Method for insulating complex subsea structures

Abstract

The present invention relates to a process to reduce internal stresses in insulation molded onto complex pipes, preferably complex subsea pipe, to reduce cracking in the molded insulation. Insulation materials applies to complex pipes comprising branches, i.e., valves, and the like, may be susceptible to cracking at, or near where the branch connects to the pipe as the coating of insulation material cures or hardens. The process of the present invention aims to reduce post molded cracking by reducing molded in stress at the branch/pipe junction. This is accomplished by providing a preform at or near a branch/pipe junction prior to applying the coating of insulation material.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.