Subsea & Offshore Service Magazine May '14 Issue

NEWS & PRESS RELEASES PRODUCTS & SERVICES CONFERENCES May Issue 2014

SOS SUBSEA & OFFSHORE SERVICE MAGAZINE

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Ready for the field?

Being a field calibration technician is a tough job: you need to have many skills and carry multiple devices, environmental conditions can be challenging and constantly changing, documentation of data takes time and is difficult in the field and work efficiency requirements are demanding. However, having the right gear makes the work much easier and also more efficient.

Learn more at beamex.com/readyforthefield

www.beamex.com info@beamex.com

Welcome to the Subsea & Offshore Service Magazine Aimed at Sub-Contractors all the way through to OEM’s, the publication backed by the Website is a great marketing tool for the companies choosing to advertise and market their products and services with us.

With a good sized circulation across the UK, we will distribute to the companies that will use the products and services that are advertised in this magazine.

Print runs are increased when we are to attend both the national and international oil and gas exhibitions, gaining our clients as much awareness and exposure as possible.

CONTENTS BMT delivers Metocean support for Tullow Oil

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Lux Assure advances into North America with innovative technologies

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Reducing costs by recovering energy from compressors

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Staff

Great Yarmouth Review

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The Ex-Mate Range by SEA CONÂŽ

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The innovative L300 Light from Remote Ocean Systems

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Improving Safety: Integrating human factors and technical training

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Nautilus Rigging Providing safe lifting solutions

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Editor: David Sullivan editor@sosmagazine.biz

Designer: Steve Simmonds design@sosmagazine.biz

General Manager: Robert Taylor rob@sosmagazine.biz Tel No: +44 (0)1634 867404

Sales Manager: Jon McIntosh jon@sosmagazine.biz Tel No: +44 (0)1634 682464

Publisher: Crystal Design & Media Ltd Crystal Design & Media Ltd and the publication Subsea & Offshore Service magazine assumes no responsibility for unsolicited material or the accuracy of information received.

All material will be treated as unconditionally assigned for publication under copyright and within the editors rights to edit and offer comment.

All editorial contributions are to be sent to editor@sosmagazine.biz

Hydrasun wins Great Large Company at prestigious Industry Awards

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Contributors The Big Partnership FT Publicity Ltd Browser Media Fifth Ring Ltd Wordsun Ltd Acumen PR Think PR

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News & Products

Bibby Offshore commences major construction and IRM campaign Award-winning subsea installation contractor, Bibby Offshore, has recently commenced work with Maersk Oil UK on a multimillion pound contract.

The contract will see Bibby Offshore provide subsea construction and inspection, repair and maintenance (IRM) services to all of Maersk’s North Sea assets. Dive Support Vessel (DSV) Bibby Sapphire will undertake the offshore execution work, and an extensive engineering project management team based onshore will support this.

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Barry Macleod, Managing Director UKCS of Bibby Offshore, said: “We have successfully completed contracts for Maersk Oil in the past and we are delighted to continue our working relationship.

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This contract demonstrates confidence in our ability to deliver complex and challenging subsea projects.

“2013 was an extremely successful year for Bibby Offshore and the business is expanding rapidly, with our restructure of our management team we have put in a strong foundation to support further growth and to continue to offer the commitment and expertise to our clients.”

Engineering work for this project commenced in quarter three of 2013. The initial work scope will see Bibby Offshore complete well tie-ins, decommissioning, support for flow line connection and disconnection, and IRM activities in support of Maersk Oil’s Gryphon and GP3 Floating Production Storage Offloading (FPSO) Units and the Janice Floating Production Unit (FPU).

Mark Fotheringham E+P Director (Maersk) and Barry Macleod Managing Director UKCS

Bibby Offshore has a long track record of IRM services and construction work for Maersk Oil with the Gryphon Area Reinstatement Programme. Bibby completed extensive installation and tieins of flexible and control jumpers, with pre-commissioning and testing carried out to connect the Gryphon ‘A’ FPSO. Named ‘Company of the Year’, Bibby Offshore and Bibby Remote Intervention Limited (BRIL), has grown from 10 employees in 2003 to now employing more than 1,300 people onshore and offshore worldwide, with offices in Aberdeen, Liverpool, Newcastle, Houston, Singapore and Trinidad. The company has an international fleet of eight subsea support vessels and 15 Remote Operating Vehicles (ROV) and will continue to add to their fleet to meet demand.

Beamex focuses on making the work of a field calibration technician easier and more efficient by launching a global “Ready for the field?” campaign. The campaign focuses on the challenging work of a field calibration technician and how the right gear can make that work much easier and also more efficient.

Being a field calibration technician in the processing industry is a tough job: you are under constant pressure to be more effective, you need to have many skills and carry multiple devices, environmental conditions can be challenging and constantly changing, and documentation of data takes time and is difficult in the field. Having the right gear makes the work much easier and also more efficient. Raimo Ahola, CEO of Beamex Group explains, “Out of more than 2,000 people who have responded to our studies on challenges in current calibration processes, every other person says he or she would like to carry less equipment in the field. According to the responses, this is by far the biggest challenge. Secondly, more than a third of the respondents state that documentation takes too much time and almost as many people stated that errors relating to documentation of data are too common”.

Jan-Henrik Svensson, VP Marketing & Sales of Beamex Group describes, “Since

there are a lot of things for a calibration technician to do, you need to be more effective all the time. Equipment with automated and guided procedures is one solution to this challenge. Furthermore, several individual applications may be possible to perform with just one multifunctional measurement device, which means that less equipment needs to be purchased, maintained and, ultimately, carried in the field.

Often a technician needs to use many

News & Products

Beamex focuses on making the work of a field calibration technician easier and more efficient

different tools; therefore the ease-ofuse is important. If the environment is, for instance, dirty, wet, dusty or even potentially explosive, you have to consider the required classification for the equipment. Documenting the calibration work done in the field may take a lot of effort and can be prone to error if done manually. Using field equipment together with software significantly improves the efficiency of documentation work and the quality of data. In conclusion, many of the challenges field calibration technicians have can be overcome by carefully planning what kind of gear and equipment a technician should have.”

The microsite beamex.com/ readyforthefield explores the challenges related to the work of a field calibration technician and how the right gear and equipment make the work much easier and also more efficient.

For more information, visit:

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BEAMEX is a leading, worldwide provider of calibration solutions that meet even the most demanding requirements of process instrumentation.

www.beamex.com.

Beamex Ltd Newton Grange Farm Business Park, Desford Road, Newton Unthank, Leicester, LE9 9FL Tel: +44 (0)1455 821920 Website: www.beamex.com E-mail: beamex.ltd@beamex.com

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News & Products

BMT delivers Metocean support for Tullow Oil BMT ARGOSS (BMT), a subsidiary of BMT Group, has announced the award of a number of metocean assessments for Tullow Oil Plc., including comprehensive overviews of meteorological and oceanographic conditions in West Africa and South America, to help support the company’s offshore oil and gas exploration and operating activities.

Colleen Abell, Senior Environmental Remote Sensing & GIS Specialist at Tullow Oil Plc comments: “Tullow have been engaging with BMT ARGOSS with regards to their metocean and regional reporting capabilities.

We are currently evaluating available products and services primarily in support of the development of the BMT ARGOSS Metocean Portal - the launch of which is anticipated to have the potential to support Tullow’s offshore projects and activities.”

Using in house, state of the art, numerical modelling techniques and analytical tools BMT’s experts are working closely with Tullow Oil to generate a range of spatial and temporal wind, wave and current data products, thereby aiding interpretation of the metocean climate in the two target regions.

Martin Williams, Senior Metocean Advisor at BMT ARGOSS explains: “Understanding the impact of the physical environment on an offshore structure is critical to safety and efficiency in all phases of the structure’s lifecycle.

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BMT’s work helps Tullow plan effectively and minimise the risks to personnel, the environment and the company.”

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BMT is also collaborating with Tullow Oil on the development of an online metocean and weather forecasting portal which, once fully developed, will provide key engineers and planners with secure and rapid access to all Tullow’s metocean information via a single gateway.

Highlands recruitment drive continues for EFC Group

The announcement follows the launch of a new purpose built office, EFC House, at Enterprise Park Forres, which was officially opened by Fergus Ewing MSP in March 2014.

EFC Group has already created over 20 jobs in the Moray region as a result of opening a first satellite base at the Enterprise Park in July 2012, and the service company is geared up for further international growth as a result of the new electric and hydraulic production capacity that EFC House offers.

Bob Will, CEO at EFC Group, said: “We have already seen great success as a result of expanding our presence in Scotland. We have been able to access a previously untapped skill pool, recruiting personnel with skills which are well suited to our business. The additional capabilities now on offer have meant that we are able to handle larger and more complex projects, and take on more work than ever before.”

EFC Group has also strengthened its management team, promoting sales and marketing manager Louise McGowan to commercial director.

With over 15 years’ experience in sales and marketing, Ms McGowan was previously a commercial operations specialist at GE Oil & Gas, before joining EFC Group in 2001.

The new commercial director role will involve leading teams across the sales, marketing and business development functions, to achieve the commercial aims that will support the company’s growth plans.

has set us on track to exceed our target of £30million turnover by 2016, and it is critical that we continue developing our business and service offering to ensure that this is achieved.”

EFC Group employs 148 members of staff across its offices in Aberdeen, Leeds, Houston, Singapore and Abu Dhabi. The Group also has international representation in Norway, Mexico, India and Brazil, making it well placed to serve its global client network.

News & Products

EFC Group, a leading designer and manufacturer of instrumentation, monitoring, handling and control systems for the global oil and gas industry, has announced plans to recruit up to a further 30 people in the Highlands as part of its fast-paced growth strategy.

Commenting on her new role, Ms McGowan said: “We have trebled our order book in the last three years and won a number of significant contracts in recent months, many of which have been thanks to the extended capabilities that our new Forres base offers. This is an extremely exciting time to be part of EFC Group and my focus on the commercial aspect of the business will see a drive to continue this success.”

Mr Will added: “It is critical that the correct team is in place to achieve our long term objectives. The evolution of EFC Group

Louise McGowan

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EFC Technician at work

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News & Products

Jee engineer joins pigging body’s board of directors Paul Job, engineering manager at independent subsea engineering and training company Jee Ltd, has been appointed to the 2014 Board of Directors for the Pigging Products and Services Association (PPSA).

Mr Job, who is based in Jee’s Aberdeen office, has been appointed as the PPSA’s Associate Member Director, which will see him working with the board to help develop the PPSA’s business strategy and future plans. He will be the first person

Paul Job

to officially hold the role, which was formalised earlier this year.

Mr Job said: “I am honoured to begin my tenure on the board of the PPSA, which provides a knowledgeable forum for those in the industry who work within pigging. By becoming more involved in the organisation, I look forward to supporting the pigging industry’s upcoming trends and technology as well as welcoming new members to the group, which will allow for further knowledge sharing and networking among the sector.”

Jee has a wide range of pigging capabilities, including pipeline assessment, specification and design of pigging equipment and management of pigging programmes. Earlier this month Jee senior subsea engineer Paul Otway shared some of his expertise by presenting a webinar on the company’s capabilities, including pigging in complex environments.

The PPSA is an international organisation dedicated to the pigging industry.

With more than 120 members from 20 countries, they provide information on sourcing equipment and services for pipeline operators.

Diane Cordell said: “It is great to have Paul Job on the PPSA Board as the new Associate Member Director. The support and direction that the directors give the association is critical to its success and it couldn’t continue without their help.”

Jee is an independent subsea engineering and training company with offices in Aberdeen, London and Tonbridge.

The company celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2013 and has built up a range of capabilities to become a leading provider of integrated subsea services spanning the whole life-of-field, including SURF, structures, controls, materials, installation, integrity management and decommissioning.

DNV GL awarded major verification services contract with Apache The new contract, which has a primary term of three years, and two one year extension options, involves operations and project verification for all Apache’s North Sea assets; Beryl A & B and Forties A, B, C, D & E. DNV GL has had a long history on the Beryl Alpha and Bravo installations, which have been operated by Apache since January 2012, delivering both the Safety Case and the former Certificate of Fitness regimes.

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With the new contract in place, DNV GL offers a range of

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The Beryl Bravo platform with helicopter and subsea operations

verification services to Apache, including Risk-based verification (RBV) with the ultimate aim to ensure that field developments are designed, constructed and installed in accordance with project objectives. RBV is a structured, systematic process using risk and cost-benefit analysis to strike a balance both between technical and operational issues and between safety and cost.

This provides the ability to focus the verification effort where the contribution is most cost-effective and provides the required assurance towards stakeholders and regulatory authorities that projects are implemented right the first time.

Mark Richardson, Projects Group Manager with Apache North Sea said: “Safety, compliance and production in that order, are the priorities for the delivery of operations and projects in Apache North Sea. Having the right verification body to work with is key to making our activities a success, and we look forward to working with DNV GL.” Jack Downie, DNV GL’s Head of Department for Offshore Services adds: “We are pleased to have won this contract, Apache was identified as a Regional key target for DNV GL and we spent a great deal of time and effort listening to their needs and challenges in asset integrity and verification. We have now a strong team in place with a clearly set direction, largely based on Apache’s input, which will ensure we can deliver and exceed expectations on this major contract.”

RMSpumptools takes company to next level with multi-million investment News & Products

An Aberdeenshire-based company has announced plans to invest £1.5million into expanding premises, with a further £2million directed to research and development into further gamechanging products key to the increasing number of ultra highpressure/high-temperature (HP/HT) developments.

RMSpumptools, which is headquartered in Oldmeldrum with manufacturing facilities in Inverurie, Yorkshire and Singapore, has been serving the artificial lift oil industry for over 20 years.

The specialists in performance-driven artificial lift completion products and electric submersible pump (ESP) accessory tools is making a multi-million pound investment to meet current and future market demand.

The ESP Artificial Lift sector continues to grow in double-digit percentages and the company, being at the forefront of supply to this sector, is gearing up its operations for further expansion in line with that growth.

Growth is being attributed to a significant increase in orders for its Dual ESP configurations, incorporating proven Y-Tool and Encapsulated CAN technology and Electrical Feed-through Penetrators with unique IP of totally gas tight safety technology.

International work in the last year has seen significant business increase in South America, the Middle East and Asia-Pacific region, with the Gulf of Mexico tipped to be a growth sector in future.

Research and development into new product technology forms the company’s primary focus, and its recently launched SWITCH product is presented as a world first game-changing technology by providing downhole switching for Multiple ESP installations.

Stan Foster-Rooke, managing director of RMSpumptools, said: “With the increasing costs associated with oil recovery, the demand for technically advanced, high-performing products that perform effectively for the life of the completion is increasingly being accepted as the optimal value proposition when budgeting.

Too much focus on vendor cost reduction has seen an increase in premature failures as a result of competitor product offerings that appear to be cost-effective. Price-driven product specification in an industry where the cost of failure is measured in millions of dollars cannot make economic sense. Our unequalled reputation for providing technically advanced high performance, reliable products is a key factor behind our growth.

To meet market demand, the company is expanding its Aberdeenshire headquarters by building a new 12,000 squarefoot workshop to accommodate torque, high pressure and temperature testing and flow testing to simulate downhole well conditions.

The company currently employs 110 members of staff across its bases in Yorkshire and Oldmeldrum, Aberdeenshire, which it plans to increase by 10% by the end of 2014.

RMSpumptools specialises in artificial lift using ESPs to facilitiate maximum oil recovery from downhole operations. As oil reserves become harder to extract, the need to go deeper is set to increase – resulting in the necessity for products to withstand extremely high pressures and temperatures. The company leads the industry in developing products that can achieve performance at 25,000 feet, the equivalent of drilling to the depths of some of the world’s highest mountains.

Its patented Automatic Diverter Valve (ADV) has been an industry standard since its launch in 2007, and the company has installed more than 1,000 of the pieces around the world. Last year, the company represented several industry firsts when it launched its Y-Chek, an Automatic Y-Tool and also The SWITCH, a downhole electrical switching unit for running dual ESP systems with a single cable to surface.

Mr Foster Rooke concluded: “Economics demonstrate that operators can save several million with The SWITCH installed – it is an evolutionary product, setting the benchmark for multiple ESP applications.”

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“Our customers recognise the value proposition our products present, which supports a reduction in risk and overall project cost by maximising production time. We are proud of the reputation we have built as a provider of high-quality products with a product lifetime value second to none.

“With our established track record of work with operators and major service companies, together with new products that will help facilitate production in deepwater, extreme HP/HT completions, the timing for investment is right.”

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News & Products

Ramco Tubular Services acquires Pipetech Gone are the days where a refrigerated unit was a 20ft container Aberdeen-based Ramco Tubular Services has strengthened its position as the oil and gas sector’s leading provider of tubular services, by acquiring a controlling interest in Norwegian-based Pipetech International AS. Pipetech is a leading player in the provision of advanced and environmentally friendly water-based cleaning technologies to the North Sea oil and gas and petrochemical industries.

The company has a suite of high-pressure water technologies that remove scale and debris from pipelines safely and without the need for environmentally harmful chemicals. The technologies, Aqua Sonic and Aqua Milling are operated remotely which also greatly enhances safety and means the pipework can be cleaned in position. This, coupled with the capability to reach down to 500 metres from a single entry point, hugely reduces setup requirements and down time.

Both Aqua Sonic and Aqua Milling are unique technologies providing some of the safest, most environmentally friendly and highly effective cleaning methods available, cleaning pipework without any damage whatsoever.

The acquisition will significantly enhance Ramco’s offering to clients. With Ramco’s support, Pipetech will now establish a permanent presence in the UK and look to increase its business in the offshore sector.

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In addition to the Pipetech investment, Ramco has also announced the appointment of Lindsay Young as its international business development director. As well as helping further

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internationalise Ramco’s business, Lindsay will also be responsible for driving the growth of Pipetech in the UK. Lindsay has extensive knowledge of the oil and gas sector through previous roles as managing director of Offshore Solutions BV and UK operations director for RBG. He will work closely with May Britt Lilletvedt the CEO of Pipetech International AS. Both Lindsay and May Britt will join the Ramco Board.

Malcolm Edward, CEO of Ramco, commented, “Through the acquisition of Pipetech, Ramco will be able to expand the range of tubular and pipe services. Pipetech has already demonstrated in Norway that it can offer a highly valuable solution to its customers in helping solve problems and reduce shutdown time and, in turn, costs.

“We look forward to working with the Pipetech team to help grow the business further both in Norway and internationally.

The acquisition and appointment of Lindsay and May Britt to the Ramco board represents an exciting stage in Ramco’s continued growth.”

Ramco was acquired by LDC, the UK’s leading mid-market private equity player, and part of Lloyds Banking Group, in March 2013 Mark Kerr, LDC’s Director of Oil and Gas, said: “When LDC announced our initial investment in Ramco last year, we said then that we looked forward to growing the business. This Pipetech acquisition is a significant step in helping realise the full potential of one of the sector’s most exciting companies.”

Lux Assure advances into North America with innovative technologies

Following its recent announcement of a sales agreement with Houston-based Brown Corrosion, LUX Assure is now working alongside Canada-based Corr Science and Rysco Corrosion Services to further strengthen its regional ties.

Charles Cruickshank, LUX Assure CEO, said: “In order to meet the growing demand for our products and services in North America, it was essential to expand our operations. Working with such well-established companies to enable us to introduce and develop our ground-breaking technology and services is fantastic, and we’re delighted to have them on side.

“North America is a major market within the global oil and gas industry, and having a presence there is a testament to the demand for what we at LUX Assure offer, demonstrating our commitment to the region.”

Canada-based Corr Science has acted as an agent since January 2014, to develop and promote LUX Assure’s CoMic™ product and offerings in the region.

Rysco Corrosion Services, which will be deploying CoMic™ in the region, will be trained up by LUX Assure’s skilled and experienced technicians Cameron Mackenzie and Doug Campbell, in its innovative technologies at Rysco’s R&D facilities in Lacombe Canada.

News & Products

As part of its continuing global growth strategy, Aberdeen based oil and gas asset integrity and corrosion management firm LUX Assure has increased its presence in North America with the appointment of a new agent and distribution team.

Mr Cruickshank continued: “Since the company was launched in 2001, it has gone from strength to strength, expanding considerably over the past 12 months due to significant investment and branching out into new regions.

“Ensuring company consistency, quality and messaging when expanding

globally is very important to us. We have developed step-changes in technology and want to ensure we retain our integrity and standards when working globally, thus guaranteeing those working with it are comprehensively educated in its capabilities is imperative.”

Charles Cruickshank The company also signed a sales agreement with firmly established Brown Corrosion Services in Houston. Brown Corrosion offers a complete line of corrosion monitoring systems in there region and has added LUX Assure’s products to its service line to increase presence in the region.

Cameron Mackenzie - Senior Scientist

LUX Assure has bases in Edinburgh and Aberdeen. The company specialises in developing novel chemical monitoring technologies for the oil and gas industry, both on and offshore.

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Mr Cruickshank concluded: “We pride ourselves on being a ground-breaking and forward thinking company, and have developed game-changing technology for the market. We aim to continue increasing our offering to the industry, with significant future R&D investment planned for 2014, to further expand the company’s portfolio of difficult-to-detect chemical monitoring technology.”

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News & Products

KCA Deutag Platform Services division awarded its first Canadian contract for Hebron Project estimated three year pre-operations phase, followed by a nine year operations and maintenance program, with an option to extend.

KCA Deutag’s expansion into Eastern Canada is a key strategic success for the business and capitalises on the work carried out by RDS, the rig engineering and design division of KCA Deutag.

RDS has been carrying out the front-end engineering and detailed design of the Hebron rig facilities since 2010.

The Platform Services division of leading global drilling and engineering company KCA Deutag is proud to announce its entrance into the expanding offshore Canadian drilling sector following the award of its first contract in Canada,

in a multi-million dollar contract with ExxonMobil Canada Properties.

KCA Deutag was awarded the Hebron Platform drilling operations and maintenance services contract.

The contract will commence with an

Rune Lorentzen, President of Offshore for KCA Deutag, said: “The award of our first contract in Canada by ExxonMobil Canada Properties is an excellent result. We look forward to continuing to develop a strong working relationship as we work on this project together.”

Cortez Subsea nets Caribbean inspection contract Rapidly growing subsea services and technology products company Cortez Subsea has secured a six-figure contract with BHP Billiton Trinidad for inspection services in Trinidad and Tobago.

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A dedicated team of eight personnel from the Aberdeen-based company will begin the work in June 2014, using the Structure Commander software to inspect six offshore platforms in the Greater

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Alistair Cowie

Angostura field, located in the Eastern Venezuela Basin.

The contract win follows several on-going projects involving the company’s range of subsea intervention applications, and dedicated onshore data processing after a significant investment by Cortez Subsea in new equipment and technologies over the past 12 months.

Managing director, Alasdair Cowie, said: “We are extremely pleased to be awarded this contract with BHP Billiton.

By increasing our capabilities across asset inspection software over the past year, we are now reaping the rewards with significant business opportunities.

“Knowing we have won this project based on our software capabilities, as well as providing a reliable and highly-skilled team of professionals to process the data while at the same time maintaining a cost effective solution to clients, demonstrates the level of confidence in our ability to deliver globally. This strongly fits in with our strategy to expand and grow the company both in Europe and across the world.”

Cortez Subsea provides a range of subsea services and products to UK and international clients in the offshore energy industry. Structure Commander is one of a suite of software applications which aid in the planning and managing of structure and pipeline integrity from data acquisition, eventing, digital video, processing, to charting and reporting.

EV opens world’s first Downhole Video Technology Centre News & Products

UK-based downhole video technology specialist EV has opened a new technology centre to house its research and development, which the company is expected to invest nearly £2million into over the next year.

EV, the market leader in downhole video applications for the oil and gas industry, opened the new centre at its base in Norwich. It represents a world first in a centre completely dedicated to downhole video, and will facilitate all of the company’s ongoing research and development. EV plans to invest £1.8million in R&D in the next year, with several product launches scheduled for 2014.

Francis Neill, EV chief executive, said: “The opening of this new technology centre is a great step for EV. We are the market leader in downhole video technology and have grown by a factor of 20 in the last four years. This new centre puts us in good standing to continue our focus on research and development, and we have a number of new products that we look forward to introducing to the market this year.”

Francis Neill at the new technology centre Features of the new 23,000 square-foot facility include warehouse space and a state-of-the-art lab featuring the ability to test camera technology to 175°C and 20,000psi. Thirty members of staff work from the centre.

Mr Neill continued: “Not only will the technology centre greatly benefit our existing customers, but it places us in good standing for further geographical

expansion, as we continue to grow in our established markets and enter new markets with clients requesting our services based on technology and outstanding service quality.”

EV, which splits its headquarters between Norwich and Aberdeen, has a team of around 90 employees. The company has 17 worldwide bases and has grown at a rapid pace in the last three years.

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EV Technology Centre

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News & Products

Optimus Seventh Generation expands Asian relations with teaming agreement Optimus Seventh Generation Ltd, an Aberdeen headquartered behavioural safety consultancy, has entered into a Teaming Agreement with Kuala Lumpur based SynergenOG, an independent engineering consultancy specialising in Process Safety, Integrity and Technical Risk Management.

Optimus Seventh Generation’s agreement with SynergenOG enables the company to provide safety professionals into Malaysia, Indonesia and the wider Asia market where North Sea experience and training are much coveted. It is expected that this will create more than 10 new jobs for Optimus Seventh Generation and further expands its presence in Asia, following on from its recent contract win with COSL Drilling Pan Pacific Limited in Indonesia.

Optimus Seventh Generation chief executive Derek Smith said: “Based on evidence gathered from our Culture of Care Diagnostic® we have developed a range of safety culture improvement products. These include targeted Hazard and Intervention coaching and Induction Plus™, a two hour informative

and motivational induction for projects experiencing a large influx of new labour.

“We are excited by the take up of these products in the UK, and believe they are ideal for the fast developing Asian market.

It provides us with an on the ground partner to help expertly deliver our services to the region.”

Mr Smith continued: “This agreement represents an exciting opportunity to build the company’s presence in the region, and we look forward to working with and building a strong and mutually beneficial relationship with SynergenOG.”

worldwide successfully completed a NEBOSH qualification through the eLearning courses, and we hope for this to increase significantly in 2014.”

Since its formation in 2003, Optimus Seventh Generation has built a diverse portfolio of global customers, focusing on high hazard industries both within the UK and internationally, with offices in Aberdeen, Rio de Janeiro and Perth Australia.

Optimus Seventh Generation has also recently developed its eLearning capabilities to further increase its global offerings, now providing NEBOSH and IOSH diploma and certificate courses online.

Discussing the online developments, Mr Smith said: “eLearning works around the delegate and allows students the flexibility to incorporate study into their daily lives.

In 2013 we had over 21,000 delegates

New O-Rings manufacturing facility and a new approach to support the needs of the Oil & Gas Industry Precision Polymer Engineering (PPE), a leading manufacturer of advanced elastomer O-rings and components, has announced that it will open a new manufacturing site in Brenham, Texas later this year.

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The ground breaking ceremony, held on Wednesday, April 2, initiated the build of a 30,000sq.ft. facility which will be up and running by October. The new factory will specialize in the manufacture of custom O-rings and other critical elastomer sealing components to the highest quality standards and with industry-leading delivery times.

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As well as high performance compression molding of components for the oil & gas industry, the capabilities will include advanced clean room facilities which will enable manufacture to the exacting standards needed for semiconductor applications. In keeping with PPE’s operating model, the factory will have its own tool making, extrusion and inspection facilities.

PPE has a track record of developing exceptionally high performance materials for the most challenging applications. In the oil & gas industry PPE materials, including their Endura brand, have become known for their performance in high temperature and high pressure applications. For other critical applications such as in the semiconductor industry, PPE’s Perlast range has the chemical and plasma resistance needed to assure the required performance and process cleanliness.

Paul Gillyon, managing director of PPE added, ‘At PPE we strive to develop the most advanced materials for the most difficult applications. But on top of that, we operate our manufacturing so that we can be extraordinarily responsive to customers’ needs.

We believe we have the fastest lead times and our customers tell us that our on-time delivery record is outstanding. We will reproduce all of these attributes in our Texas operation.

We know that’s what our oil & gas customers need when the pressure is on their projects and we are 100% confident we can provide the necessary support to contribute to their success.

EnQuest PLC is pleased to announce the appointment of Neil McCulloch as president, North Sea, with effect from 1 April 2014.

Neil has held a number of senior positions in the oil and gas sector, and joins EnQuest from international oil and gas company OMV AG, where he had the global role of senior vice president production & engineering. Prior to this, Neil spent 11 years with BG Group in a range of senior UK and international roles, most recently as vice president & asset general manager, UK Upstream, with accountability for the delivery of BG’s UK North Sea business.

Neil will succeed David Heslop, who retires from his role as managing director UKCS on 1 April 2014. Thereafter David

will continue to support EnQuest in an advisory capacity or on special projects.

Amjad Bseisu, chief executive of EnQuest said: “I am delighted to welcome Neil as head of our North Sea business. With his wealth of technical and management experience in the oil and gas industry and in the UK North Sea in particular, I am confident that Neil will be an excellent member of EnQuest’s senior management team and will make a valuable contribution to the growth and development of EnQuest over the coming years.

EnQuest’s successes and achievements, and have helped us to build a world class organisation in Aberdeen. I look forward to continuing to work with him in his new role with EnQuest in focusing on strategic initiatives for the company.”

“The Board and I would also like to express our sincere gratitude to David for his contribution to EnQuest in our formative years; his leadership, knowledge and experience have been key to many of

News & Products

EnQuest announces the appointment of Neil McCulloch as head of its North Sea business

Neil McCulloch

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15

News & Products

Reducing costs by recovering energy from Compressors Reducing energy costs through operational efficiencies is a key objective for all manufacturers particularly in view of current economic pressures, as is the importance of effectively demonstrating ‘green’ credentials.

It is an inescapable fact that today’s screw compressor systems generate heat and although this may come as no surprise it is less well known that typically 100% of the electrical energy input into a compressor, is turned into heat.

Compressor manufacturer HPC Compressed Air Systems is an acknowledged leader in developing the most cost-effective, energy efficient systems and offers users many possibilities and expert advice.

However, one particular area which offers the potential for significant energy savings but is still largely ignored is the recovery of heat actually produced by the compression process.

The action of compression charges the air in the compressor with potential energy which is given up (wasted) at the point of being used by the compressed air expanding and drawing heat from the surroundings.

However, Philip McArragher, Technical Manager for HPC Compressed Air Systems says that up to 96% of this energy is recoverable. Philip explains,

“Of the major proportion of the energy recoverable as heat, about 76% is found in the compressor cooling fluid / oil, approximately 15% is in the compressed air itself and up to 5% is given up by the drive motor to the cooling air”.

He continued, “In a fully encapsulated oil-cooled rotary screw compressor system even the losses from the electric motor can be recovered as hot air. This brings the total proportion of the input energy available as recoverable heat up to an impressive 96%. Of the remaining energy, 2% radiates away from the compressor package while 2% remains in the compressed air”. Therefore, energy conscious compressed air users wanting to improve the efficiency and economy of their compressed air plant can choose from a number of heat recovery methods:

Air or Space Heating The simplest and most direct method of recovering the heat generated in an oil cooled rotary screw compressor is by direct utilisation of the cooling air that carries away the heat from the air-end, oil cooler, motor, etc. This heated air can be ducted away for use as space heating in warehouses and workshops, or it can be used for other applications such as drying, heat curtains or pre-heating combustion air.

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When the heated air is not required a manual or automatically activated flap / louvre can be used to discharge it to the atmosphere. In applications where temperature control is more critical, this flap can be thermostatically regulated to maintain a constant, set temperature.

This space heating method allows 96% of the electrical energy consumption of a screw compressor to be recovered with considerable cost savings. For example, even with a relatively small 18.5 kW compressor it is possible to easily recover enough energy to heat a small unit or office area.

Heat Recovery - Heat Flow Diagram (Tablet)

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HPC CSD 125 Station + sam2

Water Heating Another option to air or space heat recovery from compressors is hot water. This can be recovered for various purposes either from an air-cooled or water-cooled compressor system by using a heat exchanger installed in the air-end cooling oil circuit. Plate or fail-safe heat exchangers can be employed for this, depending on whether the hot water is

its primary air or water cooling system and so continue operation. The supply of compressed air is then ensured.

In Summary

Considerations of Reliability

It is important to realise that each application and compressed air installation is different and should be treated accordingly. The path to maximum energy savings is the efficient and proper application of compressor control systems and energy saving techniques.

Normally, the compressor’s primary cooling system should not be used both for cooling and as a heat recovery system. HPC’s reasoning behind this is that, should the heat recovery system fail, then the cooling of the compressor and the production of compressed air could

Recovering the heat of compression for a useful purpose is an intelligent and practical way of reducing the cost of compressed air production whilst improving energy efficiency at the same time. The effort and additional investment involved is reasonably small and,

be compromised. The safest method is to fit an additional heat exchanger in the compressor purely for heat recovery. In the event of it failing or if no hot water is required, the compressor can revert to

News & Products

used for heating, laundry, showering, production or other commercial cleaning purposes. Water temperatures of up to a maximum of 70°C can be achieved with these heat exchangers. HPC’s experience shows that for compressor packages upward of 18.5 kW capacity the addi¬tional costs for these heat recovery systems can be realised within just two years (subject to correct design).

depending on individual applications, can be recovered over a relatively short period of time depending on the purpose to which the heat is used and the method of recovery chosen.

C-Worker successfully demonstrated in the USA C-Worker took to the water in Lake Conroe for its first International showcase following three highly successful demonstrations in the UK. Personnel from over 40 major oil and gas companies gathered in Houston to attend the two day demonstration of the revolutionary unmanned surface vehicle.

The demonstration consisted of C-Worker fitted with a Sonardyne Gyro USBL acoustic positioning system, successfully executing seabed positioning and Compatt calibration as well as station keeping and following survey lines.

C-Worker leverages technology from over 50 highly successful unmanned vehicles that ASV has built to date. Additional technological advancements introduced in the C-Worker include the integration of a variety of offshore payload combinations including USBL, ADCP (current meter), CTD, Multibeam Sonar, Acoustic Telemetry, and Passive Acoustic Sonar

(PAM) for marine mammal detection.

The vehicles will be operated and leased

by ASV with options for bare-boat and full service solutions.

For further details on C-Worker, visit: www.asvglobal.com/oiland-gas/c-worker

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Since its official launch in February, C-Worker has sparked huge amounts of International interest. The vehicle’s unique capability to autonomously conduct subsea positioning, surveying and monitoring has opened up new possibilities and ways of carrying out oil and gas operations at sea.

17

Area Review

GREAT Yarmouth has been the main service base in England for the offshore energy for approaching 50 years – and looks to retain its crown for the foreseeable future.

As the Government strives to hit its carbon emissions reduction targets, in particular by decommissioning carbon-heavy coalfired power stations, it is against a background of increasing consumer use of electricity generated by other fuels.

Oil and gas is likely to be important in filling any energy gap.

And Great Yarmouth is already ideally placed to support gas extraction operations, with decades of experience in offshore and marine operations in the southern North Sea, and a wellestablished and sizeable supply chain and workforce.

Simon Gray, of the East of England Energy Group, said: “Great Yarmouth has half a century of experience as a harbour serving the offshore oil and gas sector. That will continue and it will be complemented by the offshore wind farms.”

A report from accountants Deloitte in 2013 suggested that the North Sea is likely to see plenty of activity in its traditional oil and gas industries for the foreseeable future, largely thanks to improvements in extraction technology and techniques.

Its Great Yarmouth office is a main hub for the Shell ONEgas project. As part of the AJS (AMEC Jacobs Stork) joint venture, AMEC has been working with Shell on this major contract for more than ten years. In February 2014, it was awarded a fiveyear extension to the contract, with the opportunity to extend for a further five years.

Great Yarmouth-based 3sun Group, a specialist provider of products and services to the global energy industry, has secured a £10 million investment from the Business Growth Fund (BGF).

The investment will support 3sun’s plans to accelerate expansion at Great Yarmouth and also advance other opportunities in the UK and northern Europe.

Founded in 2007, 3sun Group operates in the oil and gas onshore and offshore wind sectors. It is an established supplier of control panels for offshore oil and gas subsea and platform applications.

There is an increasing focus on prolonging the life of assets in the North Sea, either bringing drilling rigs in for major refurbishments or upgrading platforms in situ – all of this offering a whole new range of commercial opportunities, even before decommissioning is considered.

Expansion and investment are the themes across Great Yarmouth’s energy sector.

Across the energy sector in the East of England, £30 billion of investment is proposed over the next few years. The East of England is going to play a key role in keeping lights switched on – and Great Yarmouth is at the centre of that reality.

Perenco, an independent oil and gas company with operations in 16 countries, first became an operator in the UK in 2003. Since then, it has steadily expanded its Great Yarmouth base.

Graham Hacon

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In late 2012, Perenco dramatically expanded its UK operations with the acquisition of BP’s UK Southern Gas Assets. This acquisition has made Perenco UK the largest infrastructure operator in the North Sea.

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Perenco UK now employs about 1,150 people in total, including support personnel and contractors, and is expecting further growth in numbers at Great Yarmouth.

Another firm, AMEC, has had an oil and gas presence in Great Yarmouth for many years, servicing the South North Sea oil and gas industry, providing project management, asset support, brownfield engineering, asset development, operations, maintenance and decommissioning services.

3sun Group technician overhauling an oil & gas drawer control module

Area Review

3sun has seen six years of consistent growth; at the start of 2014, it employed 240 people and 31 apprentices. It is expecting to take on 50 more employees by March 2015 and another 200

by March 2017, and it plans to invest in a new site for its group headquarters.

Moughton Engineering, a Great Yarmouth-based firm specialising in precision engineering, construction, installation and maintenance, is due to celebrate its 40th anniversary this year but much time is being taken up instead handling recent growth and development.

Scott McMillan (centre) with Simon Thorne and Mark Pollard The deal puts the company, established around 10 years ago, on course to meet its target of doubling its £20m-plus turnover by 2015. It employs around 170 people at its quayside site in Gorleston, in the Great Yarmouth borough, but could pass 200 within the next 12 months.

Paul Moughton (left) checks work on one of the company’s new machines

Great Yarmouth has a bedrock of skills learned over half a century, which are invaluable for operators looking to invest and establish themselves across the energy spectrum. More than 10,000 people are already working in the energy sector and numbers continue to climb.

However, ensuring that the right skills are in place for the expanding energy sector is a critical priority.

The East of England Energy Group’s Skills for Energy programme – an industry-driven initiative – runs a range of projects to attract people into the industry and provide entry into all skills levels.

High precision work at Moughton Engineering Three new machines have been brought in already this year as development includes a major contract for an offshore client that adds to an oil and gas industry portfolio which accounts for 60 per cent of Moughton’s business. In the last seven years, it has doubled staff and doubled turnover.

This includes the proposed EPISCentre (the Energy Production Innovation Skills Centre), which would be a regional centre of excellence and coordinator of energy skills training through a ‘hub and spoke’ engagement with education, academia and training providers.

EEEGR sponsors the Energy Skills Foundation Programme, An NVQ level 2 “pre-apprenticeship” run at Lowestoft and Great Yarmouth College.

The latest success is the landing of a £9m asset integrity contract to survey and replace equipment on Southern North Sea gas platforms.

Businesses interested in investing in the Great Yarmouth borough can call Toby Matthews, on 01493 846431, or Peter Wright, on 01493 335642

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And 2014 is already proving a year of rapid growth for CLS Offshore, a solution provider for engineering, project management, fabrication, E& I and personnel services to the oil and gas industry, as well as other energy sectors.

It also supports the development of the University of East Anglia’s undergraduate and postgraduate energy engineering programme, as well as graduate entry into the industry from other disciplines. At present, the engineering programme sits within the university’s maths department, but it is hoped that gradually a full school of engineering will be developed.

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Subsea Equipment

World first as The Underwater Centre introduces new diver training Course The first ever commercial diver training course in the use of Enriched Air Nitrox has been launched by the Fort Williambased subsea training and trials facility, The Underwater Centre.

The training is already widely available in leisure diving but until now the use of Nitrox for commercial diving, which allows divers to spend longer at shallower depths and can reduce the risk of decompression illness, has predominantly been learned on the job.

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The Underwater Centre has invested in new equipment to deliver the training, including an LP Nitrox producing membrane system and clean air HP compressors, Nitrox storage bank, 2 diver Nitrox panel and a dedicated clean room.

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The course covers theoretical classroombased training, as well as practical application including mobilising a Nitrox spread, monitoring a Nitrox dive, oxygen cleaning, system maintenance and partial pressure blending. Candidates also undertake a dive on Nitrox in a dedicated area within the Centre’s onshore tank complex.

commercial divers, who now benefit from a greater theoretical and practical understanding of Nitrox diving.

The three-day intensive course has been developed after consultation with industry and aims to help companies ensure the competency of their Nitrox diving team.

“Following feedback from operators and contractors we saw there was a need to provide training in Nitrox as it is becoming an increasingly common method of commercial diving in the offshore industry,” he said.

Osiris, the marine services company that is part of James Fisher and Sons plc, has sent the first group of candidates to train on the pilot course. Candidates from the company included dive technicians, dive supervisors, a project manager and

The Centre’s General Manager, Steve Ham, believes that by listening to the needs of industry the courses being run at the Centre will help to resolve the subsea industry’s staff development problems.

“The new course has been developed to give candidates the knowledge and understanding required to use Nitrox, become familiar with the equipment and

Subsea Equipment

also gain a better understanding of the benefits of its use.”

Osiris’ General Diving Manager Kevin Hood added: “This training gives our team a good all-round understanding of diving on Nitrox, to a standard which meets industry approval and will also clear up any grey areas which may exist from previous lack of specific training. It also gives the opportunity to reset and start from a proper foundation.”

Aiden West, Managing Director of Osiris, said: “With the coming together of offshore wind and offshore activities in general, being the first to undertake this course ensures Osiris can meet all expectations of current and future offshore clients.

“James Fisher and Sons plc continues to invest within its diving and ROV divisions as it continues to develop its service as a complete subsea solutions provider for the global upstream oil and gas market.

“The Underwater Centre has conducted the course professionally and efficiently – I have been very impressed with the course and the facilities it has to offer.”

The Underwater Centre is a purpose built training facility which incorporates an extensive pier complex including four dive stations, classrooms, workshops and decompression chambers.

Anyone interested in more information about The Underwater Centre should contact: 01397 703786 or fortwilliam@ theunderwatercentre.com

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With accommodation and additional classrooms based at the landward end of the pier, The Underwater Centre is set up to provide its students with the skills and experience to succeed in their new careers, and continue providing the subsea industry with the workforce that it needs.

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Subsea Equipment

Specialist Subsea Services aqcuires two new ROV’S Specialist Subsea Services (S3) has announced the purchase of two new ROVs from FMC Technologies Schilling Robotics The acquisitions, worth in excess of £4,000,000, form part of the company’s ambitious global growth plans and bring the total number of work class ROVs within S3’s fleet to six.

The two Schilling-HD 150hp systems are both rated to 3,000msw and will provide industry leading performance for high quality pipeline surveys, IRM, drill support and heavy duty construction operations.

Equipped with the latest Hammerhead tasked based control system, the Schilling-HD model has a 60 minute repair philosophy that has been developed through its modular design, helping to vastly reduce typical ROV downtime. With the ability to maintain a 10cm watch circle in up to 3 knot current, the compact and flexible system is configured for ease of project configuration and rapid mobilisation.

Graeme Kidd, managing director of S3 is delighted to add to the company’s growing fleet of ROVs. He said: “Specialist Subsea Services currently undertakes a wide range of intervention and subsea survey activities throughout the world and these latest acquisitions will play an integral role in allowing the company to cater for future demand.

“FMC Technologies Schilling Robotics is renowned for being a leading global provider of technology solutions for the energy industry and we’re delighted to extend our partnership with the company. The agreement very much reflects our commitment to investing in leading edge technology and these two new systems will enhance our service and offering even further.”

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This significant investment in resource comes after the company recently signed a charter with EDT Offshore for the EDT Hercules vessel. The three year agreement, which comes with two additional one year extension options, will allow S3 to provide its full scope of ROV, survey and life of field services from the vessel, as it looks to build on its extensive track record in subsea operations, both in the North Sea and emerging global regions.

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Graeme Kidd added: “The subsea market is one of increasing opportunities and by adding to our resource, we’re putting the necessary steps in place to be able to react to these. The two ROVs, coupled with our recent vessel charter, are very much a signal of intent for the months and year ahead.”

Peter MacInnes, VP Sales of FMC Technologies Schilling Robotics, said: “We are delighted that S3 has selected the HD ROV to enhance their expanding global ROV operations. The HD is designed to increase customer productivity, through a highly integrated and versatile design that enables ease of tooling integration, operation and maintenance. Our regional Aberdeen office will also provide access to comprehensive product training and pilot simulator training, in addition to core technical and parts support.”

S³ is an Aberdeen-based provider of ROVs and survey services to the oil and gas and renewable industries. Adopting a “life of field” approach, S³ offers its customers a comprehensive package of services that includes: offshore installation and construction support, IRM, decommissioning and precise positioning and surveys for construction vessels and drilling rigs.

For further information about S³, contact: 01224 569910 or visit www.specialistsubsea.net

For a demonstration, call

+44 (0)1224 701749

Imenco is an EPC contractor to the maritime sector providing mechanical and electronic equipment along with bespoke engineering solutions to major oil, subsea and drilling companies worldwide.

imenco.com

Smart Solutions for

OBSERVING Subsea equipment Sea LED 300 A high output LED panel for ROV and inspection points. Fitted with the latest quality LEDs producing increased lifespan compared to the traditional Halogen and HID lights. The Sea LED 300 can be delivered with different lens angles and the light output is easily regulated from 0-100% with either Triac, 0-10V DC or RS232 and RS485.

Please visit imenco.com to see the full range of SEA LED lights; SEA LED 300L, SEA LED 65, SEA LED 35 and SEA LED 25.

For further information call us on +44 (0)1224 701749, or email uk@imenco.com quoting SOS05.

AV IATION | DIV ING | ENGINEERING & DE V ELOPMENT | LIF TING & HANDLING | SUBSE A | WORK SHOP

Subsea Equipment

Ennsub wins major contract to build two ultra-deepwater ROV deployment systems Ennsub, the independent subsea design, engineering and technology company, has been awarded a multi-million pound contract by leading independent ROV service provider ROVOP. The deal involves the design and manufacture of two ultra-deepwater workclass ROV launch and recovery systems to be installed into global oil and gas subsea construction specialist Ceona’s new-build multiple lay vessel, the Ceona Amazon.

The scope of work involves the provision of fully integrated deployment systems capable of operating in heavy-weather conditions through the use of high-speed electric winches providing Active Heave Compensation (AHC) capability.

The equipment, which is estimated to take around six months to design and build, will be installed into the Ceona Amazon during Q3 2014 and will commence operation in January 2015 when the vessel is due to come into service.

Ennsub’s integrated ROV launch and recovery solutions offer a next generation approach to ROV deployment, particularly in situations where ROV operations are required to support top-tier subsea construction assets such as the Ceona Amazon.

The company offers a range of deep and ultra-deepwater deployment solutions for ROVs, subsea modules and bespoke subsea packages in addition to a suite of pipeline installation-related products and pipeline repair solutions. It also boasts an operations-led approach to design to suit the specific requirements of its customers.

Scott Macknocher, managing director of Ennsub, said: “Our focus since the inception of Ennsub has been to develop industry-leading equipment and products which reflect the criticality of reliable subsea operations and we believe that this award recognises this ambition.

“We are particularly pleased to be associated with ROVOP whose success is no coincidence given the experience of those involved, their approach to equipment and technology, and their strategy of high-end and focused ROV service provision.”

Ennsub’s contract comes after ROVOP secured a five-year deal with Ceona to provide hydraulic, work-class services on board the company’s fleet of new, purpose-built deepwater pipelay and construction vessels including the Ceona Amazon, Polar Onyx and Normand Pacific.

Barry Stewart, director and general manager at ROVOP, said: “The commitment between ROVOP and Ceona is focused on using the most experienced, expert personnel and best-in-class technology which offers a major step change in the subsea construction market in terms of capability, reliability and quality of service.

“Ennsub, through its innovative approach to the design and manufacture of launch and delivery products, was a natural fit because they share our vision and values. Like ROVOP, they’re an agile company which works to gain a thorough understanding of what the end user needs.”

ROVOP is deploying HD (heavy duty) and UHD (ultra-heavy duty) hydraulic work-class ROV systems, manufactured

by FMC Technologies Schilling Robotics, from its growing fleet of modern ROVs to Ceona. These ROVs represent the most technologically-advanced ROV systems available in the market, including a modular design that significantly improves repair and maintenance times, as well as providing a range of “auto-pilot” style functions that improve safety and efficiency.

Subsea Equipment

Ceona’s long-term chartered Polar Onyx, which was officially christened last month, along with the Ceona Amazon and Normand Pacific vessels are due to come into service in April 2014 and January 2015 respectively.

The Ceona Amazon can lay rigid, flexible pipelines and umbilicals, risers and install large subsea structures using one or both of its 400t cranes in tandem lift mode.

The Amazon’s combination of capacities, spool base independent pipe lay, heavy lift and subsea construction make her a unique vessel capable of executing all aspects of SURF projects. She is designed to operate in remote logistically challenging locations, be weather resilient, and technically versatile. The Amazon is a project and field development platform meeting the needs of today’s and future field developments.

Scott Macknocher, Managing Director of Ennsub (left) with Barry Stewart, Director and General Manager at ROVOP

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Subsea Equipment

INNOVATIVE ROV IN THE SPOTLIGHT An Ocean Modules V8 M500 ROV was one of the stars of a feature on the Royal Navy’s Marine Maritime Autonomous System Trials Team (MASTT) last week. The Atlantas Marine supplied M500 appeared on ITV and in articles in the Daily Mail and Mail Online.

After a competitive tender process the V8 M500 was selected for its unmatched manoeuvrability and maintained platform

stability. The ROV is currently part a selection of autonomous equipment being trailed with the MASTT team.

The V8s onboard camera allows instant identification by a mine specialist without putting personnel in danger. Once identified the advanced ROV is fitted with Cobra mine neutralisation system -a highly effective tool for safely eradicating unexploded

ordnance already in service with Royal Navy minehunters off Libya and in the Gulf.

Chief Petty Officer Colin Dumbleton, who has spent more than 20 years in the mine warfare branch, said: “It’s great that the Navy is taking a step in the right direction, looking at the technology out there, and seeing where we can use it in the future.”

Lieutenant Commander Jack McWilliams, the officer in command of MASTT, said: “This technology is fantastic, and we are right at the forefront of it. It is the future.”

Read the articles here:

ITV: http://www.itv.com/news/meridian/ story/2014-04-16/royal-navy-deploysremote-controlled-boat/ Daily Mail: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/ news/article-2606316/Goodbyeminehunters-hello-tiny-drone-submarinesRoyal-Navy-tests-hi-tech-devices-spellend-fibreglass-hulled-fleet.html

The Smart Choice ­ Trusted by some of the biggest names in the subsea industry The VideoRay Pro 4 helps you get the job done quickly and safely

So ask yourself ­ Why choose anything else?

Specialists in the supply of World Class ROVs, Sonars and Accessories to the Subsea Market. www.atlantasmarine.com T: +44 (0)1935 426 000 F: +44 (0)1935 426 522

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E: info@atlantasmarine.com

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Atlantas Marine Ltd Telstar House, Mead Avenue, Houndstone Business Park, Yeovil, Somerset, BA22 8RT Tel: +44 (0)1935 426000 Fax: +44 (0)1935 426522 E-mail: info@atlantasmarine.com

Wet Mateable Jumper and Umbilical Monitoring Device The Zetechtics C-Kore is a Subsea (rechargeable) battery powered electronics package, fully integrated into the dummy plug normally fitted to the electrical connectors of subsea termination heads and umbilical / jumper assemblies.

As subsea field umbilical arrays grow ever more complex the integrity of the components becomes increasingly critical. It is paramount that subsea electrical arrays are made up of umbilical cables & connectors that are known to be good.

When Subsea, the C-Kore can detect the arrival of any ROV (via light source or proximity sensors), and when activated, installation resistance, continuity and capacitance (cable length) are measured automatically.

Unfortunately it is all too easy for jumper assemblies to be damaged in transit between factory floor and sea floor. Once the array is fully assembled and in place on the sea bed then fault finding becomes highly problematic and test via disconnection runs the very real risk of introducing further faults.

Tests are performed between all / any required electrical cores and the surrounding sea water.

Lowest measured values are shown on the full colour OLED display; these values can be used to determine if any damage has occurred to the subsea component.

Possible faults could include;

The operator then makes up the connection in the normal way and can be sure that known good components are being assembled at every point in the process.

• • • • • • • •

Manufacturing Errors & Design Flaws Transit Damage via Incident or Accident Incorrect Installation or Load Out Mechanical Damage (impact, vibration, crush, cut, abrasion, etc.)

Hydrostatic Effects Water Leak or Pin Hole ROV Manipulator Damage Sea floor movement

Subsea Equipment

C-Kore is designed to provide assurance to field installation engineers that their umbilical systems will meet the client requirements by checking electrical integrity immediately prior to connector make-up.

For more information please contact the sales team on: +44 (0)1653 602021, Or email: sales@zetechtics.com

Powerful jumper and umbilical monitoring As subsea field umbilical arrays grow ever more complex then the integrity of the components becomes increasingly critical.

C-Kore is designed to provide assurance to field installation engineers that their umbilical systems will meet the client requirements by checking electrical integrity immediately prior to connector make-up.

For further information visit our website or call our sales team on 01653 602020

Zetechtics Ltd Main Street, Amotherby,Malton, North Yorkshire, YO17 6TA Tel: +44 (0)1653 602020 Fax: +44 (0)1653 691712 E-mail: sales@zetechtics.com

Zetechtics Ltd

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Tel: +44 (0) 1653 602020 | Email: sales@zetechtics.com | Web: www.zetechtics.com

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Subsea Equipment

The Innovative L300 Light from Remote Ocean Systems (ROS).

Bob Acks (CEO/President), seen here holding his new L300 LED Underwater/Subsea Light at Oceanology International 2014, London. Originally developed to solve a major problem with LED lights on the market, Remote Ocean Systems (ROS) have spent the last 18th months developing the L300. The work has gone into electronics behind the LED lights, so that when it’s attached to a dimming switch, the user has full range dimming (with phase control), but without the inevitable flickering and flashing of the LED light – no matter the voltage input (AC/DC).

This will be of particular interest to our clients as they often need to work at lower levels of light depending on their application, and require a full controllable range of light, with stable light output. Additional features include: 10,000 lumens, Flood (90°) or Spot(38°); conical half-intensity, 6000 metres depth rating, aluminium or titanium, less than 3 lbs in water; 6300K Colour Temp; flexible rear or side mounted connectors.

The L300 will officially go into production in April 2014.

Along with the L300, ROS is launching a full range of new products including the C600 (Interchangeable HD/SD) Colour Camera, C400 B/W Camera, C200 Mini Colour Camera, and Pan & Tilt Positioners: P20 and P100, which have 5 new and improved features: Internal mechanical stop, reduced backlash and increased accuracy (to 0.5 degrees), new connector mounting options to prevent damage to connector, replaceable zinc anode – eliminating corrosion, and improved robust structural design.

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ROS’ clients are now benefiting from being able to buy their products at list price directly from the Aberdeen sales office, as

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The new L300 LED Underwater/Subsea Light

Bob Acks and the new L300 LED Light opposed to buying through an agent with a varying mark-up.

The UK office was set up in 2012, an extension of the ROS Inc in America, that has been in operation for 38 years. Bob Acks and his then partner, Bruce Fugitt, two engineers working at Naval Ocean Systems had an idea, some savings and started work in Bob’s garage to create their first ROV: named ‘TELESUB’. TELESUB was the first of its kind incorporating a single coaxial cable for all communications. Since then, ROS has grown from strength to strength and today has a 28,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in San Diego, US. ROS’ full range includes: underwater/subsea video cameras, lights, pan and tilts, controllers and video inspection systems, manufactured primarily for the: nuclear, oceanographic and military industries.

A range of products from Remote Ocean Systems

Remote Ocean Systems Ltd Unit 4/5, Gordon Court, Durno, Inverurie, Aberdeenshire, AB51 5ER Tel: +44 (0)1467 681780 Website: www.rosys.com E-mail: Kathr@rosys.com

Winching & Lifting

Nautilus Rigging - Providing safe lifting solutions NAUTILUS Rigging (UK) Ltd are internationally recognised as the leading innovators in safe lifting solutions as the manufacturers and suppliers of the patented, NautilusTopside Hooks™ and NautilusROV Hooks™ range.

By focusing their design criteria to eliminate industry concerns with respect to the known and inherent hazards of traditional style lifting hooks the company have developed, and patented, the next generation of lifting hooks that put safety and security as the first priority.

Since the introduction of Nautilus Hooks, in 2009, the proven safety benefits of Nautilus Design has become widely accepted by the Offshore sector as providing the safest, most secure and cost efficient lifting hooks for both Subsea, ROV assisted, and Topside lifting operations.

Nautilus Rigging has added Noble Drilling to their growing list of clients having recently completed a £150,000 supply contract to provide certified lifting assemblies following an, HSE driven, change of management safety initiative to adopt Nautilus Hooks across the entire worldwide fleet of Noble offshore drilling rigs and installations.

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Managing Director, Mr Bill Toon, said “Noble Drilling management made the decision to adopt Nautilus Hooks in recognition of the real and tangible safety benefits that our products provide in reducing risks, a management safety initiative that firmly aligns practice with the stated objectives of their corporate safety policy, and the requirements of HSE regulations, to minimize risk where possible by adopting the appropriate lifting harware”

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Nautilus Hooks were awarded the prestigious American Society of Mechanical Engineers - Best Mechanical Engineering Award at the Offshore Technology Conference in Houston where the unique, patented, safety features and the global potential to set a new standard for personal safety in lifting operations were cited by the

judges as the deciding factors in awarding Nautilus Hooks this highest accolade.

Nautilus Rigging has continued this success with their range of Subsea/ROV operated lifting hooks which have proved extremely popular with the major offshore ROV and Subsea contractors who have been quick to recognise the safety benefits and cost effectiveness of the unique “Positive locking ROV hooks” that Nautilus Introduced in 2013.

Mr Toon continued “Our patented positive locking mechanism eliminates the risk of unintentional self release of the load which is a common hazard and high risk associated with the use of traditional “snap on” style ROV hooks, The positive locking function of the Nautilus Subsea and ROV hooks ensures that load integrity is maintained at all times, providing a cost efficient solution to significantly reducing the risk of operators incurring unwanted, expensive downtime, and/or equipment damage which often results from unintentional load release”

Nautilus ROV hooks incorporate all the innovative safety features of the company’s topside hooks, including the integrated safety handle and dual sided sliding lock mechanism which makes topside handling a simple, safe and secure operation, removing fingers from the hazardous hook/sling interface area and providing an easy one handed operation.

The ROV Hooks are currently available in 2 versions, the Long shank NH-ROV22E and eye top release hook NH-SS22E. The hooks are fitted with a bespoke 316 stainless steel ROV activation wire tested to 1200 kg.

A short video detailing the unique operational and safety benefits, and the full product specifications can be viewed at:

www.nautilusrigging.com

Nautilus Rigging manufacture and supply 20 different models of the, DNV type approved, Nautilus topside hooks with a range of working load limits from 4 to 22 tonnes.

The company currently produces 2 models of the ROV/Subsea Hooks both with a working load limit of 22 tonnes.

All Nautilus Hooks are manufactured to exceed the industry standard BS/EN 1677-1 and have CE certification. Nautilus Hooks have complete traceability from raw material to finished products and all the hooks are individually numbered and proof tested to 2.5 x their working load limit.

The company has a range of standard certified assemblies or alternatively they can custom build assemblies to the clients specifications and requirements, All Nautilus lifting hooks and assemblies are supplied complete with manufacturers test certification to meet corporate supply and compliance requirements.

Operators can purchase direct from the manufacturers, Nautilus Rigging LLP, by contacting:

sales@nautilusrigging.com Or call on 01224 772323

Nautilus Rigging LLP 23E Burnside Drive, Dyce, Aberdeen, AB210HW Tel: +44 (0)1224 772323 Website: www.nautilusrigging.com E-mail: info@nautilusrigging.com

NautilusRigging Safer lifting, efficient solutions

Topside and Subsea

www.nautilusrigging.com

William Hackett Chains Ltd

Offshore Products

Tel: 01665 604200 • Fax: 01665 604204 Email: info@williamhackett.co.uk • www.williamhackett.co.uk

Mission accomplished! – Protea delivers Intervention Winch System

The system comprising five winches, active heave compensators and power and control equipment was installed as an upgrade package to the existing well intervention tower on the Skandi Constructor.

“The winches are to allow the successful deployment and operation of guide wires and pod lines for well intervention in up to 1500m of water,” said Tomasz Paskiewicz, CEO of Protea. “To successfully deploy, attach and maintain these connections to subsea well heads, precise position control, accurate heave compensation and reliable constant tension systems are key.”

Working closely with engineers from Well Ops, Protea’s contract was for the development, supply and installation of a turnkey system including winches, heave compensators, hydraulic power unit, Nitrogen generator and control system to meet the specific operational

requirements of the customer.

In just seven months, over 50 tonnes of specialist equipment was designed, built and tested at Protea’s modern production facility in Southern Poland. The project was the first to benefit from Protea’s new 2,100m2 assembly hall with 25m roof height and 120t SWL overhead craneage.

“This fast track project allowed Protea to demonstrate the full extent of its capabilities – from concept development, detail design through to production and installation and commissioning. We look forward to delivering similar challenging projects in the future.” commented Tomasz Paskiewicz.

Winching & Lifting

An advanced intervention winch system developed by Protea for Helix Well Ops UK Limited (Well Ops) has successfully completed initial operations off West Africa.

“The new hall allowed us to fully assemble the equipment undercover and complete extensive functional testing prior to delivery, reducing the risk of delays during installation and commissioning.” said Michal Balcer, Project Manager.

Following completion of the test

programme, the equipment was delivered to Scotland for installation and commissioning on the Skandi Constructor by a team of Protea’s support engineers.

Initial offshore trials were completed in the North Sea late in 2013, and since then the equipment has been used extensively on live intervention projects both in the North Sea, and off the coast of West Africa.

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With ever increasing requirements for connectors to operate in hazardous environments and many applications now requiring quick and safe disconnection of connectors to be used in these environments, SEA CON has developed a new robust range of Exd connectors due to be released soon.

the EX-MATE incorporates an Atex approved gland system for the cable which is encapsulated within the overmold, making it suitable for a number of applications including Topside FPSO, Drilling Vessels or other potentially explosive environments as covered by the extensive qualification testing.

The EX-MATE is based around SEA CON’s existing and successful SEA-MATE connector range and can be wet-mated in depths of up to 50m in addition to its suitability for use in explosive environments. This new series will be available in 4 shell sizes (G, K, L, M) with between 2 & 37 contact configurations, however like the SEA-MATE range this series has interchangeable inserts so can be adapted to a number of pin configurations. In addition,

For more information please visit our website at www.seaconworldwide.com

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Cables and Connectors

NEW PRODUCT! The EX-MATE Range by SEA CONÂŽ

34 36

SEACON (europe) Ltd Seacon House, Hewett Road, Gapton Hall Industrial Estate, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, NR31 0RB Tel: +44 (0)1493 652733 Email: sales@seaconeurope.com Web: www.seaconworldwide.com

Cables and Connectors

Subsea Technologies Ltd celebrates year of growth and move to new premises with place in the final of Scottish Business Awards Aberdeen-based Subsea Technologies Ltd. (STL) has been shortlisted for the Growth Strategy of the Year Award at the prestigious Scottish Business Awards.

The well intervention and subsea pressure equipment specialist has been recognised in this category for its sales, profit and market share growth in 2013.

STL’s client base and international footprint grew substantially last year. The company expanded into the Asian market, building on its already established business links in Scandinavia, Africa and the US. Its team also grew by a third over the year – taking the total number of staff to 37.

To house its growing operations, the company relocated to an existing commercial property in the Tullos Industrial Estate late last year. At 32,000sq ft, the new premises is more than double the size of STL’s previous offices at Mugiemoss.

Managing Director Drummond Lawson said, “2013 was a significant year for the long term growth of STL and we are delighted that this has been recognised by the Scottish Business Awards. The move to new premises and the expansion into new markets is part of our long term strategy to enter the drilling market.

The larger workshop space, which our new premises’ provides, will enable us to meet growing demand for our proprietary subsea products – the XR and SLIC Connectors. At 11,000sq ft, it will also house the development of an 18 ¾” XR connector for drilling risers.”

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The XR Connector is the only EDP connector available globally which is capable of disconnecting at any riser angle.

36

STL’s groundbreaking XR connector

Lawson added, “The XR Connector already provides improved vessel safety and operability – as well as significantly reducing environmental risk. The 18 ¾” XR will offer all of these benefits on a much larger scale, potentially protecting the industry from another disaster of the same scale as the Macondo incident.”

The Scottish Business Awards ceremony will take place at the EICC in Edinburgh on the 12th May. Two thousand members of Scotland’s business community are expected to attend the event – which is being hosted by comedian Michael McIntyre and will feature an audience with Richard Branson.

Last year, STL was awarded the Subsea 2013 award for ‘New Enterprise’ and the ‘Grampian Award for Innovation’ at the ENET Awards.

Subsea Technologies Ltd is a subsea engineering business based in Aberdeen, with specialist expertise in subsea well intervention and well control. The company specialises in engineering solutions between the vessel deck and the subsea wellhead and has developed some of the world’s first-purpose built subsea well intervention technologies — the Xtreme Release (XR) Connector and Stackable Lightweight Intervention Connector (SLIC). The company continues to develop other subsea intervention-related technologies.

All of STL’s products have been developed to cope with the demanding requirements of both constant operation in harsh conditions and maximum operational uptime for minimum maintenance downtime.

STL also provides an industry-leading bespoke design and manufacturing service, developing both product and system-level technology to meet clients’ well access needs.

www.bender-uk.com

BENDER UK Low Mill Business Park, Ulverston, Cumbria, LA12 9EE Tel: 44(0) 1229 480123 Fax: 44(0) 1229 480345

Engineering

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Arthur Street, Lakeside, Redditch, Worcestershire B98 8JY. Tel: +44 (0)1527 500500 Fax: +44 (0)1527 517039 info@bellevillesprings.com www.bellevillesprings.com

Precision Mechanisms for High Performance Environments

Mechanisms for steerable drilling and intelligent down-hole tools Rotary and linear motion for pipeline welding and inspection

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Sub-sea gears and geared systems

38

www.reliance.co.uk +44 (0) 1484 601000 sales@reliance.co.uk

Hydrasun wins Great Large Company at prestigious Industry Awards Recent Awards

Aberdeen-headquartered Hydrasun, a leading specialist provider of integrated fluid transfer, power and control solutions, was named Great Large Company at the Offshore Achievement Awards (OAA) ceremony held at the Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre (AECC) in March.

Hydrasun was awarded the coveted “Great Large Company Award”, which recognises excellence in large company performance in the offshore energy sector.

Bob Drummond, Chief Executive of Hydrasun, said: “We are very honoured to have been chosen for such a prestigious award, especially in recognition of the world class calibre of the other nominations. Winning it is a fantastic achievement and clear recognition of everyone at Hydrasun’s hard work and dedication, and of the strong growth, development and overall performance of the company in recent years.

“Beyond recent developments in continuing to grow our global footprint, we have also further invested in our integrated product and service offering to deliver enhanced levels of service and

added value for our customers. Most recently, this focus has also seen a £3million investment in the expansion of our own specialist manufacturing facilities to increase our capabilities, capacity, flexibility and overall speed of response to customer needs.”

Hydrasun’s sales revenues have doubled in the past four years

from £60million in 2010 to around £120million for the company’s current financial year to 31 March 2014. The company plans to continue its strong growth and development with an overall target to surpass £200million sales within the next four years. As part of this, plans are currently being developed for the next phase of the expansion of its Aberdeen Headquarters facilities, with the prospect of up to 150 new jobs.

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39

Pumps & Valves

Pump meets the demands of high of high pressure systems Cat Pumps has introduced a new positive displacement triplex plunger pump to meet the demands of Very High Pressure (VHP) systems. Delivering pressures up to 690 bar (10,000psi), the compact Model 6810 is a 68-frame, block style 10K stainless steel plunger pump producing up to 38 litres/minute of consistent flow. Unlike air-driven pumps, Cat Pumps triplex PD pumps provide predictable, high flow rates largely unaffected by the delivery pressure, and at high efficiency with low pulsations Ease of maintenance is guaranteed by the design of the wet end that can be serviced without the need to enter the crankcase.

The plunger packings and low pressure seals are completely lubricated and cooled by the pumped liquid thereby greatly increasing service life even when pumping low viscosity and low lubricity fluids such as pure water or glycols.

offering, whilst still using our field-proven 68 frame drive-end technology.”

Cat Pumps can supply any of their extensive range of positive displacement pumps in bare-shaft form or fully assembled and tested as skid-mounted electric driven pumps units, with pressure protection devices and associated installation accessories. Full conformance with relevant Directives can be certified, including ATEX and PED. They also lend themselves to manual or automatic flow control by VFD (variable frequency ‘inverter’ drive), available as an option fully-tested control panel.

The Model 6810 addresses the challenges posed by many applications in the oil and gas sector and elsewhere, including hydrostatic pressure testing, umbilical and control line flushing, accumulator charging, chemical injection, water jetting, high pressure washdown, surface preparation and tube cleaning.

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“Since we entered the 10K market with our 1810 pump, a number of customers have asked us also to extend our offering to cover higher flow rates,” explains Brian Hubbard, General Manager at Cat Pumps UK. “The new Model 6810 more than triples our

Cat Pumps new Model 6810 pump for VHP liquid systems

Pumps & Valves

Total pump capability from AxFlow Part of Alex Johnson AB with sales of over 7 billion euro and 20,000 employees worldwide, the AxFlow Group is one of Europe’s largest suppliers of technical pumps having offices and service locations in 26 European countries employing nearly 500 people in total. Within the UK, AxFlow has five locations across the country including the well-established Pump Service Centre in Aberdeen that boasts a history of over 30 years.

AxFlow’s business concept through which they’ve developed a wide range of pump related products and services. So, when it comes to pumps AxFlow also concerns itself with their installation, repair and monitoring, a wider understanding of the system and issues associated with pumps such as good documentation, training and prompt deliveries from stock.

AxFlow UK has been around for 50 years establishing itself as a leading pump supplier in the Chemical, Offshore, Process, Power Generation, Petrochemical and Food & Beverage industries. What’s particularly remarkable about AxFlow UK is the

Historically the company has focused its efforts on positive displacement pumps, in the process becoming the market leader in several industries.

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dramatic growth it’s seen over the last few years, with sales having almost doubled in the last six years, despite the turbulent economic conditions. Much of this growth has been a result of the company’s technical expertise but, also its ability to recognise all of the factors that surround a successful pump installation. This wider vision has culminated in fluidity.nonstop;

42

The Aturia API 610 Pump

Positive Displacement Pumps

Within Aberdeen, AxFlow has been the

dominant supplier of AODD pumps to the offshore industry for many years, concentrating on the Wilden and Almatec product ranges and supplying them to

nearly every player in the sector. The company has also become experts in the use of vane pumps for oil and fuel transfer duties and in particular, Waukesha circumferential piston pumps for produced water and open/closed drains. Not forgetting that AxFlow represents a large number of world-class metering, peristaltic, gear, oscillating disc and lobe pump manufacturers.

Centrifugal Pumps When it comes to centrifugal pumps AxFlow has for many years supplied Hermetic canned pumps (API 685) into Oil/ Gas markets. However, it has now joined forces with two major Italian manufacturers to expand its centrifugal pump offerings include DIN, ISO, double suction,

Pumps & Valves

magnetically driven, borehole, fire-fighting pumps and a considerable basket of API models.

The first of these, Gruppo Aturia, is one of Italy’s largest pump manufacturers as well as being its oldest. The range not only includes DIN, ISO and magnetically driven products but also API 610 OH2, VS1, BB2 and multistage BB2 pumps (Fig.1). Aturia also specialises in API 685 turbine pumps useful for duties with high heads and/ or flows - too low for most centrifugal pumps. The second new partner is Finder Pumpe, now part of the PSG group.

Finder specialises in API work and offers an extremely large range of products including BB1, BB2, OH2, OH2, OH3, OH4, VS1, VS4 and VS6 configurations having the capability to respond to even the onerous duties. The Aturia and Finder product ranges when combined with the Hermetic canned products, means that there are now very few, if any, centrifugal pump duties to be found in the offshore market to which AxFlow cannot respond.

Of particular significance is the fact that with the addition of these new centrifugal pumps into the company’s already extensive PD pump portfolio, AxFlow has almost certainly created the largest technical pump range in the UK. This means that AxFlow is more likely to have the correct pump for any given application and is therefore less likely to “shoe-horn” an inappropriate pump into place. This more appropriate matching of pump with duty not only reduces initial capital costs, but minimises running costs and most importantly premature pump failures.

Systems

documentation, they have also begun to take on the construction of nonpump related skids for some of the most significant companies within the sector.

repairs (Fig 2). The company’s philosophy is to carry out as much work as possible in-house and can offer the following when it comes to pump repair:

Pump installation, monitoring and repair

• Dynamic balancing.

In parallel with AxFlow’s development as a leading pump supplier, the company has also built-up an impressive ability to install, monitor and repair liquid pumps.

AxFlow has developed an integrated network of mutual support within its five Pump Service Centres, allowing Aberdeen to pull on a wider range of skills and capabilities when necessary. Of particular note is the company’s strength when it comes to large pumps with AxFlow having the capability to handle up to 40 tonnes in weight and test motors up to 30 kW, along with its knowledge of positive displacement pumps making it unusual when it comes to

• Laser alignment.

• Re-engineered components.

• Mechanical seal refurbishment.

• Belzona coating.

• In-House machining.

• In-House painting.

Not surprisingly, AxFlow UK is approved to ISO 9001, has Safe Constructor, CHAS, Achilles, and FPAL accreditation and is a member of the BPMA, AEMT, ADA and BSC.

AxFlow Ltd Unit 3, Harlaw Centre, Howe Moss Crescent, Kirkhill Industrial Estate, Aberdeen, AB21 0GN Tel: +44 (0)1224 729367 Email: info@axflow.co.uk Web: www.axflow.com

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The company’s pump knowledge has inevitably moved it into the design and build of specialist pump related systems.

When it comes to offshore systems these have been centred on chemical injection and produced water applications incorporating reservoir tanks, pulsation dampers, flow meters, temperature meters, seal flushing and calibration devises. Following on from this and, as a result of AxFlow’s long standing presence in the offshore industry and experience with the production of the associated

AxFlow has the engineering capabilities to handle pumps up to 40 tonnes in weight.

43

Do you need to Advertise?

The Publication Place your advert in this A4 publication, from a 1/4 page to a double page spread.

Take advantage of the free editorial which will equal the size of your advert.

A great way to showcase both your Company details and to also explain a product or a service you supply in your own words and with colourful images.

With a good circulation across the UK and distribution at the major exhibitions both here and overseas, you can expect awareness from companies in the industry looking to purchase equipment you manufacture or seek your specialised services.

The Online Version

Company Logo advertising is available on our website.

We allow for static Logo’s that can be placed in a prominent position on our Home Page.

Demonstration Videos are another option!

Have your advert display the video play sign in the on-line magazine. Readers can click on the link to activate your video.

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Take a look on our website www.sosmagazine.biz

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Contact our sales team: Robert Taylor General Manager 01634 867404 rob@sosmagazine.biz

Jon McIntosh Sales Manager 01634 682464 jon@sosmagazine.biz

Corrosion Under Insulation? We’ve got you covered SIG Technical Insulation, in exclusive partnership with Aspen Aerogels®, have a solution to the problem.

• A completely new concept in insulation technology • Amongst the world’s most efficient thermal insulation materials • Highly hydrophobic - water resistant • Microporous - vapour permeable • Fire safe • Flexible/resilient • Low maintenance • Wide combined temperature from minus 270°C (Cryogel®) to plus 650°C (Pyrogel®) SIG Technical Insulation is offering a FREE lifecycle consultation to determine how Aspen Aerogels® could help Oil & Gas operators increase the lifecycle and integrity of their pipework and equipment.

Please call 01224 771566 to receive your FREE lifecycle extension consultation

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A-Z Directory Pg 40

Abacus Valves

Tel +44 (0)1505 681777

E-Mail. sales@abacusvalves.com

Pg 26

Atlantas Marine

Tel +44 (0)1935 426000

E-Mail. info@atlantasmarine.com

Pg 17 Pg 42 Pg 5

Pg 38 Pg 37 Pg 4 Pg 6

Pg 40 Pg 12 Pg 25 Pg 8 Pg 7

Pg 33 Pg 24 Pg 15 Pg 48 Pg 18 Pg 16 Pg 23 Pg 49 Pg 8

Pg 12 Pg 11 Pg 50 Pg 48 Pg 30 Pg 15 Pg 14 Pg 41 Pg 14 Pg 47 Pg 10 Pg 38 Pg 28 Pg 9

Pg 38 Pg 34 Pg 45 Pg 22 Pg 36 www.sosmagazine.biz

Pg 20

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Pg 49

F/Cover Pg 38 Pg 32 Pg 27

ASV Ltd

Axflow Ltd Beamex Ltd

Belleville Springs Ltd Bender UK Ltd

Bibby Offshore Ltd BMT Argoss Cat Pumps Ltd

Cortez Subsea Ltd

Cygnus Instruments Ltd DNV GL Group EFC Group EMM Corp

Ennsub Ltd Enquest Ltd Flexitallic Ltd

Tel +44 (0)2392 382573 Tel +44 (0)1224 729367 Tel +44 (0)1455 821920 Tel +44 (0)1527 500500 Tel +44 (0)1229 480123 Tel +44 (0)1224 857755 Tel +31 (0)5272 42299

Tel +44 (0)1252 622031 Tel +44 (0)1224 392888 Tel +44 (0)1305 265533 Tel +44 (0)2073 576080 Tel +44 (0)1224 249355 Tel +44 (0)1224 775151 Tel +44 (0)1224 766911 Tel +44 (0)1224 287000 Tel +44 (0)1274 851273

Great Yarmouth C/Council Tel +44 (0)1493 846431 HPC Compressed Air Sys

Tel +44 (0)1444 247304

Interdive Services Ltd

Tel +44 (0)1752 558080

Imenci Smart Solutions Jee Ltd

KCA Deutag Drilling Ltd Lux Assure Magnetrol Ltd MBA Ltd Nautilus Rigging LLP

Nord-Lock Ltd

Optimus 7th Generation Pacson Valves Ltd

Precision Polymer E/ring

People Factor Consultants Ramco Oil Services Ltd Reliance Precision Ltd

Remote Ocean Systems RMS Pumptools Ltd Rotaflow FV Ltd

SEACON (europe) Ltd SIG Plc

Specialist Subsea Services Subsea Technologies Ltd The Underwater Centre TWI Ltd Valeport Ltd Valley Springs Ltd

William Hackett Chains Zetechtics Ltd

Tel +44 (0)1224 701749 Tel +44 (0)1732 371390 Tel +44 (0)1224 299600 Tel +44 (0)1315 167290 Tel +44 (0)1444 871313 Tel +44 (0)1224 564999 Tel +44 (0)1224 772323 Tel +44 (0)1264 355557 Tel +44 (0)1224 766700 Tel +44 (0)1382 513655 Tel +44 (0)1254 295400 Tel +44 (0)1224 572210 Tel +44 (0)1224 782278 Tel +44 (0)1484 601000 Tel +44 (0)1467 681780 Tel +44 (0)1651 874999 Tel +44 (0)1663 735003 Tel +44 (0)1493 652733 Tel +44 (0)1224 771566 Tel +44 (0)1224 569910 Tel +44 (0)1224 392200 Tel +44 (0)1397 703786 Tel +44 (0)1223 899000 Tel +44 (0)1803 869292 Tel +44 (0)1246 451981 Tel +44 (0)1665 604200 Tel +44 (0)1653 602020

E-Mail. sales@asvglobal.com E-Mail. info@axflow.co.uk

E-Mail. info@beamex.com

E-Mail. info@bellevillesprings.com Website. www.bender-uk.com

E-Mail. info@bibbyoffshore.com E-Mail. info@bmtargoss.com

E-Mail. sales@catpumps.co.uk

E-Mail. info@cortezsubsea.com

E-Mail.sales@cygnus-instruments.com Website. www.dnvgl.com

E-Mail. info@efcgroup.net

E-Mail. info@emmcorp.com E-Mail. abd@ennsub.com

Website. www.enquest.com

E-Mail. enquiries@flexitallic.eu

Website. www.great-yarmouth.gov.uk/ E-Mail. info@hpcplc.co.uk Website. www.imenco.no

E-Mail. diving@interdive.co.uk Website. www.jee.co.uk

E-Mail. info@uk.kcadeutag.com E-Mail. contact@luxassure.com E-Mail. sales@magnetrol.co.uk

E-Mail. info@maggiebraidassociates.com E-Mail. info@nautilusrigging.com

E-Mail. enquiries@nord-lock.co.uk E-Mail. info@optimus-she.com E-Mail. info@pacson.co.uk

E-Mail. prepol.info@idexcorp.com E-Mail. info@peoplefactor.co.uk

E-Mail. ramco.tubular@ramcotubular.co.uk E-Mail. sales@reliance.co.uk Website. www.rosys-uk.com

Website. www.rmspumptools.com E-Mail. sales@rotaflow.com

E-Mail. sales@seaconeurope.com Website. www.sigplc.com

E-Mail. info@specialistsubsea.com E-Mail. info@subseatek.com

E-Mail. fortwilliam@theunderwatercentre.com Website. www.twi-global.com E-Mail. sales@valeport.co.uk

Website. www.valleyspring.com

E-Mail.info@williamhackett.co.uk E-Mail. sales@zetechtics.com

Improving safety: Integrating human factors and technical training • Protection Relay Operations

Subsequently, in 2009, the company expanded particularly in the area of training and assessment in electrical engineering.

The combination of these two sets of skills led to the company’s distinctive perspective on training and competency; where technical knowledge and skills are integrated with human factors.

Our highly knowledgeable team of industrial psychologists and human performance specialists, electrical engineering consultants, business and HR managers, and HSE Advisors, work closely together with clients to deliver high quality products and services.

The company identified a gap in the training and preparation of those taking on the role of Responsible Electrical Person (REP) leading to the development of the Responsible Electrical Person training course.

• Electricity at Work Regulations

An REP not only requires technical knowledge and skills but also the ability to make decisions, assess situations, and lead teams, often in stressful circumstances. Therefore this 4.5 day training course combines human factors along with technical topics, such as control and management of distribution systems, protection systems, and generation theory. Simulator-based exercises are integrated throughout the course, with delegates putting their knowledge into practice and being debriefed on their individual and team performance.

Training & Certification

People Factor Consultants Ltd was founded in 2005 with the aim of applying psychological theory in the workplace to enhance safety and performance, especially in high hazard environments.

The Protection Relay Operations course focuses on operational aspects of relay operations as opposed to testing of the relay.

The purpose is to enhance the skills of operational electrical technicians.

In January 2013, the company moved to new spacious premises at Langstane House, Union Street, Aberdeen, which includes a number of training rooms and a purpose-built power distribution simulator suite.

The high fidelity power distribution simulator is the only one of its kind in Europe, and is a key attribute in the training and assessment of electrical technicians/engineers provided by People Factor Consultants Ltd. Delegates can put theory into practice on the simulator, and, exclusively, receive feedback on both their technical and non-technical skills performance.

Unique to electrical training in Aberdeen, the company strongly promotes improvements in safety and performance by integrating human factors training in most of our technical courses.

Six of our electrical training courses have been accredited by City & Guilds, namely:

Recently, a Human Factors Incident Review (HFIR) 1-day session was developed to look behind human error following incidents.

Typically, post-event investigations halt with the application of the label of human error, but, to identify where improvements in individual, team, and organisational performance can be made, human factors before and during the incident are identified using this method.

The company has carried out training and consultancy projects with a range of high hazard industries in settings such as oil & gas drilling and production, nuclear power production and decommissioning, power distribution, aviation, police, fire and rescue services, and the Scottish Government Resilience Development Service.

See our range of products and services at: www.peoplefactor.co.uk Or call into Langstane House, 221-229 Union Street, Aberdeen, AB11 6BQ. Tel: 01224 572210 E-mail: info@peoplefactor.co.uk

• Responsible Electrical Person

• Electrical Safety Monitor • HV/LV switching

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• Electrical Safety and Situation Awareness

37 47

Training & Certification

The Academy of Joint Integrity providing hands-on, practical training scenarios The Academy of Joint Integrity, part of the Flexitallic Group, has invested in new specialist training equipment to meet demand for joint integrity skills from international markets.

The Academy has taken delivery of three Flexitallic Sustainable Training Units (FSTU), which will be deployed to Singapore, United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.

Providing hand-on, practical training scenarios, the FSTU forms an integral part of the Academy’s joint integrity programmes for engineers involved in flange assembly, pipeline integrity and hazardous areas.

The units enable engineers undergoing training to tighten a bolted joint and see the impact of tightening procedures, onscreen, through innovative load monitoring software.

Through the application of bolt loads to flanges containing different gaskets, the unit allows engineers to view the interplay between the flange, fasteners and the gasket using various assembly and tightening procedures.

The unit is equipped with Ring Type Joint and ASME B16.5 raised face flanges.

The two flange arrangements are fully interchangeable and give engineers direct experience of tightening a comprehensive range of gaskets including solid metal ring joints, spiral wounds, Kammprofiles and soft gaskets.

This investment adds to the existing fleet of three FSTUs owned by the Academy, which are in operation in the UK and Europe.

The additional units will enable the Academy’s engineering and training professionals to deliver training to Middle East, South East Asia and Australasian markets.

The Academy will support the growth of the Flexitallic Group, which is an international sealing product and services specialist and is expanding its presence in these markets.

It recently established a gasket manufacturing facility in Saudi Arabia to complement its existing Middle East operation in the United Arab Emirates.

Flexitallic has also appointed a new Regional Sales Manager in Singapore; engineer Paul Welsford, who will deliver Academy training programmes to customers as part of his role.

Alex Lattimer, Training Director for the Academy of Joint Integrity, said: “The new FSTUs will help the Academy meet international demand for our specialist joint integrity training.

We have seen an increase in enquiries from the Middle East and South East Asia, which, like many parts of the world, hold UK training and accreditations in high esteem.

“Investing in the FSTUs allows the Academy to deliver incountry training in new markets and support companies’ skills development requirements.

“The skills and accreditations provided we provide form an essential part of competence assurance for personnel working on mechanical joints and the FSTUs offer a practical and effective way to deliver our specialist training.”

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International Marine Contractors Association

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Electronics

Created by Magnetrol®, the E3 MODULEVEL Displacer level transmitter is the newest release to the market in decades The modernized, digital E3 Modulevel®is an advanced, intrinsically safe two-wire instrument utilizing simple buoyancy principle to detect and convert liquid level changes into a stable output signal.

The new E3 Modulevel has modernized packaging, increased functionality, diagnostics, and the capability to configure rather than calibrate the transmitter.

The E3 Modulevel supports Foundation fieldbusTM, HART®, AMS, FDT/Pactware™ communication protocols.

Unlike the traditional torque tube design, the E3 Modulevel uses a precision range spring. The spring reduces the friction of moving parts (only one linear motion) and provides natural damping. The result is a more reliable and stable output even when the liquid surface is turbulent. Because an LVDT offers twice the travel of a typical RVDT (Rotatable Variable Differential Transformer), the accuracy/linearity of a spring-operated displacer transmitter is superior to traditional torque tube designs.

The adapted dual-compartment Eclipse® enclosure used on the E3 is modern, light-weight and ergonomic. This enclosure contains the wiring, analog and digital boards. The LVDT (Linear Variable Differential Transformer) is housed separately adjacent to the enclosure and the two are joined by our flame path adaptor. The complete, explosion proof housing assembly is offered in both cast aluminum and stainless steel.

The new E3 Modulevel displacer transmitter offers high reliability and expanded features which are sure to enhance it already immense popularity on offshore platforms, in petrochemical facilities and in power stations worldwide.

E3 can help result in less valve wear, and down time for maintenance. It is the most reliable displacer transmitter on the market, with a 3rd party evaluated SFF of 92.3%, on the market.

“Many instrumentation and control managers that had used torque tube technology have come to realize that E3 MODULEVEL is a more reliable level measurement and control solution.”

ECLIPSE® Model 706 Transmitter advances Guided Wave Radar Technology The ECLIPSE Model 706 guided wave radar (GWR) transmitter of Magnetrol International is a best-in-class level control solution that advances guided wave radar technology with improved performance for a wide range of level and interface control applications.

The ECLIPSE Model 706 is designed to provide outstanding accuracy, reliability and safety for virtually all process industries. Latest-generation features include: Enhanced Signal Performance, Overfill Capable Probes, Advanced Diagnostics.

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The ECLIPSE Model 706 transmitter provides safe, efficient and cost-effective liquid level and interface control, and is virtually unaffected by fluctuating process conditions including density, dielectric, viscosity and specific gravity.

50

The ECLIPSE Model 706 introduction represents the latest GWR innovation from Magnetrol, the company that introduced the original ECLIPSE Model 705 – the very first 2-wire, loop-powered GWR transmitter for industrial liquid level applications.

For more information about the ECLIPSE Model 706, visit: eclipse.magnetrol.com.

break through the

NOISE Better Signal-to-Noise Ratio Means Better Level Control Performance While transmit pulse amplitude (signal size) has helped to make

3X Higher

4.40 Model 706 SNR

1.57 Competitor SNR The ECLIPSE Model 706 transmitter has a signal-to-noise ratio nearly 3 times higher than competitors.

guided wave radar technology the standard for accurate, reliable level measurement, the fact is signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) represents a far more critical indicator of level control performance. For superior SNR in all process conditions, no other GWR device beats the Eclipse ® Model 706 transmitter from Magnetrol®.

To learn more about the breakthrough ECLIPSE Model 706 GWR transmitter visit eclipse.magnetrol.com or contact your MAGNETROL representative today.

magnetrol.com • 01444 871313 • sales@magnetrol.co.uk

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