Flexible risers face extreme conditions, risking costly failures.  PCM & VGM solutions provide real-time monitoring to enhance safety, optimise maintenance, and extend asset lifespan.

Flexible risers are exposed to extreme conditions, dynamic movements, high pressures, and aggressive chemical environments which can lead to costly and hazardous consequences. Pål Tuset, Principal Engineer, Structural Monitoring at FORCE Technology said that “Over time, material degradation can compromise their performance, potentially leading to costly failures and environmental risks.”

The ability to detect and assess degradation before it becomes a critical issue is vital for maintaining safety, optimising maintenance, and extending asset lifespans. FORCE Technology has offered industry-leading monitoring solutions to address these challenges since 1997.

The Polymer Coupon Monitoring (PCM) and Vent Gas Monitoring (VGM) services provide operators with valuable insights into the condition of flexible risers, allowing them to make informed decisions about maintenance and replacement. By delivering continuous, real-time data on gas diffusion and anulus free volume, and representative material samples reflecting on the material performance, our established global services help mitigate risks, reduce downtime, and optimise maintenance budgets.

Polymer Coupon Monitoring: Tracking material degradation

The PCM service focuses on monitoring the integrity of the pressure sheath in flexible pipes by analysing representative polymer coupons exposed to operational conditions. The coupons, made from the same material as the riser’s polymer sheath, are placed inside the system to undergo controlled exposure to hydrocarbons and production fluids.

Over time, these samples are retrieved and examined to evaluate material ageing, degradation rates, and overall performance. This allows operators to detect early signs of polymer ageing and assess whether the riser is performing within its expected service life parameters.

Pål said, “The ability to conduct these evaluations during normal operations, without the need for shutdowns, ensures minimal disruption to production while maintaining rigorous integrity assessment protocols.

Vent Gas Monitoring: Preventing critical failures 

Complementing PCM, the VGM service plays a crucial role in monitoring gas diffusion within flexible risers. As polymer sheaths are not entirely impermeable, small amounts of gas will pass through the layers over time, accumulating in the annulus between structural components.

“If not properly vented, this can lead to pressure build-up and eventual failure of the external polymer sheath, allowing seawater ingress and triggering corrosion in the riser’s steel reinforcements,” explained Pål.

The VGM system continuously measures vent gas flow rates, annulus pressure and annulus free volume, providing early warning of integrity breaches. By detecting changes in venting patterns, the system can identify potential degradation long before critical failures occur, enabling proactive intervention and reducing the likelihood of unexpected downtime.

High performance solutions and analysis

FORCE Technology stands apart from competitors by offering more than just hardware solutions. Many providers supply monitoring equipment, but FORCE Technology delivers a complete, turnkey package, combining advanced measurement systems with in-depth analysis and expert consultation on the results.

The approach ensures that operators receive not just raw data, but actionable insights that support strategic decision-making. Pål added that “FORCE Technology’s independent status also enhances the credibility of assessments, as our analysis is free from the commercial influence of pipe manufacturers.”

With decades of experience, a commitment to using only the highest quality components, and a proven track record in offshore monitoring, FORCE Technology’s PCM and VGM solutions provide the reliability and expertise that offshore operators need to safeguard their assets and optimise long-term performance.