Continuous Quality Control for Composites For the Next Generation Flexible Pipe (CQCC)

One of the barriers for high volume, rapid composite manufacture is the threat of damage. This is particularly an issue for pipes that are made in long lengths that cannot be easily joined if a damaged zone is found part-way along the length. This project aims to develop suitable equipment and methodology to continuously assess the quality of the composite pipe as it is manufactured using recently developed rapid scan, phased array ultrasonics. An ‘effect of defects’ study will be carried out that will allow the NDT information to be evaluated into a go/no-go decision. The project will also develop a tool and a methodology of repairing the composite during the manufacturing stage of the pipe such that the whole length does not have to be scrapped.