Flint Subsea, a supplier of Emergency Quick Disconnect (EQD) systems, continues to develop and perform world-first testing on its range of mid-line Emergency Quick Disconnects.
Testing of the midline Emergency Quick Disconnect devices has traditionally presented several challenges including, most significantly, performing angle disconnect and preventing discharge of the internal fluid during disconnection. The latter is critical to proving that the device would be capable of disconnecting when there are significant volumes present, upstream or downstream, maintaining internal pressure.
In a first, Flint Subsea performed a complete function test on their device at 15 degrees with it connected to a 2” Black Eagle hose and the pressure at 690bar.
In what is believed to be unique, in testing, the Flint Subsea Mid-Line EQD can maintain pressure throughout the disconnect stroke without discharge or requirement for external accumulation. This is achieved through its pressure-balanced design and integrated check valves.
The testing, witnessed by DNV, was performed as part of certification work for a system to be deployed by a major client in the APAC region.