Dynamic Hose Testing

Increasing numbers of large tankers are being offloaded with the use of single point mooring hoses (SPM) -- and if these hoses fail, the result is loss of valuable oil and pollution of the world's oceans. To assure hose integrity, Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) now has the means to fully test SPM hoses in a unique outdoor laboratory simulating the most severe operating conditions.

Interior of tank prior to filling. Flange attachments (end fixity) used in evaluations are identical to those employed at sea.

Single point mooring suction and discharge hoses have been under study since the 1960s, when hoses exceeding 20 inches in diameter were introduced. In 1977, a consortium of oil companies funded the design and construction of a test complex at the Institute to be used in the study of hoses up to 24 inches in diameter and 35 feet in length.

Test procedures now available at SwRI exceed current standards set by Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF) regarding SPM hoses. Current standards that require only static evaluation are useful primarily as a quality control tool for fabrication. However, it is now possible to determine the relationship between torsion, bending, compression, and tension in the laboratory under controlled conditions. Loads can be applied in any combination at actual or increased levels to provide real or accelerated life fatigue tests.

To better serve SPM hose manufacturers, the sponsoring agencies are making this one-of-a-kind complex available to the industry. For the first time, new or existing designs can be evaluated under simulated in-use conditions. Fees charged will be only those required for laboratory operations. Cost for each test will be quoted individually once test and reporting parameters are identified.

Expected sea state conditions from model tests or from other sources can be used as input parameters for evaluation of candidate hoses. All OCIMF requirements and other special tests can be handled by SwRI concurrent with dynamic hose testing. In line with Institute policy, evaluations for manufacturers and for operators will be held in strictest confidence.

Maximum rate is 10 cycles per minute. Maximum load levels are seen in the table below:

Unique outdoor laboratory design allows full-range simulation of sea state conditions. Hoses can be flexed 25 degrees in each direction.

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