process. Such methods are subject to process variability that can result in a less than optimal distribution of the coating throughout the rope. As well as this concern is the weight pick-up being limited by the ability of the process to dry the coating completely. DSM Dyneema believes it has come up with the answer to address these concerns. Until Dyneema XBO the only way of
extending fibre rope bending lifetime was to treat it with a coating, but this was not as effective as adding an overlay finish at fibre level instead, or as well as, a coating. The benefit of the overlay finish is that it is applied at fibre level ensuring the cross-section of the rope is covered. DSM Dyneema developed the fibre overlay process and has found that it greatly improves the overall bending performance of the rope. The bending performance of ropes
made with Dyneema XBO fibre can achieve performance comparable to equal-sized steel wire rope when combined with Ico-N-Dure, a leading coating used to enhance bending fatigue performance. Ropes that are made of Dyneema XBO fibre are also highly resistant to dynamic as well as static loads and are more flexible and easier to install than SWR. To make fibre rope you use a rope
making machine and apply ICO-N-Dure or a similar coating to the rope. DSM Dyneema argues that the combination of both the overlay finish at fibre level and the coating gives the best overall bending performance and results in a more durable solution. On the subject of bending cycles, the
ropes that are made with Dyneema XBO fibre match or exceed SWR in bending cycles to failure. Finally they are also resistant to environmental damage as Dyneema XBO is not affected by saltwater and is resistant to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Netherlands-based offshore equipment
specialist Huisman Equipment BV undertook a test of Dyneema XBO for its offshore equipment. Technical manager at Huisman Equipment, Eric Romeijn, said of the fibre: “Synthetic fibre ropes with Dyneema have a great potential with respect to deepwater liſting operations,
DSM Dyneema fibre improves the bending performance of rope in deepwater offshore operations.
because of their submerged weight. At 3000m of water depth the effective pay load of a deepwater crane using Dyneema rope may be doubled compared to a steel wire rope. For this reason we started a long-lasting collaboration with DSM Dyneema for the application of their fibres in deepwater liſting operations.” Romeijn added: “In a mutual effort we try to conclude the possibilities and requirements that this type of operations set to the fibres, rope constructions, end-connections, sheaves, winches, inspection and maintenance. We expect that the obtained knowledge provides us with an increasing confidence in the application of Dyneema fibres in deep sea operations.” Dyneema fibre can be used safely in
temperatures up to 70°C meaning that it can be used in all geographical areas of the offshore industry. If for argument’s sake the temperature did exceed 70°C then spraying water on the rope to cool it would work – just as it would for SWR. The fibre can also be used safely in temperatures down to -200°C without shattering or becoming brittle. A recent case study for cryogenic hose material was covered in Offshore Marine
Offshore Marine Technology 3rd Quarter 2010
Technology 3rd Quarter 2009 issue, in the ‘Risers and Moorings’ feature. When Offshore Marine Technology
asked DSM Dyneema what triggered the development of Dyneema XBO, the offshore sector manager Jorn Boesten mentioned that some offshore contractors were not entirely satisfied with the bending performance of their fibre rope being lower than SWR; Boesten said that this influenced the decision for DSM Dyneema to begin development of Dyneema XBO. By adding bending performance on fibre level the replacement cycle of the fibre rope in deepwater installations can be increased as the performance of the rope will be on par with SWR. An offshore operator would choose Dyneema XBO in applications with severe bending, as in heave compensation mode. DSM Dyneema is currently pursuing
further business developments with potential interest being shown in the seismic market, for example for the main tow lines. However, at the time of writing, no orders have been confirmed. Generally, according to Boesten the feedback received from the offshore market has been positive. OMT
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In-depth
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