Mearthane Products Corporation (MPC) Blog

Polyurethane Vertebrae Bend Restrictors

Written by mearthane | Jun 13, 2024 7:35:03 PM

Offshore operations come with a unique set of challenges, especially when it comes to protecting vital components from the harsh marine environment. At MPC, we understand these challenges and are committed to delivering solutions that enhance safety and efficiency. Our polyurethane vertebrae bend restrictors (VBRs) are a game-changer in the industry, combining advanced materials and innovative design to offer unparalleled protection. Let’s dive into how our VBRs are setting new standards in offshore operations.

What Are Vertebrae Bend Restrictors? 

Vertebrae bend restrictors (VBRs) play a crucial role in the offshore industry by preventing cables, risers, and umbilicals from over-bending and sustaining damage during installation and operation. Historically, VBRs were constructed from heavy metallic components, but advancements in high-performance polyurethane materials have brought about a significant evolution. Our polyurethane VBRs are almost neutrally buoyant, merging the best qualities of steel, plastic, and rubber into one exceptional material.

Benefits of Polyurethane Vertebrae Bend Restrictors

  1. Lightweight and High-Strength:
    Our polyurethane VBRs are engineered to deliver maximum performance with significantly less weight than traditional metallic VBRs. This reduction in both air and water weight simplifies handling and installation.
  2. Elimination of Metallic Components:
    Featuring a boltless design with no metallic parts from termination to end cap, our VBRs eliminate the need for cathodic protection and corrosion-resistant metal hardware, addressing common issues associated with metallic systems.
  3. Reduced Part Count:
    The streamlined design of our VBRs reduces the part count, making assembly simpler and minimizing the risk of errors. This efficiency boost is a game-changer for operational effectiveness and assembly time.
  4. Increased Strength and Durability:
    Made from high-performance polyurethane, our VBRs offer exceptional strength and durability, even in the most challenging subsea environments. They are built to endure extreme conditions, ensuring long-term protection and reliability.
  5. Faster and Easier Installation:
    The boltless design and reduced part count mean our VBRs are quicker and easier to install, saving valuable time during deployment and minimizing operational downtime.
  6. Proven Materials:
    Our VBRs are crafted from field-tested polyurethane materials that have undergone rigorous testing and analysis. This ensures they meet the highest standards of performance and reliability.

Eliminating the Limitations of Metallic Systems

Traditional metallic systems come with several inherent limitations, such as weight, corrosion, high part counts, and slow assembly times. At MPC, we've developed unique material combinations and designs that overcome these limitations while delivering superior performance. Our non-metallic connection systems offer numerous advantages:

+ Weight Reduction: Polyurethane VBRs are significantly lighter, reducing overall system weight.
+ Corrosion Resistance: Without metallic components, our VBRs are immune to corrosion, eliminating the need for protective coatings and maintenance.
+ Simplified Assembly: Fewer parts and a boltless design mean faster, easier assembly with no need for specialized tools or welding.
+ Impact Resistance: Polyurethane's resilience to impact damage ensures our VBRs have a longer lifespan and greater durability.

Applications of Polyurethane Vertabrae Bend Restrictors

Our polyurethane vertebrae bend restrictors are ideal for a variety of offshore applications, including oil and gas operations, marine construction, and underwater maintenance. They provide essential protection for cables, risers, and umbilicals, ensuring these components remain within their minimum bend radius and continue to operate effectively. 

Ready to Transform Your Offshore Operations?

MPC's polyurethane vertebrae bend restrictors offer a revolutionary solution for safeguarding critical offshore components. With their lightweight design, elimination of metallic components, increased strength, and simplified assembly, our VBRs deliver unmatched performance and reliability.

Don’t let outdated technology hold back your operations. Contact us today to discover how our innovative polyurethane VBRs can enhance the safety and efficiency of your offshore projects.