J-Flex

DeepGulf Inc.’s J-Flex oil and gas pipelay concept departs from existing common practices that were based on and evolved from onshore systems. J-Flex takes into account the very maritime nature of offshore pipelaying. The main principles of the concept involve suspending the weight of the pipeline below deck.

The system will weigh around 650 metric tons and will cost less than $ 50 million US for a modular 9 joint system, thanks to the standardization of the design and redundancy of the mechanical equipment. The system will allow the laying of pipelines up to 36" in diameter with tensions exceeding 3,000 metric tons, despite its relatively light weight. Pipeline lay rates will be very similar to those attained with S-Lay systems in much shallower water.