jacket 340. As shown in Figure 9E, the now constructed end fitting 300 and the outermost layer 190, that optionally is an abrasion protective layer, are separated by the exposed portion 725 of the outer sheath 170. This separation is an Abrasion Gap wherein the outer sheath is susceptible to abrasion from external matter and associated damage.

[0140] Figure 9F illustrates a sixth step s950 of how an outermost layer 190 can be supported at a desired location of a flexible pipe using the securing device of Figure 7. Figure 9F illustrates how the tapered neck portion 732 of the tapered collar member 728 of Figure 7 has been urged or wedged between the outermost layer 190 and the insulation layers 185 at the residual end region 727 so that the residual end region 727 of the outermost layer 190 flares radially outwardly and over the tapered neck portion 732. It will be understood that, prior to urging the tapered neck portion 727 between the outermost layer and insulation layer 185, the outermost layer (at the residual end region 727) may be heated to better facilitate the introduction of the tapered neck portion 732 of the tapered collar member 728 beneath the outermost layer 190.

[0141] Figure 9F also illustrates how the optional inner spacer collar member 736 described with respect to Figure 7 can be arranged radially within the tapered collar member 728.

[0142] Figure 9G illustrates a seventh step s960 of how an outermost layer 190 can be supported at a desired location of a flexible pipe using the securing device 742 of Figure 7. Figure 9G helps further show how the optional inner spacer collar member 736 of Figure 7 is arranged radially within the tapered collar member 728 Figure 9G also illustrates how the inner tubular body 738 of Figure 7 is arranged radially around the exposed portion 725 of the outer sheath 170, and above the optional inner spacer collar member 736 of Figure 7 and tapered collar member 728 of Figure 7. Figure 9G also illustrates how the combination of the optional inner spacer collar member 736 of Figure 7, the tapered collar member 728 of Figure 7, and the inner tubular body 738 span the entirety of the Abrasion Gap and thus extend from the end fitting 300 to the residual end region 725 of the outermost layer 190. It will be understood that the inner tubular body 738 may be a split body or includes a plurality of split body portions and thus can be arranged radially around the exposed portion 725 of the outer sheath 170 subsequent to the termination of the flexible pipe body in the end fitting 300.

[0143] Figure 9H illustrates an eighth step s970 of how an outermost layer 190 can be supported at a desired location of a flexible pipe using the securing device 742 of Figure 7. Figure 9H also illustrates how the collar member 754 of Figure 7 is secured around, or to, a portion of the end fitting jacket 340. It will be appreciated that the collar member 754 may be a split body collar member (and thus can be connected around the end fitting jacket, for instance located in a circumferential recess in the radially outer surface of the end fitting jacket, or against a circumferential protrusion around the radially outer surface of the end fitting jacket) or may be urged around the end fitting jacket 340.

[0144] Figure 9H also illustrates how the securing body 744 of Figure 7 is provided around the inner tubular body 738. It will be appreciated that the securing body 744 may be a split body (or may comprise a number of split body portions) and thus may be connectable around a region of the outermost layer 190 prior to being urged in an upwards direction (from the perspective view shown in Figure 9H) towards the end fitting 300. Alternatively, it will be appreciated that the securing body 944 may be an integrally formed single body and may be slid over a region of the outermost layer 190 prior to step 3 s920 wherein the end fitting jacket 340 is slid over at least some of the exposed portion 725 of the outer sheath 170, or prior to step 6 s950 wherein the residual end region 727 of the outermost layer 190 is flared radially outwards over the tapered neck portion 732 of the tapered collar member 728.

[0145] It will be understood that the securing body 744 is urged from a position in which securing body radially surrounds a region of the outermost layer 190 that is below (from the perspective view shown in Figure 9H) the residual end region 727 (distal to the end fitting 300) upwards and towards the end fitting 300 until the at least a section (that is to say at least some of) the securing body 744 is located radially around the inner tubular body 738. It will be appreciated how the radially inner tapered securing surface 752 is urged against a radially outwardly facing surface of the outermost layer 190 at the residual end region 727 thereby clamping the outermost layer 190 (at the residual end region 727) between the tapered collar member 728 and the securing body 744. Thus, the outermost layer is secured to the securing device 742 of Figure 7 via this clamping.

[0146] It will also be appreciated that, as the securing body 744 is urged towards the end fitting 300, a rebated inner surface region 758 of the securing body 744 is urged over the collar member 754 to thereby secure the securing body 744 to the collar member 754 (and thus to the end fitting 300) via an interference fit.

[0147] Figure 10A illustrates a first step s1000 of how an outermost layer 190 can be supported at a desired location of a flexible pipe using an oversized end fitting. Figure 10A illustrates how a segment of flexible pipe body 415 that includes an outermost layer 1002 radially around an outer sheath.

[0148] Figure 10B illustrates a second step s1010 of how an outermost layer 190 can be supported at a desired location of a flexible pipe using an oversized end fitting. It will be appreciated that, with similarity to the steps described with respect to Figure 8B and 9B, the outermost layer 190 is trimmed / cut to reveal an exposed region of the flexible pipe outer sheath. An oversized end fitting jacket 1012 is provided over the outermost layer 190 of the flexible pipe body. An end fitting body 1014 that includes an oversized jacket securing flange 1016 at the terminal end region of the flexible pipe body 100. It will be appreciated that the oversized jacket 1012 and the oversized jacket securing flange 1016 are sized to cooperate with each other. Figure 10C illustrates a third step s1020 of how an outermost layer 190 can be supported at a desired location of a flexible pipe using an oversized end fitting. In Figure 10C, the oversized end fitting jacket 1012 Is slid partially over the end fitting body 1014 and secured to the securing flange 1016. It will be understood that the end fitting jacket 1012 covers any region of the outer sheath 170 not covered by the outermost layer and thus protects the outer sheath 170. It will be appreciated that the end fitting shown in Figure 10C does not provide sealing against the outermost layer. Optionally the end fitting may seal against the outermost layer. It will be appreciated that the end fitting jacket 1012 can be secured to the outermost layer 190, for example via a deformable / swage-able collar, to support the outermost layer 190 at a desired position on the flexible pipe.

[0149] Figure 11 illustrates a different securing device 1100 (that is an example of a supporting device). Contrary to the securing device arrangements illustrated in Figures 5, 6A, 6B and 7, the securing device 1100 of Figure 11 does not secure an outermost layer 190 of a segment of flexible pipe body 415 to an end fitting 300. Instead, the securing device 1100 secures the outermost layer 190 to, and thus supports the outermost layer on, the outer sheath 170 of the segment of flexible pipe body 415. Figure 11 shows how the securing device 1100 includes a first anchoring body 1120 that extends over at least a section (that is to say at least some) of an exposed portion 1124 of the outer sheath 170. Figure 11 shows how the first anchoring body has a stepped profile including a narrowed region 1128 and a widened region 1132. At least a section (that is to say at least some) of the narrowed region 1128 radially surrounds a section (at least some) of the exposed portion 1124 of the outer sheath 170. At least a section (at least some) of the widened region 1132 radially surrounds an end region of the outermost layer 190. Figure 11 shows how the first anchoring body 1120 is a split body that includes one or more securing regions 1136 for securing the split body together to provide an interference fit around, and with, the outer sheath 170. That is to say the first anchoring body 1120 is tightly secured around the outer sheath 170 via the securing regions 1136. The securing regions of Figure 11 are bolts that can be tightened thereby driving the split body together. Aptly straps of the like could instead be utilised. Figure 11 also shows how the securing device 1100 includes a further anchoring body 1140 that is secured to the widened region 1132 of the first anchoring body 1120. The first anchoring body 1120 and the further anchoring body 1140 are made from a rigid material that optionally is a corrosion resistant material. Aptly this material is a metallic material. Alternatively, the anchoring body and / or the further anchoring body may be manufactured by any other suitable material that may be a rigid corrosion resistant material, for example a polymeric material or composite. Figure 12 illustrates the securing device 1100 of Figure 11 in cross section. Figure 12 helps illustrate how the first anchoring body 1120 is secured around the exposed portion 1124 of the outer sheath 170. That is to say that the radially inner surface 1204 of the first anchoring body 1120 is clamped around a portion of a radially outer surface 1208 of the outer sheath 170 via securing, via the securing regions 1136 the split body of the first anchoring body 1120 around the outer sheath 170. It will be appreciated the first anchoring body is a first portion of the securing device 1100.

[0150] Figure 12 illustrates how the securing device 1100 includes an inner securing collar member 1212 that is at least partly deformable. The first anchoring body 1120 includes a radially inner tapered surface region 1216 at the widened portion 1132 that is arranged radially around the inner securing collar member. With similarity to the arrangement described with respect to Figure 6B, it will be appreciated how, as the further anchoring body and the first anchoring body are secured via bolts 1220 (that are examples of securing elements), the deformable inner securing collar member 1212 is urged against the radially inner tapered surface region 1216 and thus the inner securing collar member is deformed radially inwards, and into contact with the radially outer surface of the outermost layer 190. It will be appreciated that the inwardly deformed securing collar member 1212 bites into the outermost layer 190 thereby securing the outermost layer 190 to the securing device 1100 at a residual end region 1232 of the outermost layer 190. Figure 12 shows how a reinforcing sleeve 1224 is arranged beneath and at / towards the end of the outermost layer 190 of the segment of flexible pipe body 415 to provide support for the inner securing collar member 1212.

[0151] It may be noted that the securing device 1100 may optionally be split into two separate portions: 1128 and 1132, wherein the widened region portion 1132 is provided radially over, and interconnects with, via an annular recess in the inner surface of the widened region portion, a radially outward protruding flange section on the outer surface of the narrowed region portion 1128, thereby securing one portion to the other.

[0152] Figure 13A illustrates a first step s1300 of how an outermost layer 190 can be supported at a desired location of a flexible pipe using the securing device 1100 of Figures 11 and 12. Figure 13A illustrates how a segment of flexible pipe body 415 that includes an outermost layer 190 radially an outer sheath 170. Figure 13B illustrates a second step s1310 of how an outermost layer 190 can be supported at a desired location of a flexible pipe using the securing device 1100 of Figures 11 and 12. Figure 13B illustrates how layers of the segment flexible pipe body 415 located radially outside of the outer sheath 170, including the outermost layer 190 and any insulation layers, 1312 are cut / trimmed to reveal / expose an exposed portion 1124 of the outer sheath 170. Trimming / cutting the outermost layer 190 also provides a residual end region 1232 of the outermost layer that is a remaining end region subsequent to cutting / trimming.

[0153] Figure 13C illustrates a third step s1320 of how an outermost layer 190 can be supported at a desired location of a flexible pipe using the securing device 1100 of Figures 11 and 12. Figure 13C illustrates how an end fitting jacket 340 can be slid over at least some of the exposed portion 1124 of the outer sheath 170.

[0154] Figure 13D illustrates a fourth step s1330 of how an outermost layer 190 can be supported at a desired location of a flexible pipe using the securing device 1100 of Figures 11 and 12. Figure 13D illustrates how an end fitting body 360 is provided at a terminal end of the segment of flexible pipe body 415 while the end fitting jacket 340 is arranged radially around the exposed portion 1124. It will be understood that various layers of the flexible pipe body 100, for example a pressure armour layer 130, may be terminated during this step s1330 radially within / beneath the end fitting body 360 and also tensile armours 140, 150 may be set around the outside of a portion of the end fitting body 360.

[0155] Figure 13E illustrates a fifth step s1340 of how an outermost layer 190 can be supported at a desired location of a flexible pipe using the securing device 1100 of Figures 11 and 12. Figure 13E illustrates how the end fitting jacket 340 is slid up at least partially over the end fitting body 360 and is secured to a jacket securing flange 320 of the end fitting body 360. It will be understood that various layers of the flexible pipe body 100, for example the outer sheath 170, may be terminated during this step s1340 radially within / beneath the end fitting jacket 340. As shown in Figure 13E, the now constructed end fitting 300 and the outermost layer 190, that optionally is an abrasion protective layer, are separated by the exposed portion 1124 of the outer sheath 170. This separation is an Abrasion Gap wherein the outer sheath is susceptible to abrasion from external matter and associated damage.

[0156] Figure 13F illustrates a sixth step s1350 of how an outermost layer 190 can be supported at a desired location of a flexible pipe using the securing device 1100 of Figures 11 and 12. Figure 13F shows how the securing device 1100 of Figures 11 and 12 is secured around the outer sheath 170 of the segment of flexible pipe body. It will be appreciated that the first anchoring body 1120 is secured to the outer sheath 170 via an interference fit as described with respect to Figures 11 and 12. It will be appreciated that the further anchoring body 1140 is secured to the first anchoring body 1120 via bolts as described with respect to Figures 11 and 12 thereby urging an inner securing collar member inwards to secure the securing device 1100 to the outermost layer 190. Thus, the outermost layer 190 is secured to the outer sheath 170 via the securing device 1100.

[0157] Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words “comprise” and “contain” and variations of them mean “including but not limited to” and they are not intended to (and do not) exclude other moieties, additives, components, integers or steps. Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.

[0158] Features, integers, characteristics or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and / or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of the features and / or steps are mutually exclusive. The invention is not restricted to any details of any foregoing embodiments. The invention extends to any novel one, or novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

[0159] The reader’s attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

CLAIMS:1 . A method of providing support at a desired position to an outermost layer of a flexible pipe, comprising the steps of: prior to or during terminating flexible pipe body, that comprises an outer sheath and an outermost layer that is coaxial with and radially surrounds the outer sheath, with an end fitting, removing a portion of the outermost layer to reveal an exposed portion of the outer sheath; during or subsequent to terminating the flexible pipe body with the end fitting, providing at least a section of a first portion of a securing device radially around at least a re-covered region of said an exposed portion; and providing at least a section of a further portion of the securing device radially around a residual end region of the outermost layer proximate to said an exposed portion thereby providing support at a desired position to the outermost layer of the flexible pipe body.

2. The method as claimed in claim 1 , further comprising: during or subsequent to providing at least a section of the further portion radially around the residual end region, urging a radially inner facing securing surface of the further portion against a radially outer surface of the residual end region.

3. The method as claimed in claim 2, further comprising: during or prior to providing at least a section of the first portion radially around at least the re-covered region, wedging a tapered neck portion of a first collar member between the outermost layer, at the residual end region, and at least one insulation layer, of the flexible pipe body, that is disposed between the outer sheath and the outermost layer.

4. The method as claimed in claim 3, further comprising: wedging the tapered neck portion between the outermost layer and the insulation layer via arranging an inner surface of the outermost layer at the residual end region over a tapered drive surface of the tapered neck portion thereby flaring the residual end region radially outwardly.

5. The method as claimed in claim 3 or claim 4, further comprising:during urging the securing surface against the outer surface of the residual end region, clamping the residual end region between the securing surface and the tapered neck portion.

6. The method as claimed in claim 4 or claim 5, further comprising: during urging the securing surface against the outer surface of the residual end region, clamping the residual end region between the securing surface, that is oblique with respect to a longitudinal axis of the flexible pipe, and the drive surface.

7. The method as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 6, further comprising: urging the securing surface against the radially outer surface of the residual end region via providing at least a section of a securing body, that comprises the securing surface, of the further portion at least partly over the first portion.

8. The method as claimed in claim 2, further comprising: urging the securing surface against the radially outer surface of the residual end region via urging a deformable portion of a further collar, that comprises the securing surface and is arranged radially around the residual end region, against a radially inner tapered surface region of the further portion thereby urging the deformable portion radially inwardly.

9. The method as claimed in claim 8, further comprising: during urging the deformable portion against the tapered surface region, securing a first annular body of the first portion that is located at a first end region of the first portion distal to said an exposed portion, to a further annular body of the further portion that comprises the inner tapered surface region.

10. The method as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising: during or subsequent to providing at least a section of the first portion radially around at least the re-covered region, securing the first portion and / or the further portion to the end fitting.

11. The method as claimed in claim 10, further comprising:securing the first portion and / or the further portion to the end fitting via providing a still further collar member radially around at least a section of a jacket of the end fitting; and securing a further end region of the first portion and / or an end region of the further portion to the still further collar member.

12. The method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising: providing at least a section of a first portion of a securing device radially around at least a re-covered region of said an exposed portion comprises securing a radially inner surface of the first portion to said an exposed region via an interference fit.

13. Apparatus for providing support at a desired position to an outermost layer of a flexible pipe, comprising: a securing device comprising a first portion that comprises a through passageway that extends from a first end of the first portion to a further end of the first portion, and in which at least a re-covered region of an exposed portion of an outer sheath of a flexible pipe is locatable, and a further portion comprising a radially inner facing securing surface, a section of the further portion being at least partly locatable radially around a residual end region of an outermost layer of the flexible pipe that radially surrounds a covered portion of the outer sheath; wherein the first portion is couplable to or integrally formed with the further portion.

14. The apparatus as claimed in claim 13, further comprising: a securing body of the further portion comprising a tubular region, at least a section of which is locatable radially around the first portion, and a conical region that comprises the securing surface, the securing surface being oblique with respect to a longitudinal axis of the through passageway.

15. The apparatus as claimed in claim 14, further comprising: a first collar member that comprises a body portion and a tapered neck portion that is locatable between a radially inner surface of the residual end region and at least one insulation layer, the tapered neck region having a tapered drive surface that is oblique with respect to the longitudinal axis.

16. The apparatus as claimed in claim 13, further comprising:a further collar member of the further portion comprising a deformable portion that comprises the securing surface.

17. The apparatus as claimed in claim 16, further comprising: a radially inner facing tapered surface region of the further portion that is urgable against the deformable portion to urge the deformable portion radially inwardly.

18. The apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 17, further comprising: a still further collar member disposed at an end region of the securing device and that is securable to an end fitting of the flexible pipe.

19. The apparatus as claimed in claim 18, further comprising: a conical body of the first body portion that extends between the first collar member that is located at the further end of the first body portion, and proximate to a widened region of the conical body, and a first annular body that is located at the first end of the first portion and proximate to a narrowed region of the conical body, wherein the first collar member and the first annular body are connected via at least one elongate element that extends through the conical body.

20. A flexible pipe assembly, comprising: a segment of flexible pipe body comprising an inner fluid retaining layer, an outer sheath that is coaxial with and disposed radially outside of the inner fluid retaining layer and that comprises an exposed portion proximate to at least one terminal end of the flexible pipe body, and an outermost layer that is coaxial with and radially surrounds a covered portion of the outer sheath; an end fitting disposed at the terminal end of the flexible pipe body; and a securing device comprising a first portion that is at least partly disposed radially around at least a re-covered region of an exposed portion of the outer sheath and a further portion that is at least partly disposed radially around a residual end region of the outermost layer.

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