Sleeve to provide support to a polymer layer of a flexible pipe

Abstract

A sleeve (440) for an end fitting of a flexible pipe, comprising: a rigid body (508) comprising a flange portion (512) at a first end (516) of the body that provides a first open mouth (532) and a neck portion (520) that extends away from the flange portion to a tapered tip (528) that defines a further open mouth (536) at a remaining end (524) of the rigid body; wherein the rigid body comprises at least one fluid communication passageway (1136) that each extend from a first passageway end proximate to said a first end to a respective liquid outlet port (1146) on a radially innermost surface (1180) of the body at or proximate to the tapered tip.

Description

[0001] SLEEVE TO PROVIDE SUPPORT TO A POLYMER LAYER OF A FLEXIBLE PIPE

[0002] The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for providing support to a polymer layer of flexible pipe body. In particular, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to an outer, inner or intermediate sleeve locatable at least partially beneath a polymer layer during terminating segment of flexible pipe body in an end fitting and including at least one fluid communication passageway for providing fluid through the sleeve to a void zone beneath the polymer layer.

[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 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 sometimes include additional layers located radially outside of the outer 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).

[0006] 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 interlocked metallic shaped / profiled 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 and / or external hydrostatic 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 sea-level 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.

[0007] 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 sometimes no fluid connection between the annulus in one flexible pipe and the annulus in the other flexible pipe.

[0008] 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.

[0009] 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.

[0010] 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] Conventionally, when a segment of flexible pipe body is terminated in an end fitting, a substantially annular or tubular outer sleeve is provided such that at least part of the outer sleeve is located radially beneath an end region of the outer sheath, and radially outside of a layer of the segment of flexible pipe body that is adjacent to and radially within the outer sleeve. That is to say that often an outer sleeve is provided between an end region of the outer sleeve of a segment of flexible pipe body and a layer of the segment of flexible pipe body adjacent to, and radially within, the outer sleeve. The outer sleeve is often provided so that a seal ring can be urged against (and bite down upon) a radially outer surface of the end region of the outer sheath to provide a fluid tight seal around the outer sheath at the end fitting.

[0012] Providing a conventional outer sleeve radially beneath the outer sheath however can sometimes result in the formation of a gap or void between a radially inner surface of the outer sleeve and an adjacent layer of the segment of flexible pipe (beneath the outer sheath). That is to say a gap or void can sometimes form between the outer sheath and an underlying layer of the segment of flexible pipe body. The void can sometimes form proximate to an end or tip of the outer sleeve. That gap can sometimes result in a weak spot in the segment of flexible pipe body and can increase the risk of failure of a flexible pipe in use, particularly when utilised in ultra deep waters and / or elevated temperatures and / or in high carbon dioxide (CO2) environments or the like. Ultimately, the formation of such a gap or void (possibly combined with operating and / or environmental conditions) can result in a breach of the outer sheath at or around the weak spot which might flood the annulus of the segment of flexible pipe body. Additionally, the region of the outer sheath proximate to the gap or void may be pushed into the gap (sometimes referred to as creep) due to pressures acting on the outer surface of the outer sheath in use or the like. Alternatively or additionally the outer sheath may creep into the gap over time. Creep of the outer sheath into such a gap can further increase the risk of a breach of the outer sheath.

[0013] It is an aim of the present invention to at least partly mitigate one or more of the above- mentioned problems. It is an aim of certain embodiments of the present invention to help reduce gaps of empty space that can form between an outer sheath of a segment of flexible pipe body and an underlying layer, which can introduce weak points in the sheath and increase a risk of failure associated with the flexible pipe.

[0014] It is an aim of certain embodiments of the present invention to fill void zones present between two adjacent layers of a segment of flexible pipe body with a fluid (which optionally is a fluid that can be solidified).

[0015] It is an aim of certain embodiments of the present invention to reduce creep of a polymer layer into void regions that might form between adjacent layers of a segment of flexible pipe body.

[0016] It is an aim of certain embodiments of the present invention to provide support beneath a polymer layer of a segment of flexible pipe body to fill void regions that might form beneath the polymer layer, optionally by providing a fluid that can be solidified beneath the layer.

[0017] It is an aim of certain embodiments of the present invention to provide apparatus for reducing open space or a gap or a void or the like that might form beneath a polymer layer of a segment of flexible pipe body.

[0018] It is an aim of certain embodiments of the present invention to provide a method for, during terminating a segment of flexible pipe body in an end fitting, providing support to a polymer layer of a segment of flexible pipe body.

[0019] It is an aim of certain embodiment of the present invention to reduce a likelihood of damage to, or a breach of, a polymer layer of a segment of flexible pipe body due to creep of the polymer layer into gaps located beneath the polymer layer.

[0020] It is an aim of certain embodiments of the present invention to provide improved resistance of a polymer layer of a segment of flexible pipe body to environmental pressures in use, and to help prevent breaches of these polymer layers, by reducing gaps located beneath the polymer layer (between the polymer layer and an adjacent layer of the segment of flexible pipe body).

[0021] It is an aim of certain embodiments of the present invention to reduce a likelihood of an outer sheath breach in a segment of flexible pipe body due to creep of the outer sheath into a void or gap in the segment of flexible pipe body. It is an aim of certain embodiments of the present invention to reduce damage and weakening of armour layers of a segment of flexible pipe body by reducing a likelihood of water presence and / or gas presence in annulus region of the segment of flexible pipe body due to water ingress due to a breach in the pipe body.

[0022] It is an aim of certain embodiments of the present invention to provide apparatus for providing fluid between adjacent layers of a segment of flexible pipe body.

[0023] It is an aim of certain embodiments of the present invention to provide a method for providing a fluid to a void zone disposed between adjacent layers in a segment of flexible pipe body. The fluid may help support a radially outer layer of the adjacent layers.

[0024] It is an aim of certain embodiments of the present invention to provide a sleeve (that may be an outer sleeve, an intermediate sleeve or an inner sleeve) that can be urged into a desired position such that a neck portion of the sleeve, at least, is located between a layer of segment of flexible pipe body (that is optionally a polymer layer) and an underlying layer the segment of flexible pipe body. The sleeve has a fluid communication passageway to provide fluidic access to a target region between the layer and the underlying layer.

[0025] It is an aim of certain embodiments of the present invention to provide support for a layer of flexible pipe body at a region of that flexible pipe body radially within the layer at that region.

[0026] It is an aim of certain embodiments of the present invention to fill at least one gap between adjacent layers of a segment of flexible pipe body.

[0027] It is an aim of the present invention to, during terminating a segment of flexible pipe body at an end fitting, providing a liquid through a fluid communication passageway of a sleeve and, via a liquid outlet port located at a radially inner surface of the sleeve, to a target region between two adjacent layers of the flexible pipe body. Aptly the fluid is solidified subsequent to being provided at the target region, for example via curing or the like.

[0028] According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided an outer sleeve or inner sleeve or intermediate sleeve for an end fitting of a flexible pipe, comprising: a rigid body comprising a flange portion at a first end of the body that provides a first open mouth and a neck portion that extends away from the flange portion to a tapered tip that defines a further open mouth at a remaining end of the rigid body; wherein the rigid body comprises at least one fluid communication passageway that each extend from a first passageway end proximate to said a first end to a respective liquid outlet port on a radially innermost surface of the body at or proximate to the tapered tip.

[0029] Aptly the at least one fluid communication passageway comprises a plurality of fluid communication passageways that each comprise a respective open-sided passage in a radially innermost surface of the neck portion of the body or a throughbore that extends axially through the neck portion of the body and that are spaced apart circumferentially around and extend along the neck portion.

[0030] Aptly each open-sided passage is a channel that optionally is a groove provided in an inner cylindrical surface of the rigid body.

[0031] Aptly each throughbore comprises a drilled hole that extends substantially parallel to but spaced apart from a principal central axis of the rigid body through the neck portion and a respective port passage that extends from an end region of a drilled hole to a respective outlet port that comprises a hole in the radially innermost surface.

[0032] Aptly, in a cross section through the rigid body that lies in a plane that contains a principal central axis of the rigid body, the tapered tip comprises an inclined dip surface at the remining end that dips radially inwards towards a tip end and each outlet port is disposed in a curved cylindrical surface that comprises the radially innermost surface.

[0033] Aptly the cross section is a longitudinal cross section of or through the rigid body.

[0034] Aptly the principal central axis of the rigid body is a longitudinal central axis of the rigid body.

[0035] Aptly the cross section is taken on an imaginary cutting plane that contains the longitudinal central axis of the rigid body.

[0036] Aptly the longitudinal central axis is coaxial with a portion of a segment of flexible pipe body that is located radially within the rigid body. Aptly the longitudinal central axis is an axis that respective layers of a segment of flexible pipe body are arranged around when the rigid body in disposed at least partially between two adjacent layers of a segment of flexible pipe body.

[0037] Aptly the longitudinal central axis is an axis which an open mouth of the rigid body is arranged radially around.

[0038] Aptly the cross section is an axial cross section of the rigid body.

[0039] Aptly a longitudinal central axis of the rigid body is contained in an imaginary plane on which the cross section is taken or is cut.

[0040] Aptly, in cross section through the rigid body that lies in a plane that contains a principal axis of the rigid body, the tapered tip comprises an inclined lift surface that comprises a region of the radially innermost surface and that lifts radially outwards towards the tip end and each outlet port is disposed in the lift surface.

[0041] Aptly the cross section is a longitudinal cross section of or through the rigid body.

[0042] Aptly the principal central axis of the rigid body is a longitudinal central axis of the rigid body.

[0043] Aptly the cross section is taken on an imaginary cutting plane that contains the longitudinal central axis of the rigid body.

[0044] Aptly the longitudinal central axis is coaxial with a portion of a segment of flexible pipe body that is located radially within the rigid body.

[0045] Aptly the longitudinal central axis is an axis that respective layers of a segment of flexible pipe body are arranged around when the rigid body in disposed at least partially between two adjacent layers of a segment of flexible pipe body.

[0046] Aptly the longitudinal central axis is an axis which an open mouth of the rigid body is arranged radially around.

[0047] Aptly the cross section is an axial cross section of the rigid body. Aptly a longitudinal central axis of the rigid body is contained in an imaginary plane on which the cross section is taken or is cut.

[0048] Aptly the rigid body is a metal sleeve that is integrally formed.

[0049] Aptly the sleeve is driveable from the first end of the rigid body in an axial direction for radially separating a polymer layer from an underlying layer thereby locating the tapered tip of the sleeve between a polymer layer and a radially underlying layer of flexible pipe body.

[0050] Aptly the sleeve further comprises a drive ring locatable against an end surface of the flange portion of the rigid body and having a curved cylindrical radially innermost surface that is concentric with and has a common diameter to a radially innermost surface of the sleeve at said a first end of the rigid body.

[0051] Aptly the radially innermost surface of at least one of the drive ring or flange portion comprises a circumferentially extending recess for receiving a respective O ring.

[0052] According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for providing support to a polymer layer of flexible pipe body, comprising: providing a neck portion of a sleeve member that comprises a rigid body, between a polymer layer and a radially underlying layer of flexible pipe body, thereby locating a tapered tip in the neck portion proximate to a lift off point where the polymer layer is lifted radially away from the underlying layer; via at least one liquid outlet port on a radially innermost surface of the rigid body, providing injection fluid to a target region proximate to the lift point; and solidifying the injected fluid thereby at the target region providing a solid support radially under the polymer layer proximate to the lift point.

[0053] Aptly providing injection fluid comprises, via at least one injection port, injecting liquid resin or injecting polymer in liquid state, of a material that is the same or will perform at least similar to a polymer material of said a polymer layer, into at least one fluid communication passageway in the rigid body that is in fluid communication with the liquid outlet port.

[0054] Aptly providing injection fluid comprises urging injection fluid through one or more liquid outlet ports of the sleeve and allowing injection fluid to flow into gaps between a radially innermost surface of the polymer layer and the underlying layer and / or between the tapered tip and the underlying layer. Aptly the method further comprises solidifying the injection fluid by curing the fluid or allowing for a predetermined period of time to elapse for the injection fluid to set.

[0055] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a flexible pipe, comprising: flexible pipe body comprising at least one polymer layer over an underlying layer, having at least one pipe body end terminated in a respective end fitting; a sleeve member of the end fitting comprising a neck portion disposed between an end of the polymer layer and the underlying layer; and a solid support comprising solidified resin or polymer disposed proximate to a tapered tip of the sleeve member and at least partially or wholly filling at least a void zone.

[0056] Aptly the void zone comprises an annular space region bounded by a surface of the polymer layer, a radially outer surface of the underlying layer and a tapered tip of the sleeve member.

[0057] Aptly the sleeve member comprises a rigid body that comprises at least one fluid communication passageway that extends to a respective liquid outlet on a radially innermost surface of the rigid body at or proximate to a tapered tip at an end region of the neck portion.

[0058] Aptly the polymer layer comprises an outer sheath or an intermediate sheath or inner sheath or a barrier layer or a liner of the flexible pipe body.

[0059] Aptly the underlying layer comprises a tape layer or a further polymer layer.

[0060] Aptly the flexible pipe is manufactured according to an API 17J flexible pipe standard.

[0061] Certain embodiments of the present invention reduce a presence of gaps of empty space (or gaps between solid elements) located between an outer sheath and any underlying layer of a segment of flexible pipe body and thus help reduce associated creep of the outer sheath to fill void zones or gaps which can introduce weak points in the outer sheath.

[0062] Certain embodiments of the present invention provide apparatus that helps enable filling of void zones, with liquid that can be solidified, located between layers of flexible pipe body during terminating the segment of flexible pipe body in an end fitting thereby improving the support of the flexible pipe layers in these regions. Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a method that helps minimise potential weak points associated with an outer sheath of a segment of flexible pipe body. Aptly the method can be undertaken during terminating the segment of flexible pipe body in an end fitting.

[0063] Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a sleeve that helps enable fluid to be provided to target regions between layers of segments of flexible pipe body via a fluid communication passageway and liquid outlet port of the sleeve.

[0064] Certain embodiments of the present invention provide fluidic access to a void zone between layers of a segment of flexible pipe body.

[0065] Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a flexible pipe in which space or zones into which an outer sheath can creep in use are reduced.

[0066] Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a flexible pipe that is resistant to an outer sheath breach due to creep of the outer sheath into gaps or voids formed between the outer sheath and an underlying layer of the flexible pipe.

[0067] Certain embodiments of the present invention provide apparatus for providing fluid between adjacent layers of a segment of flexible pipe body.

[0068] Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a method for providing a fluid to a void zone disposed between adjacent layers in a segment of flexible pipe body. The fluid may help support a radially outer layer of the adjacent layers.

[0069] Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a sleeve (that may be an outer sleeve, an intermediate sleeve or an inner sleeve) that can be urged into a desired position such that a neck portion of the sleeve, at least, is located between a layer of segment of flexible pipe body (that is optionally a polymer layer) and an underlying layer the segment of flexible pipe body. The sleeve has a fluid communication passageway to provide fluidic access to a target region between the layer and the underlying layer.

[0070] Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a method for filling at least one gap between adjacent layers of a segment of flexible pipe body. Certain embodiments of the present invention provide apparatus for filling at least one gap between adjacent layers of a segment of flexible pipe body.

[0071] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described hereinafter, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0072] Figure 1 illustrates flexible pipe body;

[0073] Figure 2 illustrates certain uses of a flexible pipe;

[0074] Figure 3 illustrates two end fittings of a flexible pipe secured in an end-to-end configuration;

[0075] Figure 4 illustrates an end fitting in more detail;

[0076] Figure 5 illustrates how an outer sleeve can be arranged with regard to a segment of flexible pipe body;

[0077] Figure 6 illustrates how an outer sleeve can be arranged with respect to a segment of flexible pipe body and an end fitting;

[0078] Figure 7 illustrates how a void zone can form in a segment of flexible pipe body;

[0079] Figure 8 illustrates steps of a method for manufacturing an outer sleeve;

[0080] Figure 9 illustrates steps of a different method for manufacturing an outer sleeve;

[0081] Figure 10 illustrates steps of a method for locating an outer sleeve with respect to a segment of flexible pipe body;

[0082] Figure 11 illustrates an outer sleeve in more detail;

[0083] Figure 12 illustrates how the outer sleeve of Figure 11 can be located with respect to a segment of flexible pipe body;

[0084] Figure 13 illustrates how the tapered tip of the outer sleeve of Figure 11 can be located with respect to a segment of flexible pipe body in more detail; Figure 14 illustrates how fluid can be provided into a void zone formed between layers of a segment of flexible pipe body via a fluid communication passageway of the outer sleeve of Figure 11 ;

[0085] Figure 15 illustrates how fluid can be provided to a void zone in more detail;

[0086] Figure 16 illustrates a perspective view of a different outer sleeve;

[0087] Figure 17 illustrates a different perspective view of a portion of the outer sleeve of Figure 16 in cross section, that is a longitudinal or axial cross section;

[0088] Figure 18 illustrates a cross sectional view, that is a longitudinal or axial cross sectional view, of a portion of the outer sleeve of Figure 16;

[0089] Figure 19 illustrates another different perspective view of a portion of the outer sleeve of Figure 16 in cross section (that is an axial or longitudinal cross section);

[0090] Figure 20 illustrates a further perspective view of a portion of the outer sleeve of Figure 16 in cross section, that is a longitudinal or axial cross section;

[0091] Figure 21 illustrates a different outer sleeve in cross section, that is a longitudinal or axial cross section;

[0092] Figure 22 illustrates an end on view of a flange portion of the outer sleeve of Figure 21 ;

[0093] Figure 23 illustrates an end on view of the tapered tip of the outer sleeve of Figure 21 ;

[0094] Figure 24 illustrates how the outer sleeve of Figure 21 can be arranged with respect to a segment of flexible pipe body;

[0095] Figure 25 illustrates a perspective view of another different outer sleeve;

[0096] Figure 26 illustrates a different perspective view of a portion of the outer sleeve of Figure 25 in cross section, that is a longitudinal or axial cross section; Figure 27 illustrates a cross sectional view, that is a longitudinal or axial cross section view, of a portion of the outer sleeve of Figure 25;

[0097] Figure 28 illustrates another different cross sectional view, that is an axial or longitudinal cross sectional view, of a portion of the outer sleeve of Figure 25;

[0098] Figure 29 illustrates a further perspective view of a portion of the outer sleeve of Figure 25 in cross section, that is a longitudinal or axial cross section;

[0099] Figure 30 illustrates a still further perspective view of a portion of the outer sleeve of Figure 25 in cross section, that is a longitudinal or axial cross section; and

[0100] Figure 31 illustrates a method for providing fluid to a void region formed between an outer sheath and an underlying layer in a segment of flexible pipe body.

[0101] In the drawings like reference numerals refer to like parts.

[0102] 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.

[0103] 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. 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 polyamide or PPS 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.

[0104] 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.

[0105] 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.

[0106] 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.

[0107] 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 shaped or profiled 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.

[0108] 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 polyamide, PPS or PVDF, 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 from 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. 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.

[0109] The flexible pipe body can also include optional layers of insulation 165. It will be appreciated that the flexible pipe body aptly may not include layers of insulation. The flexible pipe body further includes 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 only one of the above-mentioned layers present in the flexible pipe body illustrated in Figure 1.

[0110] Each flexible pipe comprises at least one portion, referred to as a segment or section, of 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.

[0111] 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. 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.

[0112] 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 3101, 3102. These are bolted together via bolts (not shown in Figure 3) and have matching seal ring grooves on opposing flange faces, for instance to provide for standard seal systems gasket seal rings, such as those described in API 6A or ASME B16.20.

[0113] 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 366 are terminated in the tapered space 367 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 366. 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.

[0114] Figure 4 illustrates the first (left-hand side most in Figure 3) end fitting 300i shown in Figure 3 in more detail. Figure 4 helps illustrate how the various separate layers of the flexible pipe body are terminated and where, appropriate, sealed. A pipe annulus is located between a radially outermost surface of a fluid retaining layer 110 and a radially inner surface of an outer sheath 170. Optionally the segment of flexible pipe body 100 may have multiple annuli located between different sealed layers.

[0115] Figure 4 also help illustrate how an outer sleeve 440 is disposed so that part of the sleeve 440 is located radially beneath an end region 444 of the outer sheath 170. It will be appreciated that the end region 444 of the outer sheath 170 is a portion of the outer sheath 170 which is terminated and sealed in the end fitting 300. As illustrated in Figure 4, the end region 444 of the outer sheath is pushed radially outwardly out over the outer sleeve 440 relative to the remainder of the outer sheath 170. Due to the outer sleeve 440 being urged under the sheath 170, the sheath lifts away from an underlying layer (that is a layer below the outer sheath) at a lift-off point. A seal member 448 is arranged over the end region 444 of the outer sheath 170 to seal the outer sheath 170 in the end fitting. Figure 4 further shows how an inner sleeve 460 is located radially beneath and end region 464 the inner fluid retaining layer 110 for terminating the inner fluid retaining layer in the end fitting. A seal member 468 is located radially outside of the inner fluid retaining layer 110 to seal the inner fluid retaining layer in the end fitting 300. Although Figure 4 only illustrates two sleeves, an outer sleeve 440 and an inner sleeve 460, it will be appreciated that any other number of sleeves may be included to terminate and optionally help seal any other number of fluid retaining layers. For example, one or more intermediate sleeves may be included for terminating respective intermate fluid retaining layers that may be arranged in the segment of flexible pipe body radially between the inner fluid retaining layer 110 and outer sheath 170.

[0116] Figure 5 illustrates a schematic view of how an outer sleeve 440 is located with respect to an end region 444 of an outer sheath 170 of a segment of flexible pipe body 100. It will be appreciated that the outer sleeve is provided for terminating the segment of flexible pipe body 100 in an end fitting, and in particular for aiding in the support and sealing of the outer sheath. It will be appreciated that Figure 5 illustrates only an upper half of the segment of flexible pipe body 100 in cross section and that Figure 5 does not illustrate any further end fitting components. It will be appreciated that the cross sectional view illustrated in Figure 5 is taken on an imaginary plane that includes (or contains) a longitudinal central axis 501 of the outer sleeve 440. The longitudinal central axis 501 of the sleeve 440 is a major axis along which the sleeve extends and is radially arranged around. The cross section may be referred to as a longitudinal cross section or an axial cross section with respect to a principal central axis. Figure 5 helps illustrate how the layers of the segment of flexible pipe body 100 are arranged over one another. As shown in Figure 5, the segment of flexible pipe body 100 includes a radially inner fluid retaining layer 110. Although not shown in Figure 5 it will be appreciated that the segment of flexible pipe body 100 includes a carcass layer 120 radially inside of the inner fluid retaining layer 110. It will of course be appreciated that the segment of flexible pipe body 100 may not include a carcass layer 120 (and thus may be smooth bore pipe). Figure 5 shows how a pressure armour layer 130 is arranged around the inner fluid retaining layer 110. A polymer abrasion resistant layer 160 is disposed radially around the pressure armour layer 130, and a first tensile armour layer 140 is arranged around the abrasion resistant layer 160. Another abrasion resistant layer 160 is arranged around the first tensile armour layer 140. A further tensile armour layer 150 is arranged around this abrasion resistant layer 160. Arranged around the further tensile armour layer is yet another abrasion resistant layer 160. It will be understood that one or more abrasion resistant layer 160 may be exchanged or enhanced with anti-birdcaging (fibre or wire reinforced) tape designed to resist radial expansion of an underlying layer. Although not shown in Figure 5, it will be appreciated that optional insulation layers or the like may be included over this abrasion resistant layer. The radially outermost abrasion resistant layer is an example of an underlying layer 506 that is a layer of the segment of flexible pipe body 100 adjacent to, and located radially inside of, the outer sheath 170. It will be appreciated that, while the underlying layer 506 illustrated in Figure 5 is a polymer abrasion resistant layer, the underlying layer may instead be any other suitable layer for example an insulation layer 165 or armour layer or the like.

[0117] Figure 5 illustrates how the outer sleeve 440 is provided beneath an end region 444 of the outer sheath 170. It will be appreciated that the end region 444 is an end or terminal region of the outer sheath 170 that is for sealing at an end fitting. It will be appreciated that the end region 444 of the outer sheath 170 extends over at least a portion of the outer sleeve 440. As shown in Figure 5, the outer sleeve 440 includes a rigid body 508. The rigid body 508 of Figure 5 is made from a metallic material however it will be appreciated that the rigid body 508 may instead be made from any other suitable material for example a ceramic or polymeric (for example a plastic) material. Aptly the rigid body 508 may be made from stainless steel. Aptly the rigid body 508 is made from a material that resists corrosion and / or oxidisation or the like. The rigid body 508 includes a flange portion 512 at a first end 516 of the rigid body 508. A neck portion 520 extends from the flange portion 512 to a remaining end 524 of the rigid body 508. The neck region or portion 520 terminates at the remaining end 524 at a tapered tip 528. It will be appreciated that the outer sleeve 440 is a generally annular or tubular member. Thus, it will be understood that the flange portion provides, and radially surrounds, an open mouth 532 of the rigid body 508 while the tip 528 provides, and radially surrounds, a further open mouth 536 of the rigid body 508. A central bore extends through the outer sleeve.

[0118] Figure 5 shows how the end region 444 of the outer sheath 170 extends over the neck portion 520 of the outer sleeve 440 but does not extend over the flange portion 512 of the outer sleeve 440. Instead, the outer sleeve 170 of the segment of flexible pipe body 100 is terminated against the radially protruding flange portion 512. Optionally, and as is illustrated in Figure 5, the flange portion 512 is sized so that it extends radially outwardly so that a combined thickness of the neck portion 520 and the outer sheath 170 are around the same thickness of the flange portion 512. That is to say that, optionally, the outer surface of the flange portion 512 and the outer surface of the outer sheath 170 substantially fall on an imaginary cylinder and provide a smooth outer surface along the flange portion 512 and the outer sheath 170. As is indicated in Figure 5, the layers of the segment of flexible pipe body 100 that are disposed radially beneath the outer sheath 170 intrude into the open mouth 532 and extend through the outer sleeve 440. These layers pass through a bore of the outer sleeve 440 and out of the further open mouth 536. It will be appreciated that, during a step of terminating the segment of flexible pipe body 100 in an end fitting, the outer sleeve 440 is urged over an exposed portion 540 of the underlying layer 506 of the segment of flexible pipe body 100 radially within the outer sleeve, and towards the end region 444 of the outer sheath 170. The tapered tip 528 and neck portion 520 is thus urged beneath the outer sheath 170. Figure 5 shows how the outer sleeve 440 is arranged radially around a polymeric abrasion resistant layer 160 however it will be appreciated that the outer sleeve 504 may be arranged over any other suitable layer of the segment of flexible pipe body that is located adjacent to and radially within the outer sleeve 170. Such a layer may for example be an optional layer of insulation 165 or the like.

[0119] Figure 6 schematically illustrates how the outer sleeve 440 can be arranged with regard to an end fitting 300 and a segment of flexible pipe body 100 that is terminated in the end fitting 300. As illustrated in Figure 6, and as is described with regard to Figure 5, the outer sleeve 440 is arranged such that the neck portion 520 of the outer sleeve 440 extends beneath an end region 444 of the outer sheath 170. Figure 6 illustrates how a seal ring member 604, that is an example of the seal member of Figure 4 448, is arranged radially around the end region 444 of the outer sheath 170. Arranged radially around the seal ring member 604, end region 444 of the outer sheath 170 and outer sleeve 440 is a jacket 340 of the end fitting. As illustrated in Figure 6, a radially inner surface region 608 of the jacket 340 includes a tapered radially inner surface 614 which is in contact with a deformable portion 612 of the seal ring member 604. It will be appreciated that, via securing a collar member 616 to an end region of the jacket 340, that collar member 616 is driven to abut against a body portion 620 of the seal ring member 604 which urges the seal ring member towards the tapered radially inner surface 614. This in turn forces the deformable portion 612 radially inwardly towards the outer sheath 170. A radially inner surface 624 of the deformable portion 612 optionally includes a plurality of tooth like ridges or the like. As the deformable portion 612 is urged radially inwardly, the deformable portion 612 bites down on the outer sheath 170. It will be understood that the seal ring member 604 thus provides a fluid tight seal around the outer surface of the outer sheath 170. It will also be appreciated that the neck portion 512 of the outer sleeve 440 provides a supporting surface against which the outer sleeve 170 can be urged by the seal ring member 604. It will be appreciated that the seal ring member 604, when sealed against the outer sheath 170, presses the outer sheath 170 against the neck portion 520. The end region 444 of the outer sheath 170 thus is effectively clamped between the seal ring member 604 and the neck portion 520 of the outer sleeve 440.

[0120] Figure 7 illustrates a region 650 of the segment of flexible pipe body 100 illustrated in Figure 6 proximate the tip 528 of the outer sleeve 440 in more detail. As is illustrated in Figure 7, a gap or void 704, that is an example of a void zone, is present proximate to the tip 528 of the outer sleeve 440. That is to say that a void 704 is formed between the outer sheath 170 and the adjacent layer 160 of flexible pipe body 100 around the region of the segment of flexible pipe body 100 in which the tip 528 is disposed. It will be appreciated that the void 704 can be formed when the outer sleeve 504 is urged beneath the end region 444 of the outer sheath 170 during terminating a segment of flexible pipe body 100 in an end fitting 300. This can be because the end region 444 of the outer sheath 170 is effectively pulled up away from the underlying layer of the segment of flexible pipe body 100 when the outer sleeve 440 is urged beneath the sheath 170. When the outer sleeve 504 is urged below the end region 444 of the sheath 170 the outer sleeve 440 may not sit flush against the outer sleeve 504 and the adjacent layer 506 of the segment of flexible pipe body 100, and thus the void 704 is formed. The void 704 may be filled with air or the like. In use the void may be filled with gasses that have permeated out from the bore of the flexible pipe or the like.

[0121] It will be appreciated that the outer sheath can creep or intrude into gaps in use due to the presence of a void 704 and the surrounding external hydrostatic pressure in deep water. It will be understood that the arrangements illustrated in Figures 6 and 7, which indicate how a void region 704 can be located proximate to the tip 528, illustrate situations that might be prior to outer sheath creep. It will be understood that a portion 804 of the outer sheath 170 disposed radially around and / or proximate to the tip 528 of the outer sleeve 504 can creep into the void region or zone that is provided between the sheath 170 and an adjacent or underlying layer 506 of the segment of flexible pipe body 100. It will be understood that, subsequent to creeping into the void, the outer sheath may be thinned, warped or strained. The outer sheath 170 thus will extend into regions around the tip 528 to fill the void previously located in the region. It will be appreciated that, when an outer sheath creeps into such a void region, the tip 528 of the outer sleeve may abut with a region of the outer sheath. It will be appreciated that the rigid outer sleeve 440 can thus abrade or wear or even penetrate the outer sheath 170 in use, particularly in high pressure environments (for example in subsea deep water environments) where the environment acts to urge the outer sheath 170 against the tip 528. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that the creep of the sheath 170 into the void can strain the outer sheath 170. Environmental hydrostatic pressures acting on the outer sheath 170 thus can further increase strain on the outer sheath which can cause the outer sheath to fail. It will be understood that creep of the outer sheath 170 to fill a void creates a weak point at the creeping portion 804 of the outer sheath 170 which may be prone to failure. This may be made worse by any inconsistencies in outer sheath thickness and / or concentricity of the polymer during extrusion of the outer sheath.

[0122] It will be appreciated that an outer sheath breach can occur due to creep of the outer sheath into a void present between the outer sheath 170 and an adjacent layer 506 of a segment of flexible pipe body 100. As described above, creep of an outer sheath into a void can create a weak point in the outer sheath. It will be appreciated that a rupture in the outer sheath 170 can ultimately occur at or around this weak spot. It will be appreciated that the breach may be caused by environmental pressures and / or abrasion between the outer sleeve 440 and the outer sheath 170 or the like. It will be appreciated that, particularly when the segment of flexible pipe body 100 is utilised in an offshore environment, the outer sheath breach can result in flooding of the segment of flexible pipe body 100. In addition, it will be appreciated that a breach in an outer sheath 170 of a segment of flexible pipe body 100 can result in an ingress pathway for water which and / or provide fluid pathways for gasses present in the annulus of the segment of flexible pipe body 100. Such gasses, for example carbon dioxide and / or hydrogen sulphide, can be damaging or corrosive to metal layers of the flexible pipe body 100 in the presence of water. The formation of a breach can thus result in damage, cracking, embrittlement or the like of certain metallic layers such as the tensile armour layers 140, 150 and / or the pressure armour layer 130. That is to say that a breach in the outer sheath 170 can allow water to ingress into an annulus region of a segment of flexible pipe body 100. Such water ingress can cause, or can exacerbate, corrosive effects of gasses in the annulus region of the pipe body to weaken or damage some layers of the pipe body 100 (such as metallic armour layers).

[0123] It will be appreciated that the void is formed due to a gap between the tapered tip and a lift off point 740 associated with the outer sheath 170. The lift off point is a point at which the outer sheath 170 begins to lift away from the underlying layer 504 due to the outer sleeve being provided between the outer sheath and the underlying layer.

[0124] Figure 8 illustrates steps of a method for providing the outer sleeve of Figure 4. At a first step of the method s810, a precursor outer sleeve is provided. It will be appreciated that the precursor outer sleeve may be manufactured by casting or machining or the like. The precursor outer sleeve does not include any fluid communication passageways in a body of the sleeve. Fluid communication passageways of the sleeve will be explained in more detail with reference to Figure 11. The precursor outer sleeve is optionally formed from a metallic material, for example steel. The precursor outer sleeve is a rigid body that includes a radially extending flange portion at one end and a neck portion extending from the flange portion to a remaining end of the body. The terminal end of the neck portion includes a tapered tip. The tapered tip includes at least one outer surface that tapers to a point. For example, a radially outermost surface of the tapered tip may taper to a point and / or a radially inner surface of the tapered tip may taper to a point.

[0125] At a second step of the method s820 at least one fluid communication passageway is provided through the rigid body. Aptly a plurality of passageways may be provided circumferentially around the rigid body. It will be appreciated that s passageway may include one or more bores. It will be appreciated that a bore may be provided by drilling or the like. Aptly the fluid communication region may include a plurality of passageway portions. These may be a plurality of bores that extend, for example, in different directions through the body. For example, a first passageway portion may extend axially as a through bore through the body while a further passageway portion may extend substantially radially (or orthogonally with regard to the first passageway portion) from an inner surface of the body to intersect the first passageway portion. In such an instance, the plurality of passageway portions may be individually provided, for example by drilling or the like, to provide the fluid communication passageway. As indicated above, further details of fluid communication passageways will be described below, for example with respect to Figure 11. It will be appreciated that the fluid communication passageway is provided so that it extends from an outer surface of the body (where a liquid inlet port is formed) to a radially inner surface of the body (where a liquid outlet port is formed). The outer surface may be a radially outer surface or may be an end surface of the sleeve, for example a terminal end of a flange portion of the sleeve. It will be appreciated that one or more passageway portions may be provided as axially extending channels or grooves (that are examples of open-sided passages) arranged circumferentially around a radially inner surface of the outer sleeve body. The fluid inlet port is formed proximate to a tapered tip of the outer sleeve.

[0126] Figure 9 illustrates steps of a further method for providing the outer sleeve of Figure 4. At a first step s910 of the method, the outer sleeve is formed as an integral component that includes a fluid communication passageway. The fluid communication passageway extends from a liquid inlet port at an outer surface of the sleeve to a liquid outlet port disposed at a radially inner surface of the sleeve, proximate to a tapered tip of the outer sleeve. Aptly, the fluid communication passageway may include one or more bores in the body. Aptly the fluid communication passageway may include one or more channels in a radially inner surface of the sleeve. The outer sleeve provided by the method step s910 of Figure 9 may be formed including a plurality of passageway portions in the rigid body and thus no further drilling steps, for example, to provide the fluid communication passageway are necessary. Aptly the outer sleeve is formed via additive manufacturing, for example 3D printing or the like.

[0127] Figure 10 illustrates steps of a method for providing the outer sleeve of Figure 4 to a segment of flexible pipe body during terminating a segment of flexible pipe body. It will be appreciated that the method of Figure 10 is part of a termination method for terminating a segment of flexible pipe body in an end fitting. At a first step of the method s1010, an outer sheath of a segment of flexible pipe body is trimmed to reveal an exposed portion of an underlying layer. Thus, a new end region of the outer sheath is provided (that is the portion of the outer sheath that is now a terminal portion of the sheath following the trimming).

[0128] At a second step of the method s1020, an outer sleeve is urged over the exposed portion of the underlying layer. It will be appreciated that the underlying layer thus passes into and through a central bore of the outer sleeve. That is to say that the outer sleeve radially surrounds a region of the underlying layer. The outer sleeve is urged such that a radially flared out flange region of the outer sleeve, at a first end of the outer sleeve, is urged against the new end region of the outer sheath, and such that a neck portion of the outer sleeve (that is narrowed compared to the flange portion of the outer sleeve) is urged under the outer sleeve. Thus, the neck region is urged into position in between the outer sheath and the underlying layer. Optionally thermal energy is applied to the polymer material of end region of the outer sheath in order to make the insertion of the outer sleeve underneath the outer sheath easier and minimize strain in the end region of the outer sheath.

[0129] Figure 11 illustrates a cross sectional view of the outer sleeve 440 of in more detail. It is noted that the outer sleeve 440 illustrated is suitable for reducing or filling gaps (or voids) 704 between the outer sheath 170 and an underlying layer 506 of the segment of flexible pipe body 100. As has been discussed with respect to Figures 5 to 10, the outer sleeve 440 shown includes a rigid body 508. The rigid body 508 shown in Figure 11 is made from a metallic material however it will be appreciated that the rigid body 508 may instead be made from any other suitable material for example a ceramic or polymeric (for example thermoplastic) material or composite material or the like. Aptly the rigid body 508 may be made from stainless steel. Aptly the rigid body 508 is made from a material that resists corrosion and / or oxidation or the like or is coated with a material suitable for protecting the material of the rigid body from corrosion and / or oxidation or the like. The rigid body 508 includes a flange portion 512 at a first end 516 of the rigid body 504. A neck region 520 extends from the flange portion 512 to a remaining end 524 of the rigid body 508. The neck region 520 terminates at the remaining end 536 with a tapered tip 528. It will be appreciated that the outer sleeve 440 is a generally annular or tubular member. Thus, it will be understood that the flange portion 512 provides, and radially surrounds, an open mouth 532 of the rigid body 508 while the tapered tip 528 provides, and radially surrounds, a further open mouth 536 of the rigid body 508. It will be understood that the open mouth 536 of the rigid body 508 may, at the first end 516, feature a chamfer or radius transition from the cylindrical bore of the outer sleeve 440 to the radial face of the flange portion 512 for controlling or limiting the point bending of underlying tensile armours 160, 150 as they enter the end fitting and radially separate from underlying layers of the flexible pipe body (see also Figure 4 and Figure 18).

[0130] It will be appreciated that the sleeve 440 extends along a longitudinal central axis 501 . That is to say that the sleeve is arranged radially around the central axis 501 . The rigid body 508 of the sleeve is arranged radially around the central axis 501 , and the central axis 501 is a central longitudinal axis of the rigid body 508. The open mouths 532, 536 are arranged around the longitudinal central axis 501 and a throughbore of the sleeve extends along the axis 501. The axis 501 extends to pass through both the first end 516 and the remaining end 524 of the rigid body 508 of the sleeve 440. It will be appreciated that the cross section illustrated in Figure 11 is a longitudinal cross section or an axial cross section. That is to say that the cross section is taken on an imaginary plane (that is an imaginary cutting plane) that contains the longitudinal central axis 501 . It will be appreciated that the sleeve 440 (and thus the rigid body 508) has an associated axial direction that is a direction substantially along the longitudinal central axis 501 and an associated radial direction that is a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal central axis 501. It will be appreciated that the longitudinal central axis 501 is aligned with a longitudinal central axis of a portion of a segment of flexible pipe body 100 disposed within the sleeve 400 when the sleeve 440 (and thus rigid body 508) is arranged to be located at least partially between adjacent layers of the segment of flexible pipe body 100. The longitudinal central axis 501 aptly is a principal central axis.

[0131] Figure 11 further illustrates how the outer sleeve 440 includes fluid communication passageways 1136 that extend axially through the outer sleeve 440. It will be appreciated that a plurality of fluid communication passageways 1136 are arranged circumferentially around the outer sleeve 440. Two fluid communication passageways 1136 are illustrated in the cross sectional view (that is a longitudinal or axial cross sectional view) shown in Figure 11 however it will be understood that only one fluid communication passageway 1136 may be utilised. Alternatively, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten or more fluid communication passageways 1136 may be utilised. Figure 12 shows how the fluid communication passageways 1136 shown each include a first passageway portion 1138 that axially extends from the first end 516 of the outer sleeve 440 to the remaining end 536 of the outer sleeve 440. That is to say that the first passageway portions 1138 of the fluid communication passageways 1136 are substantially straight through holes or through bores extending from the flange region 512 to the tapered tip 528. That is to say, the fluid communication passageways 1136 extend wholly or substantially wholly through the outer sleeve 440. The outer sleeve 440 includes respective liquid inlet ports 1140 at the flange region 512 that are substantially in-line with respective first passageway portions 1138 of the fluid communication passageways 1136. It will be appreciated that the liquid inlet ports 1140 are holes or openings in the flange portion 512 that permit passage of liquid into the fluid communication passageways 1136. Aptly the liquid inlet ports are part of respective fluid communication passageways. That is to say that, aptly, the first passageway portion 1138 of a fluid communication passageway 1136 can be considered to include a respective axial hole or bore or throughbore or the like and a fluid inlet port 1140. Figure 11 further illustrates how, for each fluid communication passageway 1136, a liquid outlet port 1144 is located at or proximate to the tapered tip 528. The liquid outlet port 1144 is a hole or opening at the radially inner surface of the tapered tip. The liquid outlet port opens into a further passageway portion 1146 of the fluid communication passageway 1136. The further passageway portion 1146 extends in a radial direction from a radially inner surface 1148 of the neck portion 520 at / proximate to the tapered tip 528 to a respective axially extending first passageway portion 1138 of a respective fluid communication passageway 1136. Thus, it will be appreciated that the further passageway portions 1146 extend in a substantially perpendicular direction with respect to the first passageway portions 1136.

[0132] The first passageway portion 1138 is optionally a drilled hole. The further passageway portion 1146 is optionally a port passage that extends from an end region of the first passageway portion 1138 to the liquid outlet port 1144. The liquid outlet port 1144 is optionally formed as a hole in the radially inner surface 1180 of the rigid body.

[0133] Figure 11 further illustrates how each fluid communication passageway 1136 is open, via respective openings 1150, at the tapered tip 528. The outer sleeve 440 may not however include these openings 1150. Aptly these openings 1150 may be blocked. For example, the openings 1150 may be blocked with plug elements or the like. Alternatively, the fluid communication passageways 1136 may each be blind at the tapered tip 528. That is to say the fluid communication passageways 1136 may only extend from a respective liquid inlet port 1140 to a respective liquid outlet port 1146 and may not include any further openings other than these ports. Aptly the tapered tip 528 includes an inclined dip surface 1182 that dips radially inwardly towards a tip end 1184 (or tip apex). Aptly the fluid outlet ports 1144 are arranged on a curved cylindrical surface that comprises the radially innermost surface 1180 of the rigid body 508. Aptly the tapered tip 528 includes an inclined lift surface 1186 that lifts radially outwards towards the tip end 1184. Aptly the one or more liquid outlet ports 1144 are arranged on the lift surface 1186. Aptly the lift surface is part of the radially inner surface of the rigid body. Aptly the rigid body 508 is a metal sleeve. Optionally the rigid body 508 is integrally formed.

[0134] Figure 12 schematically illustrates how the outer sleeve 440 of Figure 11 is arranged with regard to a segment of flexible pipe body 100 in use, and illustrates how the fluid communication passageways 1136 and ports 1140, 1144 are arranged in use. As described in Figure 5, it will be appreciated that the outer sleeve 440 is urged radially around and along an exposed portion 540 of an underlying layer 506 of a segment of flexible pipe body. It will be understood that the underlying layer 506 is a layer that is located radially within and adjacent to the outer sheath 170 in the segment of flexible pipe body 100. It will be appreciated that the exposed portion 540 of the underlying layer 506 is exposed by trimming away a portion of the outer sleeve 170 that previously covered the exposed portion 540 thereby revealing the exposed portion 540. It will be appreciated that the outer sheath 170 is trimmed prior to fitting the outer sleeve 440 to the segment of flexible pipe body 100. Figure 12 helps illustrate how an end portion 444 of the outer sheath 170 is disposed radially around the neck portion 520 of the outer sleeve 440. It will be appreciated that the end portion 444 is an end region of the outer sheath 170 subsequent to trimming the outer sheath 170. The end portion 444 of the outer sheath 170 is arranged against the flange portion 512 of the outer sleeve 440. It will be understood that, during a step of terminating a segment of flexible pipe body 100, the outer sleeve 440 is provided to the segment of flexible pipe body 100 and the neck portion is urged beneath the end portion 444 of the outer sheath 170.

[0135] Figure 13 illustrates how the tapered tip 528 of the outer sleeve 440 is arranged with regard to the segment of flexible pipe body 100 in more detail. Figure 13 illustrates how the outer sheath 170 of the segment of flexible pipe body 100 extends over the tapered tip 528. Figure 13 further shows how the void or gap 704 is located proximate to the tapered tip 528 and between the outer sheath 170 and the underlying layer 506. Figure 13 further illustrates how the further passageway portion 1146 extends radially inwardly and the liquid outlet port is located through a radially inner surface 1148 of the rigid body 508 proximate to the remaining end 524 of the body 508. The liquid outlet port 1144 is thus an opening in a radially inner surface of the rigid body 508, at / proximate to the tapered tip 528 (and proximate to the remaining end 524 of the rigid body 508) and facilitates fluid communication between a fluid communication region located radially within or surrounded by the tapered tip 528, and the further passageway portion 1146. Figure 13 illustrates how the further passageway portion 1146, via the liquid outlet port 1144, is fluidly connected to the void zone 704. Thus, the illustrated fluid communication passageway 1136 as a whole is fluidly connected to the void 704. It will be appreciated that the other fluid communication passageways and respective liquid outlet ports are also fluidly connected to the void 704 in a similar manner.

[0136] Figure 13 also illustrates how the radially inner surface 1148 of the tapered tip 528 of Figure 13 tapers in a radially outwardly direction to help facilitate fluid communication between the liquid outlet port 1144 and the void 704. That is to say that the tapered tip 528 tapers away from the underlaying layer 506. Optionally, the tapered tip 528 does not include an inner surface 1148 that tapers in this manner. Optionally the tapered tip 528 is any other suitable shape. It will be appreciated that the tapering of the inner surface 1148 of the tapered tip 528 away from the underlying layer 506 can help prevent the tip end 1310 from embedding in, damaging, scraping against, becoming trapped in or puncturing the underlying layer 506 when the outer sleeve 504 is urged over the underlying layer 506 and when the tapered tip 528 is urged beneath the outer sheath 170. Figure 13 further illustrates how the tip end 1310 of the rigid body 508 includes a rounded nose. It will be appreciated that the rounded nose can help prevent damage to, or entrapment in, layers of flexible pipe body when the outer sleeve is urged over the underlying layer 506. Optionally the tapered tip may have any other suitable geometry, for example having a sharp / pointed tip end or nose.

[0137] Figure 14 illustrates how a fluid 1404 can be provided through the fluid communication passageway 1136 to fill the void 704. It will be appreciated that the fluid 1404 is a liquid however any other suitable fluid may be utilised. It will be appreciated that the fluid 1404 can be provided to the void zone 704 out of the liquid inlet port 1140 (via passing through the fluid communication passageway) via further tubing and / or via pumps / injectors (that are not shown in Figure 14). The pumps / injectors will be arranged to provide fluid into the liquid inlet port 1140. The fluid 1404 is provided through the fluid communication passageway 1136 and the liquid outlet port 1144, optionally via pumping or injecting or the like. It will be appreciated that by filling the void 704 with the fluid 1404, outer sheath creep into the void 704 can be prevented or limited. By reducing the space available into which the outer sheath 170 can creep, weak spots associated with the outer sheath 170 can be reduced. It will be understood that the solidified fluid 1408 can help support the outer sheath 170 from beneath (that is to say from radially within the outer sheath 170) to help reduce strain on the outer sheath 170, particularly when the segment of flexible pipe body 100 is arranged in a high-pressure environment. Furthermore, the solidified fluid 1408 may help space the outer sheath 170 apart from the tapered tip 528 of the outer sleeve 440 thereby helping reduce abrasion of the outer sheath 170 that might result from creep of the outer sheath 170 into a void 704 formed between the outer sheath 170 and an underlying layer 506.

[0138] The fluid 1404 may optionally be a high-density fluid. The fluid 1404 may optionally be a curable fluid, for example epoxy (epoxy resin) or the like. The fluid 1404 may be a molten polymer, made for example from the same polymeric material that that outer sheath is made from. It will be appreciated that if the fluid 1404 is a curable material, the curable material may be cured subsequent to pumping the fluid 1404 into the void 704 to effectively fill the void 704 with a solid material. In the arrangement shown in Figure 14, the void filling solidified material 1408, that the void 704 is filled with, is a cured solid material (for example epoxy) that was provided to the void as a fluid 1404 then hardened I cured. It will be appreciated that if the fluid 1404 is a molten material, for example a molten polymer, the fluid may be cooled to form a sold material 1408. It will be appreciated that thermal energy may be applied to the outer sleeve 440, for instance via induction, during the injection of the fluid 1404 to ensure it does not solidify in the communication passageway 1136 before reaching the void 704. The temperature of the outer sleeve 440 may be monitored, and as a result controlled, using thermocouples or fibreoptics inserted into the passageway 1136; these can optionally be withdrawn just prior to providing the fluid 1404. Aptly the solidified fluid 1408 is a solid support. Aptly the solid support includes solidified resin or polymer. Aptly the solidified fluid 1408 at least partly, or wholly, fills the void zone 704. It will be appreciated that the void zone aptly comprises an annular space region bounded by surface of the outer sheath 170, a surface of the underlying layer 506 and the tapered tip 528.

[0139] Figure 15 illustrates the tapered tip 528 of Figure 15 in more detail. Figure 15 shows how the fluid communication passageway 1136, the liquid outlet port 1144 and the void 704 are all completely filled with fluid 1404. It will thus be appreciated that the first and further passageway portions 1138, 1146 are filled with fluid. It will be appreciated that optionally the fluid 1404 is subsequently cured or hardened via another mechanism into solid material 1408. Figure 15 also helps illustrate how fluid flows into the void 704 occurs as fluid is pumped axially along the first passageway portion 1138 of the fluid communication passageway 1136, radially through the further passageway portion 1146 and out of the liquid outlet port 1144 to the void 704. Fluid flow is indicated via arrows. Figure 15 helps further illustrate how the fluid outlet ports are disposed on a radially inner surface of the rigid body proximate to the remaining end and the tapered tip. The liquid outlet ports are thus circumferentially arranged in the radially inner surface of the neck portion of the rigid body, and are arranged towards the remaining end of the rigid body.

[0140] Figure 16 illustrates a perspective view of another outer sleeve 1604. The outer sleeve 1604 of Figure 16 is similar to the outer sleeve 440 of Figure 11. It will be appreciated that the outer sleeve shown in Figure 16 functions in a similar manner to the outer sleeve 440 that has been described with regard to Figures 4 to 15. As illustrated, the outer sleeve 1604 of Figure 16 has a rigid body 1606 and is a generally annular or tubular member with an open mouth 1608 at the first end 1612. Figure 16 further helps illustrate how the outer sleeve 1604 includes a plurality of liquid inlet ports 1616 disposed circumferentially around a flange portion 1620 of the outer sleeve 1604. It will be appreciated that eight fluid inlet ports 1616 are illustrated in Figure 16.

[0141] Figure 17 illustrates a cross sectional perspective view (the cross section being a longitudinal or axial cross section) of a portion of the outer sleeve 1604 of Figure 16. Figure 16 illustrates how a fluid communication passageway 1704 extends through the rigid body 1606 of the outer sleeve 1604 from the liquid inlet port 1616 at the flange portion 1620 to a radially inwardly facing liquid outlet port 1708 at / proximate to a tapered tip 1712 that is at a remaining end 1716 of the outer sleeve 1704. The liquid outlet port 1708 is thus a radially inwardly facing hole or opening in a radially inner surface of the outer sleeve 1604. It will be appreciated that a neck portion 1720 extends from the flange portion 1620 towards the remaining end 1716. Figure 17 helps illustrate how the fluid communication passageway 1704 includes a first passageway portion 1724 that extends axially along the outer sleeve 1604 from the liquid inlet port 1616 and towards the tapered tip 1712. The fluid communication passageway additionally includes a further passageway 1728 portion that extends from the fluid outlet port in a radial direction to the adjoin with the first passageway portion. That is to say that the further passageway portion 1728 intersects the first passageway portion 1724.

[0142] Figure 17 further illustrates how an outer surface region 1732 of the neck portion 1720 is rough and includes corrugations and / or teeth or the like. It will be appreciated that the rough outer surface helps reduce slipping of the outer sheath 170 in use when the neck portion 1720 is urged beneath an outer sheath 170 of a segment of flexible pipe body 100. It will also be appreciated that the rough outer surface 1732 can bite into an underside of an outer sheath to help limit movement of the outer sheath 170 with respect to the outer sleeve 1604 when a seal ring is urged against, and bites into, a radially outer surface of the outer sheath 170. Thus, it will be appreciated that the outer sheath can be clamped on both sides of the sheath 170 to help secure the sheath 170 at a sealed position in use.

[0143] Figure 18 illustrates a cross sectional view (the cross section being a longitudinal or axial cross section) of a portion of the outer sleeve 1604 of Figure 16 in . Figure 18 illustrates how a fluid communication passageway 1704 extends through the rigid body 1606 of the outer sleeve 1604 from the liquid inlet port 1616 at the flange portion 1620 to the radially inwardly facing liquid outlet port 1708 at the tapered tip 1712 of the rigid body 1604. Figure 18 illustrates how the flange portion 1620 radially surrounds an open mouth 1608 of the rigid body 1606 while the tapered tip 1712 radially surrounds a further open mouth 1804 of the rigid body 1606. Figure 18 helps illustrate how the fluid communication passageway 1704 includes a first passageway portion 1724 that extends from the liquid inlet port 1616, and a further passageway portion 1728 that extends from the liquid outlet port 1708.

[0144] Figure 19 illustrates another perspective view of a portion of the outer sleeve 1604 of Figure

[0145] 16 in axial section, the cross section being a longitudinal or axial cross section. Figure 19 illustrates how the first passageway portion 1724 of the fluid communication passageway 1704 extends axially from the flange portion 1620 of the rigid body 1606.

[0146] Figure 20 illustrates another cross sectional perspective view (the cross section being a longitudinal or axial cross section) of the outer sleeve 1604 of Figure 16. Figure 20 illustrates tapered tip 1712 of the rigid body 1606 in more detail. Figure 20 illustrates how the fluid outlet port 1708 illustrated is an aperture in a radially inner surface of the body 1606. As illustrated, the liquid outlet port 1708 is located at an end of the further passageway portion 1728 which extends from the radially inner surface of the body to meet the first passageway portion 1724. That is to say that the further passageway portion is a radially extending passageway that permits fluid communication between the further open mouth 1804 and the first passageway portion 1724. Thus, the fluid communication passageway 1724 is in fluid communication with a central bore of the outer sleeve 1604.

[0147] Figure 20 further illustrates how the tapered tip 1712 has a generally rounded nose 2004 at the terminal end of the tapered tip 1712 (at a terminus of the body 1606 at the further end 1716). The rounded nose 2004 can help prevent damage to layers of flexible pipe during installation of the sleeve 1604.

[0148] Figure 21 illustrates a different outer sleeve 2104. The outer sleeve of Figure 21 is also for filing a gap or void 704 between the outer sheath 170 and an underlying layer 506 of a segment of flexible pipe body 100. The outer sleeve 2104 of Figure 21 includes a rigid body 2106 that includes a flange portion 2108 and a neck portion 2112. The neck portion 2112 extends away from the flange portion 2104, that is located at a first end 2116 of the rigid body 2106, towards a tapered tip 2120 at a further end 2122 of the body 2106. Figure 21 shows how the outer sleeve 2104 of Figure 21 includes liquid inlet ports 2124 located circumferentially around a radially outer surface of the flange portion 2108. The liquid inlet ports 2124 are openings in the body 2106 and form an end of respective fluid communication passageways 2128 that extend through the body 2106. Figure 21 illustrates how each fluid communication passageway 2128 includes a first passageway portion 2130 that extends from a respective inlet 2124 and extends radially through the flange portion 2108.

[0149] The radially extending first passageway portions 2130 are fluidly connected to respective further passageway portions 2131 of respective fluid communication passageways 2128 that axially extend along a radially inner surface of the outer sleeve 2104 body 2106. As shown in Figure 21 , the further passageway portions 2131 of the fluid communication passageways 2128 extend radially within and along the neck portion 2112 of the body 2106, and are each formed as a groove or channel in a radially inner surface of the body 2106. That is to say the channels or grooves, that are further passageway portions 2131 , each extend along a radially inner surface of the neck portion 2112. It will be appreciates that the channels or grooves are examples of open-sided passages. It will be appreciated that multiple fluid communication passageways 2128, each having associated liquid inlet ports 2124 (disposed at the flange portion 2108), first passageway portions 2130 and further passageway portions 2131 are present in the outer sleeve 2104. It will be appreciated that the further passageway portions 2131 are arranged circumferentially around the radially inner surface of neck portion 2112 and also extend into a radially inner surface of a region of the flange portion 2104 where they each connect with a respective first passageway portion 2130. Two such fluid communication passageways 2128 are shown in the cross sectional view of Figure 21 (the cross section being a longitudinal or axial cross section), however it will be appreciated that three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, or more fluid communication passageways 2128, or only a single fluid communication passageway 2128, may be included in the outer sleeve 2104. Respective liquid exit ports 2132, for each fluid communication passageway 2128, are also arranged at and through the radially inner surface of the outer sleeve 2104. It will be appreciated that the liquid exit ports are the respective breakthroughs or openings in the radially inner surface of the outer sleeve 2104 where each channel or groove is located 2131. It will thus be appreciated that the liquid exit ports 2132 are slit like openings of no thickness that provide openings in the radially inner surface of the outer sleeve 2104 in which the further passageway portions 2131 are recessed. That is to say that the liquid outlet ports 2132 are the slit-like openings of each channel or groove that extend along the length of channel or groove. The liquid outlet ports are fluid communication openings that facilitate fluid communication between the further passageway portions 2131 (that are channels or grooves or the like) and a central bore of the outer sleeve 2104 (that the radially inner surface of the rigid body 2106 is arranged around). It will thus be appreciated that each further passageway portion 2131 is an axially extending passage or channel or groove provided in a radially inner surface of the rigid body 2106 that are open at one side along the length of the passage or groove or channel, and that the opening at the side of (and along the length of) the passage or channel or groove is a the liquid outlet port 2132. The further passageway portions are open-sided passages and the liquid outlet ports are the open sides of the passages.

[0150] It will be appreciated that a respective liquid inlet port 2224, a respective fluid communication passageway 2228 and a respective liquid outlet port are fluidly connected and thus fluidly connect a fluid communication region disposed outside of the rigid body 2106 with a further fluid communication region disposed radially inside of (that is to say in a central bore of and radially surrounded by) at least a portion of the body 2106. It will be appreciated that the fluid communication region outside of the body may be associated with a pump or injector or the like to pump or inject fluid 1404 into the fluid communication passageway in use. It will be appreciated that a terminal end region 2134 of the further passageway portion is open at the tapered tip 2120 via a portion of the liquid outlet port 2132. Thus is will be appreciated that, when the outer sleeve is arranged around an underlying layer of a segment of flexible pipe body, fluid 1404 that is provided into the liquid inlet port 2124 can be communicated through the first passageway portion 2130 (in a radial direction along the sleeve), through the further passageway portion 2131 (in an axial direction along the sleeve) and out of the tapered tip 2120 (at the remaining end 2122 of the body 2106), at the terminal end region 2134 of the further passageway portion 2131 , via a portion of the fluid outlet port 2132. Thus, liquid provided to the fluid communication passageway is able to leave the fluid communication passageway 2128 to ingress into the void space 704 between and outer sheath and an underlying layer in use.

[0151] Figure 21 further illustrates how the outer sleeve 2104 includes an annular collar member 2140 that is securable to the flange portion 2108 of the rigid body 2106. It will be appreciated that the collar member 2140 can be secured to the flange portion 2108 via bolts 2144 or other suitable securing elements or the like. A recessed region 2148 is provided at a radially inner terminal end region of the flange portion 2108, and at the first end 2116 of the body 2106. The recessed region 2148 is provided by a chamfer, radius or cutaway portion 2142 of the body 2106. Of course, the cutaway portion may not actually be formed by removing material from the body. However, the cutaway portion may be provided by machining, drilling or reaming or the like. In effect, the cutaway portion is a circumferential groove that extends around the terminal end of the flange portion. Thus, the recessed region 2148 is disposed as a circumferential groove extending radially around the radially innermost terminal end of the flange portion 2108 that is most distal the neck portion 2112 (and thus is at the first end 2116 of the body).

[0152] As shown in Figure 21 , the recessed region is located between the body 2106 and the collar member 2140. The collar member 2140 extends further radially inwardly relative to a terminal end of the flange portion 2108 at the first end of the body 2106. Thus, the collar member 2140 provides a wall that encloses one side of the recessed region 2148. Figure 23 illustrates how an O-ring seal 2152 is located in and extends circumferentially around the recessed region 2148, between the flange portion 2108 and the collar member 2140. Any other suitable seal may instead be utilised. Aptly no seal is located in the recessed region. Aptly no recessed region is located in the outer sleeve. Aptly the outer sleeve does not include a collar member and optionally is formed as a single body. Aptly the collar member 2140 is a drive member that optionally is a drive ring. Aptly the collar member 2140 has a curved cylindrical radially inner surface that is concentric with and optionally has a common diameter with at least a portion of the radially innermost surface of the rigid body.

[0153] Aptly each further passageway portion 2131 is a channel. Aptly each further passageway 2131 portion is an open-sided passage. Aptly each passageway portion 2131 is a groove. Aptly each passageway portion is provided in a radially cylindrical surface of the rigid body 2106.

[0154] Figure 22 illustrates an end on view of the flange portion 2108 of the rigid body 2106 in cross section. Figure 22 illustrates how the flange portion 2108 radially surrounds an open mouth 2204 of the rigid body 2106. Figure 23 further illustrates how radially extending first passageway portions 2130 extend from respective liquid inlet ports 2124 at the radially outermost surface 2208 of the flange portion 2108, and to respective further passageway portions 2131 of respective fluid communication passageways 2128 located at a radially innermost surface 2212 of the rigid body 2206.

[0155] Figure 23 illustrates an end on view of the neck portion 2112 of the rigid body 2106 of the outer sleeve 2104 in cross section. Figure 4 helps illustrate how the tapered tip 2120, at a terminal end of the neck portion 2112, radially surrounds a further open mouth 2304 of the rigid body 2106. Figure 23 further illustrates how respective further passageway portions 2131 of respective fluid communication passageways 2128 are arranged at the radially inner surface 2308 of the neck portion 2112. Figure 23 further helps illustrate how the further passageway portions 2131 are open in a radially inwardly facing direction via respective slitlike openings that are liquid outlet ports 2132.

[0156] Figure 24 helps illustrate how the outer sleeve 2104 of Figure 21 can be arranged with respect to a segment of flexible pipe body 100 in use. Figure 24 illustrates how the outer sleeve 2104 is disposed such that the outer sheath 170 is located over the neck portion 2112 of the outer sheath 170 in much the same way as is described with regard to the outer sleeve 440 of Figures 4 to 15. That is to say that the outer sleeve is disposed radially around an underlying layer 506 of the segment of flexible pipe body 100. Figure 24 illustrates how a void zone 704 is formed between the outer sheath 170 and the underlying layer 506. The void zone is proximate to the tapered tip 2120 of the outer sleeve 2104 and is formed as a gap between the underlying layer and the outer sheath. It will be appreciated that fluid 1404 can be provided into the fluid inlet port 2124 and into the first passageway portion 2130 of the fluid communication passageway 2128. The fluid 1404 can be provided via pumping or injecting or the like. The fluid can the pass into the further passageway portion 2131 of the fluid communication passageway 2128.

[0157] As the underlying layer 506 closes the fluid outlet ports 2132 along most of the length of the fluid outlet ports 2132 (and the length of the further passageway portions 2131), the fluid 1404 is urged along the channel-like further passageway portions 2131 towards the tapered tip 2120. As illustrated in Figure 24, a portion of each of the liquid exit ports 2132 (at the terminal end region of the further passageway portion 2134) at the tapered tip 2120 is not obstructed by the underlying layer 506. This is because the end of the further passageway portion 2131 is open. Thus, an open channel end 2404, located at the radially inner surface of the body 2406 at the tapered tip 2120, that includes a portion of the liquid outlet port 2131 is unobstructed. The open channel end 2404 is a region of the liquid inlet port. It will thus be appreciated that at least some of each liquid exit port 2132 is in fluid communication with any void 704 formed between the outer sheath 170 and the underlying layer 506 of the segment of flexible pipe body 100. Fluid 1404 can thus exit at least a portion of the liquid exit ports 2132 (for example at and / or proximate to the terminal end region of the further passageway portion 2134) and ingress into the void 704. That is to say, by providing the fluid through the outer sleeve 2104, via the liquid inlet ports 2124, the fluid communication passageways 2128 and the liquid outlet ports 2132, the void 704 can be filled with fluid 1404. It will be appreciated that the fluid 1404 may be a curable fluid (for example epoxy or the like) or a molten polymer or the like. Optionally, if the fluid 1404 is a curable liquid, the liquid can be cured into a solid form 1408 once the void is filled to support the outer sheath 170 at the location at which the void was formed.

[0158] Figure 24 helps illustrate how a radially inner surface region 2408 of the body 2106 at the tapered tip 2120 extends at an angle away from underlying layer 506. That is to say, the radially inner surface region 2408 tapers away from the underlying layer 506. It will be appreciated that this taper can assist insertion of the outer sleeve 2104 beneath the outer sheath 170 and help ensure that portions of the liquid outlet ports 2132 are not obstructed by the underlying layer 506 at or around the tapered tip 2120 which can help facilitate the provision of fluid 1404 into the void 704. Of course, the inner surface region 2408 may not include such a taper. It will be appreciated that the O-ring seal 2152 located in the recessed region 2148 helps prevent backflow of any fluid 1404, for example epoxy or the like, out of the first end of the outer sleeve. For example, the O-ring seal may help prevent backflow of fluid into or towards other end fitting components when terminating a segment of flexible pipe body in an end fitting. It will be appreciated that fluid 1404 may in some situations attempt to flow out of the channels 2131 under the flange portion 2108 of the body 2106 and under the collar member 2140. The O-ring seal 2152 can help reduce backflow under the collar member 2140 and out of the outer sleeve 2104. It will be appreciated that optionally, after the fluid 1404 has filled the void 704 and it has hardened I cured into solidified fluid 1408, the collar member 2140 and the O-ring seal 2152 may be removed from the pipe body and subsequent end fitting processes may proceed.

[0159] Figure 25 illustrates a perspective view of another outer sleeve 2504. The outer sleeve 2504 illustrated in Figure 25 is substantially similar to the outer sleeve 2104 described with respect to Figures 21 to 24 and functions in a similar manner. As shown in Figure 25, the outer sleeve is substantially annular or tubular. The outer sleeve 2504 includes a rigid body 2508 and a collar member 2512. Figure 25 helps illustrate how the collar member 2512 is bolted onto the flange portion 2516 of the rigid body 2108. Figure 25 further helps illustrate how a plurality of liquid inlet ports 2520 are arranged circumferentially around the flange portion 2516. Figure 25 additionally illustrates how a plurality of passages (for example open-sided passages), recesses or channels 2524 (that are further passageway portions of a fluid communication passageway 2526) are provided circumferentially around a radially inner surface 2528 of the body 2508 and extend in an axial direction along a portion of the rigid body 2508. It will be appreciated that the further passageway portions 2524 are fluidly connected to a respective liquid inlet port 2520. Figure 24 illustrates how the further passageway portions 2524 are open in a radially inner direction via slit like openings 2532 that are liquid outlet ports and that extend along the length of the respective further passageway portions 2524. That is to say that the further passageway portions 2524 are each open to a central bore of the outer sleeve 2504 via the liquid outlet ports 2524.

[0160] Figure 26 illustrates a perspective view of a portion of the outer sleeve 2504 of Figure 25 in cross section (the cross section being a longitudinal or axial cross section). Figure 26 helps illustrate how the liquid inlet ports 2520 are openings that are fluidly connected to respective first passageway portions 2604 of the fluid communication passageway 2128. The first passageway portions 2604 extend radially through the flange portion 2516 of the rigid body 2508 and connect to respective further passageway portions 2524 of the fluid communication passageway 2128. Figure 26 further helps illustrate how an O-ring seal 2608 is arranged within a recessed region 2612 located between the flange portion 2516 of the rigid body 2508 and the collar member 2512 (that is secured to the flange portion 2516 of the rigid body 2508 via respective circumferentially arranged securing elements 2616).

[0161] Figure 27 illustrates another perspective view of a portion of the outer sleeve 2504 of Figure 25 in cross section (the cross section being a longitudinal or axial cross section). Figure 27 helps illustrate how each further passageway portion 2524 of each fluid communication passageway 2526 extends axially along most of the rigid body 2508. Figure 27 illustrates how the body 2508 of the outer sleeve 2504 includes a neck portion 2704 that extends from the flange portion 2516 to a tapered tip 2708. The further passageway portion extends from a terminal end of the fluid communication passageway at or proximate to the tapered tip 2708, along the neck portion 2704 of the rigid body 2508, and to an axial position in the flange portion 2516 where the first passageway portion 2604 is located. It will be appreciated that the fluid communication passageway extends from the liquid inlet port to the terminal end of the fluid communication passageway at the tapered tip. Figure 27 further helps illustrate how the further passageway portion 2524 is open along its length via the liquid outlet port 2524 that is a slit-like opening.

[0162] Figure 28 illustrates a side on cross sectional view (the cross section being a longitudinal or axial cross section) of a portion of the outer sleeve 2504 of Figure 25. Figure 28 helps illustrate how a recessed region 2612 is provided at a first terminal end 2804 of the rigid body 2508. The radially innermost corner section of the flange portion 2516, at the first end 2804 of the rigid body 2508, is oblique with respect to the primary radial and axial directions associated with the rigid body 2508. Thus, the recessed region 2612 is formed as a groove that extends circumferentially around the flange portion 2516 at the first end 2804 of the rigid body 2508. It will be appreciating that the recessed region is provided at the radially inner edge of the flange portion. Figure 28 shows how an O-ring seal 2608 is provided in the recessed region 2612 between the flange 2516 and the collar member 2512.

[0163] Figure 29 illustrates a cross sectional perspective view (the cross section being a longitudinal or axial cross section) of a portion of the outer sleeve 2504 of Figure 25. Figure 29 helps illustrate how the tapered tip 2708 of the rigid body 2508 is located at a further terminal end 2904 of the body 2106. As is illustrated in Figure 29, a plurality of circumferentially arranged fluid communication passageways 2526 (that include further passageway portions 2524 formed as respective axially extending channels) are located on a radially inner surface 2908 of the rigid body 2508 and extend towards the tapered tip 2708. The fluid communication passageways do not extend all the way to the terminal apex 2912 of the tapered tip 2708 but extend towards the tapered tip 2708. Optionally the fluid communication passageways may extend to the apex.

[0164] Figure 30 illustrates another perspective view of a portion of the outer sleeve 2504 of Figure 25 in cross section (the cross section being a longitudinal or axial cross section). Figure 30 helps illustrate how the collar member 2512 is secured to the flange portion 2516 of the rigid body 2508 via bolts 2616.

[0165] Figure 31 illustrates steps of a method for providing fluid to a void zone in a segment of flexible pipe body. It will be appreciated that the outer sleeve utilised in the method may be any one of the outer sleeves discussed with regard to Figures 4 to 30. At a first step of the method s3110, an outer sleeve member is urged over an exposed portion of an underlying layer (that is located beneath the outer sheath) of the segment of flexible pipe body. The outer sleeve is urged into a desired position over the underlying layer so that the neck portion of the outer sleeve sits beneath the outer sheath while the flange portion sits next to the terminal end of the outer sheath. It will be appreciated that a void zone can occur proximate to the tapered tip of the outer sleeve due to the provision of the outer sleeve. It will be appreciated that a tapered tip, that is a terminal end region of the neck portion, is thus located proximate to a lift off point where the outer sheath lifts away from the underlying layer, and the void zone is at least partly provided in a gap between the tapered tip and the lift off point. It will be appreciated that the outer sleeve may be slid into place. Alternatively, the outer sleeve may include a split body which can be fastened around an exposed portion of an underlying layer and then, subsequent to fastening the split body, can be urged into place so that the neck portion of the outer sleeve is radially within the outer sheath. It will be appreciated that the rigid body is drivable from the first end of the rigid body (that optionally is where the flange region of the body is located) so that the tapered tip and neck portion are urged between the outer sheath and the underlying layer to radially separate the outer sheath (that is an example of a polymer layer) and an underlying layer.

[0166] It will be appreciated that the first step of the method s3110 may be a step of a method of terminating a segment of flexible pipe in an end fitting and may be undertaken prior to providing a seal ring member radially over the outer sheath. At a second step of the method s3120 a liquid is provided into a fluid communication passageway, that extends through the outer sleeve, and through a liquid outlet port (located at a radially inner surface of the outer sleeve) to the void zone. It will be appreciated that the void zone is an example of a target zone or target location. It will be appreciated that fluid can be provided by pumping or injecting or the like. It will be appreciated that the void zone can be completely filled (or aptly partially filled) with fluid. It will be understood that fluid may be provided to the fluid communication passageway via a fluid inlet port located at an outer surface of the sleeve. It will be appreciated that the fluid communication passageway may include a plurality of passageway portions that are fluidly connected and thus providing fluid to the void zone may include providing fluid through the plurality of passageway portions. At least a portion of the liquid outlet port is aptly provided at a radially inner surface of the sleeve that is at or proximate to the tapered tip. It will be appreciated that the second step s3120 may be undertaken during terminating a segment of flexible pipe body at an end fitting.

[0167] At a third step of the method s3130, the fluid (that is located in the void zone and in the fluid communication passageway) is hardened into solid material. This can be via cooling, curing, chemical solidification or the like. The method of solidification depends on the fluid utilised and provided to the void zone. For example, if epoxy (or another similar resin is utilised), the fluid may be cured to become solid resin. If a molten polymer is utilised, the polymer may be cooled below its melting point into solid state. It will be appreciated that the third step s3130 could be undertaken during or subsequent to terminating a segment of flexible pipe body in an end fitting.

[0168] While Figures 5 to 31 refer to utilisation of outer sleeves that include at least one fluid communication passageway (and a liquid outlet port at a radially inner surface of the outer sleeve), it will be appreciated that other sleeves may instead be utilised. For example, an inner sleeve or an intermediate sleeve may be utilised (including similar fluid communication passageways and / or liquid outlet ports as described herein with regard to outer sleeves) to provide fluid between other layers of a segment of flexible pipe body. For example, fluid may be provided beneath barrier layers, liner layers, intermediate sheath layers or inner sheath layers of a segment of flexible pipe body via such sleeves.

[0169] It will be appreciated that while outer sleeves described herein in relation to Figures 5 to 31 feature fluid communications passageways for injecting fluid into a void space at a tip of the outer sleeve, the communication passageways may be utilised both as entry and exit passageways for fluid. For example, an outer sleeve may be provided with two fluid communication passageways, one at a vertically bottom position and one at a vertically top position when the outer sleeve is urged into position under the outer sheath; the bottom position fluid communication passageway may then be used as an fluid injection (entry) passageway and the top fluid communication passageway may be used to identify when the void space at the tip of the outer sleeve is filled with fluid - this being shown by fluid exiting via the top fluid communication passageway having filled the void space against gravity. By this means it can be confirmed that the void space is completely filled with fluid.

[0170] The outer sleeves described in detail herein include a plurality of fluid communication passageways however it will be appreciated that the outer sleeve may only include a single fluid communication passageway (and a single associated liquid outlet port). Aptly an outer sleeve may include any other number of fluid communication passageways. It will be appreciated that a fluid communication passageway may include any number of passageway portions. For example, a fluid communication passageway may include one, two, three, four, five or more passageway portions. For example, it will be appreciated that if only one fluid communication passageway is included in any of the outer sleeves described herein, only one first passageway portion and only one further passageway portion may be included.

[0171] The outer sleeves described in detail herein include a fluid communication passageway that includes a plurality of passageway portions. However, it will be appreciated that an outer sleeve need not include a plurality of passageway portions in a fluid communication passageway. An outer sleeve might include a fluid communication passageway that includes only a single passageway portion. For example, particularly for outer sleeves that may be made via additive manufacturing techniques and / or 3D printing and / or the like, outer sleeves may be formed having a relatively uniform fluid communication passageway having a single passageway portion. In this situation, for example, an outer sleeve may include a fluid communication passageway that is substantially linear or straight and that does not substantially deviate in any direction. For example, such a fluid communication passageway might extend diagonally through the outer sleeve between a liquid inlet port and a liquid outlet port.

[0172] 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.

[0173] 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.

[0174] 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 . An outer sleeve or inner sleeve or intermediate sleeve for an end fitting of a flexible pipe, comprising: a rigid body comprising a flange portion at a first end of the body that provides a first open mouth and a neck portion that extends away from the flange portion to a tapered tip that defines a further open mouth at a remaining end of the rigid body; wherein the rigid body comprises at least one fluid communication passageway that each extend from a first passageway end proximate to said a first end to a respective liquid outlet port on a radially innermost surface of the body at or proximate to the tapered tip.

2. The sleeve as claimed in claim 1 , further comprising: the at least one fluid communication passageway comprises a plurality of fluid communication passageways that each comprise a respective open-sided passage in a radially innermost surface of the neck portion of the body or a throughbore that extends axially through the neck portion of the body and that are spaced apart circumferentially around and extend along the neck portion.

3. The sleeve as claimed in claim 2, further comprising: each open-sided passage is a channel that optionally is a groove provided in an inner cylindrical surface of the rigid body.

4. The sleeve as claimed in claim 2, further comprising: each throughbore comprises a drilled hole that extends substantially parallel to but spaced apart from a principal central axis of the rigid body through the neck portion and a respective port passage that extends from an end region of a drilled hole to a respective outlet port that comprises a hole in the radially innermost surface.

5. The sleeve as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising: in a cross section through the rigid body that lies in a plane that contains a principal central axis of the rigid body, the tapered tip comprises an inclined dip surface at the remining end that dips radially inwards towards a tip end and each outlet port is disposed in a curved cylindrical surface that comprises the radially innermost surface.

6. The sleeve as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising: in a cross section through the rigid body that lies in a plane that contains a principal axis of the rigid body, the tapered tip comprises an inclined lift surface that comprises a region of the radially innermost surface and that lifts radially outwards towards the tip end and each outlet port is disposed in the lift surface.

7. The sleeve as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the rigid body is a metal sleeve that is integrally formed.

8. The sleeve as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising: the sleeve is driveable from the first end of the rigid body in an axial direction for radially separating a polymer layer from an underlying layer thereby locating the tapered tip of the sleeve between a polymer layer and a radially underlying layer of flexible pipe body.

9. The sleeve as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising: a drive ring locatable against an end surface of the flange portion of the rigid body and having a curved cylindrical radially innermost surface that is concentric with and has a common diameter to a radially innermost surface of the sleeve at said a first end of the rigid body.

10. The sleeve as claimed in claim 9, further comprising: the radially innermost surface of at least one of the drive ring or flange portion comprises a circumferentially extending recess for receiving a respective O ring.

11. A method for providing support to a polymer layer of flexible pipe body, comprising: providing a neck portion of a sleeve member that comprises a rigid body, between a polymer layer and a radially underlying layer of flexible pipe body, thereby locating a tapered tip in the neck portion proximate to a lift off point where the polymer layer is lifted radially away from the underlying layer; via at least one liquid outlet port on a radially innermost surface of the rigid body, providing injection fluid to a target region proximate to the lift point; and solidifying the injected fluid thereby at the target region providing a solid support radially under the polymer layer proximate to the lift point.

12. The method as claimed in claim 11 , further comprising: providing injection fluid comprises, via at least one injection port, injecting liquid resin or injecting polymer in liquid state, of a material that is the same or will perform at least similar to a polymer material of said a polymer layer, into at least one fluid communication passageway in the rigid body that is in fluid communication with the liquid outlet port.

13. The method as claimed in claim 11 or claim 12, further comprising: providing injection fluid comprises urging injection fluid through one or more liquid outlet ports of the sleeve and allowing injection fluid to flow into gaps between a radially innermost surface of the polymer layer and the underlying layer and / or between the tapered tip and the underlying layer.

14. The method as claimed in anyone of claims 11 to 13, further comprising: solidifying the injection fluid by curing the fluid or allowing for a predetermined period of time to elapse for the injection fluid to set.

15. A flexible pipe, comprising: flexible pipe body comprising at least one polymer layer over an underlying layer, having at least one pipe body end terminated in a respective end fitting; a sleeve member of the end fitting comprising a neck portion disposed between an end of the polymer layer and the underlying layer; and a solid support comprising solidified resin or polymer disposed proximate to a tapered tip of the sleeve member and at least partially or wholly filling at least a void zone.

16. The flexible pipe as claimed in claim 15, further comprising: the void zone comprises an annular space region bounded by a surface of the polymer layer, a radially outer surface of the underlying layer and a tapered tip of the sleeve member.

17. The flexible pipe as claimed in claim 15 or claim 16, further comprising: the sleeve member comprises a rigid body that comprises at least one fluid communication passageway that extends to a respective liquid outlet on a radiallyinnermost surface of the rigid body at or proximate to a tapered tip at an end region of the neck portion.

18. The flexible pipe as claimed in claim 15 or claim 16 or claim 17, further comprising: the polymer layer comprises an outer sheath or an intermediate sheath or inner sheath or a barrier layer or a liner of the flexible pipe body.

19. The flexible pipe as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 18, further comprising: the underlying layer comprises a tape layer or a further polymer layer.

20. The flexible pipe as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 19, further comprising: the flexible pipe is manufactured according to an API 17J flexible pipe standard.

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