SUB-FLEX™ Cable Protection Systems are a patented combination of a bend stiffener and bend restrictor.
Under low load, SUB-FLEX™ operates as a traditional bend stiffener, utilising the internal compression discs to provide damping and cushioning to the cable.
Under high load, SUB-FLEX™ operates as a traditional bend restrictor (VBR) with a guaranteed lock out radius achieved from its high strength outer shell.
SUB-FLEX™ Cable Protection Systems are fully split for retro-fit / repair applications.
SUB-FLEX™ can also be made to any length, making it perfect for floating offshore wind. Its combination of strength and damping makes it perfect for high load environments such as wave and tidal.
SUB-FLEX™ compression discs can also be customised throughout the length of the system to alter stiffness along its length. This allows custom damping or bend radius.
SUB-FLEX™ Cable Protection Systems are suitable for vertical applications (FPSO) or horizonal applications (OWF) and have been successfully operating in Oil & Gas, Offshore Wind and Marine Energy since 2016.
A split dynamic articulated protection system combining vertebrae lock-out with graded PU discs and a steel adaptor/interface
Overbend and cyclic curvature/fatigue risk at dynamic subsea exits and hang-offs
Tunable non-linear stiffness, graded hardness, split retrofit installation, hybrid lock-out zoning
Interlocking vertebrae articulate until they form a smooth curved locking radius at or above the protected asset's allowable bend radius
Minimum Bend Radius (MBR) is controlled by element geometry and configured lock-out radii, which is enforced by the solid Shore 82D outer VBR shell.
Each half-element is split for assembly/removal and articulates relative to adjacent elements during bending.
Yes. We can place harder discs near the high-bending region, softer discs downstream, to tailor stiffness and curvature distribution.
SUB-FLEX™ adds a tunable pre-lock response via compression discs, rather than relying only on geometric lock-out. Also, unlike VBRs, SUB-FLEX™ also inherently wants to 'stay straight' due to the compression discs sitting within the VBR elements. A VBR will inherently always drop to 90 degrees under gravity. SUB-FLEX™ will not.
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Contact Subsea Energy Solutions: sales@subenesol.co.uk · +44 1748 828 580 · Unit 04 Colburn Business Park, Chartermark Way, Catterick Garrison, North Yorkshire, DL9 4QJ, UK.