September 2016 Issue
Fasteners, Seals & Bolting Solutions | Subsea Equipment Lifting Equipment, Deck Machinery & Winches Hazardous Area | Welding & Fabrication
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Oil and gas industry must do business differently to meet sustainability targets, says DNV GL Pressure is mounting on the global oil and gas industry to reduce environmental footprint at the same time as the industry is under significant cost pressure. Since business as usual is not an option, DNV GL has launched two papers to advise the industry on how and where to make impactful changes within financial constraints. The paper, ‘A cost-efficient approach to reducing environmental impact’ provides a framework for the industry on how to improve environmental sustainability by identifying the most cost-efficient mitigating measures. To demonstrate how the abatement framework can work in practice, DNV GL has also carried out a case study for an offshore asset. The second paper, ‘CO2 abatement potential for offshore upstream installations’ demonstrates the results of a comprehensive case study on how CO2 emissions can be reduced through the implementation of a number of cost-effective measures for offshore production on the Norwegian Continental Shelf (NCS). Elisabeth Tørstad, CEO, DNV GL – Oil & Gas, says:
Cost management is a top priority for the industry right now but it’s still possible to reduce our environmental footprint without breaking budgets. Cost-effective measures can be implemented across the lifecycle of assets and throughout the supply chain. Our papers will advise and support decisions in this critical area. Greater transparency by the industry on environmental risk management processes and sustainability reporting will give the sector much needed credibility and speed up sustainability improvements as a business advantage. The framework proposed in ‘A cost-efficient approach to reducing environmental impact’, is based on internationally recognized guidelines (IPIECA, API and IOGP) for sustainability reporting. It can also be used alongside other sustainability reporting initiatives or company specific sustainability KPIs. Aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goals for the environment, it covers a wide range of indicators, including emissions to air and discharges to sea (i.e. hydrocarbon spills, produced water, etc) for specific offshore assets. It is based on a three-step integrated approach: reporting and accounting of emissions and discharges;
p4 | www.sosmagazine.biz | September 2016
impact and risk assessment; and prioritizing cost-efficient environmental improvements. “Our approach allows better informed decisions to be made on how and where to improve the environmental performance of a single or multiple mix of assets,” explains Tørstad. “This will support operators in reporting and communicating with stakeholders, as well as in their efforts for continuous improvements and benchmarking. It will also increase control and opportunities for improving global environmental risk management.” The pathway study resulting in the paper ‘CO2 abatement potential for offshore upstream installations’ describes how adopting cost-effective practices could provide a 29% reduction in the current CO2 emissions from offshore production on the NCS whilst also securing significant cost savings. The results took into account efforts already made to lower emissions such as reduced gas flaring activity. “Despite the NCS being known as best in class when it comes to combating CO2 emissions and footprint, the work we have done with the CO2 abatement reveals that there is still cost effective potential left. The promising and inspiring results are making a profitable case for already available technologies for energy efficiency and storage, and the earlier the measures are implemented for a field production, the greater the cost savings. As around 75% of global oil production in 2040 is projected to come from new fields, it should be possible to reduce CO2 emissions dramatically on a global scale over the next quarter of a century,” adds Tørstad. In order to ascertain the status of sustainability efforts across oil and gas producing regions and current field developments, DNV GL has also developed a map based on publicly available databases and literature. The map identifies regions and field developments with the most and least potential for improvement on governance and production efficiency. The results are presented in a traffic light system detailing economic, environmental and social performance criteria of resources and production in regions. The results of the benchmark are dynamic and can be used to identify areas for sustainability improvements as well as enable a wider basis for investments decisions.
www.dnvgl.com
September 2016
Contents
edi to r s l et t er Welcome to the September issue of Subsea & Offshore Service Magazine, the monthly trade journal delivering extensive coverage of the offshore Industries worldwide.
W ithin this i s s u e INDUSTRY VIEW POINT
4
ne w s i n b r i e f
6
i nd u stry ne w s
8
i nd ustry f oc u s
22
sub se a e qu i p m e nt
24
li f t i ng e qu i p m e nt, d e c k m ac hi ne ry & w i nc he s
Fast e ne rs, se als & b o lti ng solut i o ns
28 34
w e ld i ng & fab ri c ati o n
37
hazard ou s are a
40
T e c h S POTLIGHT
44
Johnathan Reynolds, of OrbisEnergy, discusses how SCORE programme can help support oil & gas companies diversify into renewables (p6). Jacques Miéville, Project Manager, Fischer Connectors SA explains to us how connectors perform in harsh corrosive environments, and why reliability matters (p22). Next month’s features include Subsea Equipment, Decommissioning, Cables, Glands & Connectors and Welding & Fabrication. Once again we’re very proud to be associated with Offshore Energy Exhibition & Conference and we’ll be previewing about the show which will be held in Amsterdam on 24th & 25th October. If you would like to feature your latest news or new technologies in the next issue, please get in contact with me to discuss your editorial requirements - editor@sosmagazine.biz. For all advertising enquiries, please email Jon McIntosh for further details. jon@sosmagazine.biz Thanks for reading!
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September 2016 | www.sosmagazine.biz | p5
£6million fund can support oil & gas companies diversify into renewables Oil & gas companies developing innovations and new business models to cut costs in offshore renewables could tap into a £6million grant fund to help. After more than 50 years’ experience of developing new ideas and technologies in exploration and maximising production of oil and gas, businesses are being encouraged to adapt their ideas for offshore wind, wave and tidal power with the help of the SCORE programme. On top of grant funding, successful applicants will have access to some of the UK’s leading figures driving innovation and developing renewables technology, and access to worldclass test and demonstration facilities and laboratories through the Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult (ORE Catapult). Johnathan Reynolds, of OrbisEnergy, the innovation and incubation centre delivering the SCORE programme of grants of up to £50,000, said opportunities were at every level of the supply chain across the East. “We know we have some amazingly talented people and businesses with rich expertise across our oil & gas supply chain in the east. We’re now looking to support those firms with good ideas, technologies and solutions, which can be diversified into offshore renewables. he SCORE programme, with our specialist delivery partners, can explore this with them. “They have been successfully supporting an industry for more than 50 years, more recently through a serious industry-wide downturn with a major drive to bring down costs through greater innovation and efficiency. Offshore oil & gas is now a very mature industry that has had to cut its cloth accordingly. “On our coastline, is not only the UK’s gas basin but the largest concentration of offshore wind farms, operating and under development, anywhere in the world. While the offshore wind industry is driving its own cost reduction programme, the drivers are different. “It’s about being competitive in a global market p6 | www.sosmagazine.biz | September 2016
against other energy generation technologies; it’s about standing on its own two feet without the need for government subsidy; and it’s about the need to support UK-based supply chains that are dynamic and innovative, creating and supporting skilled jobs and growing economies. Innovation was not just about technology, he said. “SCORE grants are available for commercial innovation too. We are looking for new ways of doing business and new ways of thinking in the industry.” “Whether it is around cable and pipeline protection, manufacturing and fabrication of offshore assets, wave and tidal energy systems as auxiliary power supplies, intelligent sensors and inspection methods or more efficient methods of crew transfer and movement, we want to hear about the innovations being researched and developed. “Supply chain areas, such as operations and maintenance and asset integrity management, are where we see some of the bigger prizes for the East in the longer term. We are looking for innovations especially in this area.” Small-to-medium sized companies will be able to secure grants of up to £50,000 to support their innovations for offshore wind, wave, tidal and other marine renewable sectors. Businesses must have a base in Cambridgeshire, Essex, Norfolk, and Suffolk. Having the Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult as a SCORE delivery partner means companies could road test their ideas and technologies gaining advice from experts in different fields, he said.
Above: Johnathan Reynolds, of OrbisEnergy, says SCORE will unleash great new ideas.
research, and investor networks, to develop, de-risk and support the journey of bringing new technologies to market.” Applications are already being received with a growing level of interest from firms keen to capitalise on new opportunities for growth and sustainability. This SCORE programme is more than double the size of our previous round, which supported more than 50 companies, invested in 40 projects and created 70 new jobs. This time, it aims to help more than 200 businesses and create 200 additional jobs for the region. The programme is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and is open to companies with fewer than 250 employees and an annual turnover of less than 50 million euros. Grants are available for up to 40% of eligible costs or £50,000, whichever is the lower, with a minimum grant of £2,500. Start-up and established companies in the four counties can apply. The funding is designed to help companies in a wide range of areas, including research and development, collaboration with universities and research bodies, securing patents, acquiring specialist equipment or services and investigating the commercial viability of processes and technologies. More information is available on 01502 563368 or by email to: score@orbisenergy.co.uk
“This SCORE programme is about more than just the grant funding. Companies can access advice and support and also specialist technical help with their developing applications.
Case studies showcasing companies who benefited from the previous £2.5million SCORE programme can be seen at:
“ORE Catapult is the UK’s flagship technology innovation and research centre for advancing wind, wave and tidal energy. It gives companies access to world-leading expertise and advice, facilitating access across industrial,
The current programme is delivered by OrbisEnergy in partnership with enterprise specialists Nwes, energy industry experts Nautilus Associates and the Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult.
www.scoregrants.co.uk
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New appointments strengthen Franks Portlock team at Sellafield Simon Burrow and David Grey have recently joined the leading asbestos services company as asbestos analyst operatives within its site based team at Sellafield Ltd. They will support a number of new on-site asbestos consultancy, inspection, testing and management projects, further enhancing Franks Portlocks’ sizeable Sellafield based team.
Imenco UK Ltd and Tokyo Sangyo Co Ltd Sign Agency Agreement. In early July 2016 at a meeting in Aberdeen, Imenco UK Ltd signed an agency agreement with Tokyo Sangyo Co Ltd for the promotion and sales of all Imenco products into the Japanese geographic region. The agreement covers all aspects of the Oil and Gas and Renewable Energy sectors. Tokyo Sangyo Co Ltd identified Imenco as one of the critical North Sea OEM organisations that could support their efforts on behalf of the Japanese Government’s aspiration of moving away from reliance on Nuclear Energy to other forms of sustainable power. Commenting on the agency agreement Mr Ichiro Ito, Executive Director, Managing Officer of Tokyo Sangyo said “The territory of Japan is narrow. However, we are surrounded by the sea which is rich in abundant natural resources including Methane Hydrate and marine species and it has been recognized in the international law of Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) as the sixth largest maritime power in the world. We hope that the advanced technology and long-term experience of Imenco in the field of Subsea will contribute to the development of marine energy and valuable resources in Japan”. Andrew Boddice, Imenco’s UK Area Sales Manager said “Imenco has spent the last 36 years supporting subsea installation, maintenance and repair activities worldwide. It gives us great pleasure to offer our support to Tokyo Sangyo as they develop processes and procedures for installing offshore equipment in Japanese territorial waters. Imenco’s high quality equipment is ideally suited to delivering cost effective results to the end customer”. p8 | www.sosmagazine.biz | September 2016
In August 2014, Franks Portlock which is headquartered in Washington, Tyne and Wear, was commissioned to provide asbestos analytical services to Sellafield Ltd in a four year contract worth £2 million. The company provides site-wide support to Sellafield, its partners and suppliers for maintenance, site remediation and decommissioning. David Grey joined Franks Portlock to support and undertake Air Monitoring and 4 Stage Clearance works throughout the Sellafield site. David has worked in the asbestos industry since 2004 and prior to joining Franks Portlock worked both in the UK and Hong Kong as a laboratory technician undertaking soil testing, material and chemical analysis. More recently he worked as an asbestos surveyor for UKAS accredited testing laboratories and inspection bodies. Launched in 2007, Franks Portlock offers a comprehensive asbestos management service – from consultancy, analysis and training to asbestos surveying, lab analysis, air testing, removal, clearance certification and ongoing monitoring, to ensure that clients are protected from the risks of damaged asbestos. The two new appointments come at a time when the company has gone through a significant brand review to support its growth in existing and new markets as a leading full service asbestos management company. Today the company competes in core sectors that include nuclear, marine, industrial, healthcare, housing, residential, retail and local authorities, both on a regional and national level. Below: David Gray and Simon Burrow.
SPIE and Sparrows Group form strategic alliance Sparrows Group and SPIE Oil & Gas Services have strengthened their existing service portfolios by signing a global agreement to work in collaboration to support the energy sector. The deal will see the companies work together to initially deliver their collective service offering throughout Africa before they expand the scope of their collaboration globally. SPIE Oil & Gas Services is one of the world’s leading technical services providers for the oil and gas industry; and is the general maintenance contractor for a number of offshore assets around the world. Sparrows Group is the world’s market leading specialist in the area of cranes, lifting and mechanical handling, fluid power, and cable and pipe lay. The partnership will enable Sparrows Group to aid SPIE in delivering a comprehensive world-class service. Stewart Mitchell, Chief Executive Officer at Sparrows Group, said: “The synergy between our companies, which are both committed to excellence, will allow us to deliver an unrivalled technical competence in Africa. SPIE have an extensive footprint across Africa which will allow us to reach new customers who require the highest possible standards in crane operation and maintenance, lifting, mechanical handling, inspection, training, fluid power, and cable and pipe lay services. Yves Compañy, Managing Director at SPIE Oil & Gas Services, said: “Our companies share the same performance, safety and responsibility values. Their expertise and delivery capabilities complement each other enabling us to propose unique packaged solutions to the oil and gas industry. This strategic alliance will strongly benefit our customers willing to rely on a seamless local support with top international standards, to increase safety and integrity, extend lifetime and make the most out of their assets. Our matching geographical footprints mean we look forward to extending our services to a more global scale shortly.”
Subsea UK brings north-west businesses together
Subsea supply chain businesses in North-West England will be able to identify opportunities and debate the challenges facing the sector thanks to a new industry networking event organised by Subsea UK, the body which represents the British subsea industry. The regional gathering, at Preston’s Marriot Hotel on 7th September, is targeted at firms operating in what is a growing hub for the UK subsea sector. With a focus on underwater activity in relation to oil and gas, defence, oceanology and marine renewables, the event is sponsored by Bender UK, WITTENSTEIN, James Fisher Marine Services, PMI Analytical and Maytree Engineering Services.
offshore & marine Building on the huge success of the inaugural Offshore & Marine event in 2015, the Abu Dhabi International Exhibition and Conference (ADIPEC) once again presents four days of vital updates relating to shipping, maritime security and safety, economic analysis of the offshore sector, pipeline infrastructure and transportation, shallow and deep water exploration and production, oil field developments and technological advances. In the region, offshore projects are still on track as countries work towards meeting capacity targets. This includes a US$25 billion investment in offshore oil projects planned by ADNOC through to 2020, part of the UAE’s strategy to boost its total oil output capacity to 3.5 million barrels per day (bpd) by 2017-18. Situated on ADNEC’s exclusive waterfront setting, ADIPEC’s Offshore, Marine and Heavy Equipment Zone is only 150 metres away from the main exhibition floor. It features vessels actually on the water that can be toured, 4,500 square metres of dedicated exhibition space, and more than 100 exhibitors from around the world. The conference is set to attract more than 250 delegates, with 50 expert speakers representing all major concerns in the offshore and marine sector. For more information visit:
www.adipec.com/offshore-marine
The event is also supported by the Furness Economic Development Forum’s supply chain growth programme which helps small and medium sized companies bid for, win and retain new supply chain business. Subsea UK boasts over 300 members and is a self-sustaining body that champions the country’s subsea supply chain. It acts as a focal point to promote the sector, maximise its opportunities and provide a national forum for collaboration, diversification and technology development. Neil Gordon, Chief Executive of Subsea UK, said: “As an organisation covering the whole of the UK, we want to help all companies in the subsea sector exploit the potential to increase business at home and abroad, particularly in the current lower oil price environment. “The North-West has seen continuing growth in the subsea sector across a variety of industries, particularly offshore wind. Subsea UK aims to provide a platform through which companies can come together to share best practice and debate the challenges that they face in their respective industries.” “This event is an important step in helping organisations in the North-West to come together and work towards a common goal. Anyone with an interest in the subsea industry is welcome to attend.” Tickets are £42 for Subsea UK members and £48 for non-members. Those wishing to attend can find further information at:
www.subseauk.com
Claxton successfully completes well abandonment of Horne and Wren Platform for Tullow Oil Claxton, an Acteon company, has completed its involvement in the abandonment of two wells on the Horne and Wren Platform in the Southern North Sea. Completed within 18 days in July 2016, Claxton was responsible for the 5.1/2” tubing cut verification, tubing recovery, sub-mudline abrasive conductor severance, conductor cut verification and the subsequent multi-string recovery from both wells. Rob Horton, Project Engineer, Claxton, said: “The multi-string severance was performed from a jack-up lift barge (JULB) for this project, allowing significant cost savings for the client against the use of a rig. “The Horne and Wren platform has a small 8m x 8m weather deck footprint, creating a space challenge which we managed to overcome. As well as using our latest evolution of the ‘SABRE’ abrasive cutting system, this project also required a full, bespoke, light weight work package. This included a hydraulic proving system and a utility crane to ensure selfsufficiency in handling our equipment. “Proving of tubing and conductor cuts were completed with the same system, enabling us to reduce equipment, time and money for the client. Equipment was located on the JULB with services run to the platform for the tubing recovery and multi-string severance and subsequent casing retrieval. “We also developed a bespoke tubing laydown frame that allowed the quick and safe laydown of the severed tubing in a controlled manner.” Claxton can overcome issues in engineering bespoke designs to accommodate all platforms and environments. Rigless platform well abandonment is just one of the many services Claxton can offer to reduce the costs of decommissioning projects. Learn more about Claxton’s decommissioning services: http://claxtonengineering.com/productsservices/decommissioning/
Industry news
OSEA2016 to spotlight strategies for optimisation and sustainability amid changing market conditions Event to feature largest line-up of international group pavilions, and a revamped conference programme of 18 workshops Asia’s premier oil & gas industry event will hold its 21st edition from 29 November to 2 December this year at Marina Bay Sands. Playing host to more than 1,300 exhibitors from 49 countries and regions, OSEA2016 will focus on presenting a showcase of solutions and technology related to asset optimisation, improving operational efficiency, and sustainable growth. Addressing the current industry outlook, The OSEA2016 International Conference will also feature a brand new learning and training format consisting 18 masterclasses, where delegates will gain practical skills and knowledge from hands-on experts in order to navigate the current climate, to emerge stronger and more successful.
Amid a changing oil and gas landscape, it is imperative that companies in the value chain adopt cost-effective strategies to streamline operations and improve work efficiency in order to weather the current sustained industry downturn. This year, these strategies will take centre stage at OSEA2016, providing companies in Asia with expert insights, technology, solutions and alternatives to strengthen their current positions for future growth. Chua Buck Cheng, Project Director (Engineering Events), at organiser Singapore Exhibition Services. OSEA2016 – Exhibition Highlights OSEA2016 will present its strongest ever line-up of 22 group pavilions from Australia, China, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Russia, Singapore, Taiwan, United Kingdom and the USA, with new groups from India, South Africa, Korea and Thailand. p10 | www.sosmagazine.biz | September 2016
Marjan Lacet, Trade Promotion Manager of the Netherlands Maritime Technology, a veteran exhibitor at OSEA and coordinator of the Netherlands’ pavilion comments,
This year the Netherlands pavilion will house 16 companies featuring a showcase of the newest technologies and innovations, including custom made lifts for marine environments, and leading solutions for safety, drive and control, environmental protection and cabling among many others. Asia is a big market for us, and in particular, Singapore is a very important industry player and maritime hub. OSEA is therefore, a great platform to present the best in Dutch expertise for the oil and gas value chain as well as forge meaningful partnerships within Asia. www.osea-asia.com www.ogmtech.com
Industry news
North East Firm Remains Buoyant During Industry Downturn Aberdeenshire engineering firm Hiretech Limited credits long standing values and a collaborative approach towards work scopes to ensure sustainability during one of the most prolific periods in the history of oil and gas. Hiretech, a leading independent equipment rental, sales, service and maintenance company offering pumping spreads, powered umbilical reels, hydraulic power packs and supporting equipment, credits extensive past experience of its management team coupled with longstanding values for its ability to survive during testing times. Andy Buchan, Managing Director of Hiretech, has over 30 years’ experience in the oil and gas industry and despite witnessing previous market downturns, admits none have been as prolonged or extreme as the present. He commented: “The current climate has presented both challenges and opportunities for Hiretech during a period which has seen dramatic changes to the supply chain, with many personnel removed from long standing roles and some companies disappearing in entirety. Such vast changes have forced us to reflect on our company values and ways of working to ensure our survival in a climate where others have not been so successful.” “We have operated with an ethos of integrity from the outset, which has served us well to date, allowing us to
Above: Andy Buchan, Managing Director, Hiretech Limited. Below: Hiretech Equipment Rental & Sales. establish relationships built on trust with our clients and resulting in repeat business. However, we recognise that as a result of a significantly reduced supply chain, coupled with increasingly changing work environments and skillsets, supply trends are changing with more pressure being applied to those companies who have to date been buoyant enough to survive. This has brought with it realisation that the time has come for enhanced collaborative working between operators, suppliers and clients alike, to ensure supply continues without compromise to quality or safety”. In response to this, Hiretech is positioning itself as a solutions provider of choice by encouraging its clients to engage with the firm from the outset of their projects. This allows the Hiretech team to apply extensive expertise at an early
stage through the provision of advice and guidance over and above the supply of equipment for a variety of project work scopes. The management team has also identified and implemented a range of additional service offerings to further assist their clients, including maintenance and testing of client equipment and enhanced personnel training. These efforts ensure the delivery of effective, efficient and reliable project solutions during a period when equipment dependency and cost savings are more prevalent than ever before. With continued high levels of enquiries and a positive outlook, Hiretech credits these measures for its survival to date, providing hope of not only surviving the current plight, but allowing the company to remain as a strong contender in the marketplace for the future.
To find out more about Hiretech Limited, call: +44 (0)1224 798 888 or email: info@hiretech.eu
www.hiretech.eu
September 2016 | www.sosmagazine.biz | p11
Industry news
Plant Integrity Management wins North Sea integrity management contract Plant Integrity Management Ltd (PIM) recently announced that they have won a new five-year contract with Nexen, a whollyowned subsidiary of CNOOC Limited. The contract will see PIM provide inspection management services on Nexen’s North Sea assets, including delivering integrity management services covering pressure systems, structures and pipelines. The offshore enactment services will be subcontracted to TRAC Oil & Gas Ltd. Commenting on the contract award, Steven Plant, Managing Director of PIM said,
We’re delighted to have been awarded this contract by one of the major operators in the oil and gas industry. We are extremely proud of the growth that we have achieved since PIM was set up in 2011. Over the past five years we have worked hard to build
the business and to develop a reputation for consistently delivering high quality, technical services to our clients. During this time, we have established a close working relationship with TRAC. They will be providing the inspection enactment and specialist non-destructive testing elements of this integrity management work. Steven continued, “This is in line with our ambitious growth plans; we recently opened our first international office in Malaysia and we are also undertaking increasing amounts of work in the Middle East. PIM remains committed to being the best in the industry, through continuous improvement and setting the standard for integrity management. We take pride in delivering a service to our clients which in turn enables them to attain best practice within the industry.” PIM was recently accredited by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) for their in-service inspection activities in
Above: Steven Plant, Managing Director of PIM. accordance with ISO/IEC 17020:2012 for the Inspections of Hazardous and Non Hazardous Pressure Equipment associated with onshore and offshore installations. The company is now UKAS accredited inspection body No. 8670. PIM employs more than 45 integrity management specialists and is headquartered in Blackburn, Aberdeenshire and works, predominantly, in the North Sea and Middle East. The Malaysian arm of PIM, the company’s first international office, was incorporated as PIM Integrity Management Sdn Bhd in December 2015.
www.pim-ltd.com
CMP Launches New Website and Cable Gland Selector CMP Products, a worldwide leading cable gland and cable cleat manufacturer, is inviting online visitors to explore its new cable gland website and online product selector. The revamped site, www.cmp-products.com, has been designed to provide a more engaging user friendly experience, with all the technical knowledge and industry expertise that the business is renowned for. Created with the user experience firmly in mind, the website has been developed with improved navigation and functionality throughout, allowing customers to access a wealth of product and technical information with ease.
p12 | www.sosmagazine.biz | September 2016
As well as ensuring that CMP’s vast portfolio of products is easier than ever to browse, the inclusion of the intuitive cable gland selector, an enhanced feature in the industry, will aid users in specifying the most appropriate product for their installation. David Saxon, Marketing Manager at CMP Products, said:
Ultimately, our customers are at the heart of what we do at CMP Products and a website which is more focused on the needs of our customers better reflects those values. The new website and product selector allows customers to benefit from richer online content, which can assist the specification process.
The new gland site complements the company’s recently launched cable cleat website; both having recently been developed and designed by North East Based digital design agency, Inspired. The new cable gland website,
www.cmp-products.com Launched 17th August 2016.
+44 (0) 1522 791 721
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We also specialise in On-site machining to many industries.
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Industry news
FIRST VESSELS USE EXTENDED QUAY AT LERWICK’S DALES VOE BASE Significant milestone as final completion nears Completion of the first phases of an £11.95 million quay extension at Lerwick Harbour’s deep-water Dales Voe Base has facilitated mobilisation of a large offshore construction vessel ahead of a contract offshore Canada. Subsea 7’s 18,666 gross tonne, 146 metre long Seven Waves berthed earlier this week, the day after handover of the second phase of the quay to Lerwick Port Authority. Last week, the completed phase one was used for the first time, with the coaster Eendracht delivering kit for transfer to the construction vessel. Subsea 7 is a leading global contractor in seabed-to-surface engineering, construction and services to the offshore energy industry. Captain Calum Grains, Lerwick Port Authority’s Harbourmaster and Deputy Chief Executive, said: “Seven Waves is an early harbinger of the type of work which the expanded Dales Voe
Base, with its enormous capacity, quay strength, water depth and laydown space, is ideally suited for in supporting a wide range of offshore industry projects. “Remaining infrastructure works are soon to be completed and the principal contractor, BAM Nuttall has delivered an excellent quality asset to the port.” With the quay being extended by 75 metres to 130 metres, BAM Nuttall is expected to hand over the final phase three section around end-July. Complementary works at the base, including reclamation, laydown yard and demolition of a redundant building, will continue until the autumn with local contractor, FL Johnston. The Shetland port is a long established and leading centre of support for the offshore industry in the northern North
Above: Captain Calum Grains, Harbourmaster & Deputy Chief Executive, Lerwick Port Authority, (right) presents Captain Marcin Trejtowicz (centre), accompanied by Offshore Manager John Seldon (left) of the Seven Waves with a commemorative plaque to mark the vessel’s visit to the extended Dales Voe Base.
Sea and in the Atlantic to the west, including subsea development projects and decommissioning.
www.lerwick-harbour.co.uk
Roxtec launches new offshore inspection, maintenance and training company for the North Sea Safety seal manufacturer Roxtec has launched a new company called Roxtec Services targeting North Sea marine and offshore markets.
needs of this sector.
Roxtec Services was developed following sustained demand for safety inspection on naval ships, drilling rigs, FPSOs (Floating Production Storage and Offloading anchored vessels) and oil and gas offshore assets.
Mr O’Hare said: “Our mission is to provide clients complete assurance and peace of mind that their assets are operating efficiently and fully compliant with safety regulations. Our inspections will be able to assess if transits meet safety standards set by ABS, Lloyds, DNV GL and IMO.
Roxtec UK Managing Director Graham O’Hare said the company will offer three main services to clients: inspection services, maintenance and training, which will all meet the highest worldwide standards.
Roxtec’s products are the market leader in the oil and gas industry, so we’re very familiar with the p14 | www.sosmagazine.biz | September 2016
“Roxtec Services will deliver inspections, maintenance work and installation training within the crucial.”
“If the inspection report recommends corrective actions, the Roxtec Services maintenance team is ready to assist the operator with urgent actions onsite as well as with long-term services. “A key part of the service is also educational. Our inspectors will look to share their knowledge by training installation teams and supervisors.”
For more details contact Roxtec UK at: Waterfold Business Park, Bury Tel: 0161 761 5280 Email: info@uk.roxtec.com or go online at: www.roxtec.com
Industry news
AISUS Offshore Boosts Team to Drive Growth AISUS Offshore has strengthened its team in Aberdeen as it continues to grow its UKCS position and gears up for significant overseas expansion. The company, which provides remotely deployed visual and ultrasonic inspection solutions to the global oil and gas industry is looking to double its turnover over the next three years through expansion both at home and abroad. Andrew Mitchell has been appointed as business development manager to support the company’s plans for future growth, as it looks to enhance its products and services to meet industry demand. With an in-depth knowledge of global markets and over 20 years’ experience in the oil and gas industry, Mr Mitchell will focus on expanding AISUS Offshore’s range of inspection solutions, whilst developing and maintaining strong relationships with its existing and future clients. Originally from Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire, Mr Mitchell’s career has seen him travel around the world, working in the US, the Middle East, across Europe and also West Africa.
Prior to joining AISUS, Mr Mitchell was Business Development Manager for etpm Ltd and also held the position of Operations Manager for Forum Energy’s UKPS division. His appointment follows a period of high activity for the company as it continues to build its UK client base and recently completed projects in the Norwegian sector. Stuart Lawson, Managing Director of AISUS Offshore said:
Andrew’s appointment underlines our confidence in the company’s future growth, both in the UK and overseas where we see real potential for our wide range of bespoke inspection services. As we continue to grow our business in the UK, we have made significant in-roads into overseas markets and our continued investment in our people and our technology puts us in an ideal position to capitalise on opportunities across Europe and further afield. Andrew is well respected in the industry and brings with him a
strong network of contacts and a good understanding of our client base, both here in the North Sea and internationally. Launched in 2013, AISUS specialises in the inspection of caissons and risers, and deploys remote inspection solutions across all stages of the asset lifecycle, from commissioning, through operations, to decommissioning. The company has developed market leading technology, utilising a diverse range of visual and ultrasonic scanning systems, and has grown to become an independent and trusted supplier to the global oil and gas industry. Mr Mitchell commented:
AISUS is extremely well placed to meet the challenges ahead, as it looks to become one of the industry’s leading inspection specialists. It is a great time to become part of this highly skilled team and I look forward to applying my experience to help fuel continued growth.
September 2016 | www.sosmagazine.biz | p15
Industry news
Oil Industry Resilience Depends on Innovation, says Senior Kuwait Oil Company Executive National Oil Companies to Discuss Strategic Response to Market Challenges at Middle East’s Largest Petroleum Industry Conference.
Below: KOC stand at ADIPEC.
Changing Energy Landscape Sets the Agenda for ADIPEC 2016. A senior manager at the Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) says the GCC petroleum industry must focus on innovation and efficiency to maintain the value of the region’s natural resources. The recent market has been challenging for the industry, with global oversupply and a constrained economic outlook in several key markets impacting on prices. Ms Badria Ali Abdul Raheem, Deputy CEO (North Kuwait) at KOC, says she expects the GCC’s strategic response to future shifts in the market will be an important point of discussion when industry leaders meet for the Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (ADIPEC) in November. “The petroleum industry in the GCC states carries a significant responsibility for national development, and we need to be as efficient as possible, as innovative as possible, and maximise the utility we derive from our natural resources,” said Ms Abdul Raheem, who is responsible for the conventional and heavy oil fields of the North Kuwait asset. “ADIPEC is an important forum for us to achieve this, both as a discussion of industry issues and best practice, and through displays of new methods and technology.” ADIPEC is the global meeting place for oil and gas professionals, the largest event for the industry in the Middle East, and one of the most influential oil and gas exhibitions and conferences in the world, with a track record of attracting key decision makers from the petroleum industry. The event is expected to attract more than 2,300 exhibiting companies, 8,500 delegates, 700 speakers, and 100,000 trade professionals from 135 countries. Increasingly, ADIPEC considers petroleum’s role as part of a broader energy mix,
p16 | www.sosmagazine.biz | September 2016
with the theme ‘Strategies for the New Energy Landscape’ setting the agenda for a distinguished conference programme in 2016. Resilience has emerged as a critical issue for decision makers, and investors, in the petroleum industry. According to the OPEC World Energy Trends Report 2015, the oil industry has faced a challenging year, with a cooling economic outlook in nonOECD markets, particularly China, where rapid increases in demand appear to be maturing. However, forecasts show continued growth in the global economy, and oil is predicted to remain the most significant energy source. GCC suppliers can expect to benefit from this growth as the balance between supply and demand in the oil market stabilises, while the development of high-cost petroleum resources, such as shale oil, is likely to be more subdued as investors question their long-term viability. “The current market is challenging, but the forces driving the oil and energy markets are positive for Kuwait and other Gulf producers,” said Ms Abdul Raheem. “The emergence of tight oil, particularly shale oil, created an expectation that demand would be met at all times, but these very high-cost resources are only profitable with very high prices. “There is now a clear recognition that suppliers with a large resource base of easily
Above: Ms Badria Ali Abdul Raheem, Deputy CEO (North Kuwait) at KOC.
accessible crude oil are the most reliable. Kuwait is one of those suppliers, with a long tradition as a reliable supplier in global markets, and with the plans in place to hold that role for a long-term timeframe,” Ms Abdul Raheem concluded.
Industry news
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Industry news
Danish suppliers are approaching the Norwegian oil and gas industry with new solutions The harsh economic condition of the oil and gas industry is forcing Norwegian oil companies to look at solutions that will make production more cost effective. To meet that demand, Danish suppliers from the largest oil and gas network in Denmark increase focus on new products and services that maintain and upgrade existing systems. Right now, drilling companies only listen to suppliers that can contribute to a profitable business. Therefore, Danish suppliers are working on ways to make their solutions fulfill that need. Although competition is fierce, they still focus on the Norwegian market in order to stay in business. Merethe Wrang, Head of Danish Oil & Gas Technology Group, Denmark’s largest network of suppliers to the oil and gas industry.
Focus on cost effective solutions Estimates from Statistics Norway show that 2016 investments in the Norwegian oil and gas industry will be 14.8 percent lower than 2015. Furthermore, investments are expected to continue falling in 2017. To Ocean Team Scandinavia, Danish supplier of services for fluid-carrying systems, this drop in investments means focus on maintenance and upgrade of existing equipment to make the overall oil production more cost effective.
The market is interested in new technology, and Norwegian oil companies are willing to invest if the solution is more profitable than what they already have. We have to be ahead of our game and develop services that cut costs – both short and long term. Espen Kähler Amundsen, Head of Engineering says. Customers saves millions Therefore, Ocean Team Scandinavia has developed a method for cleaning subsea p16 | www.sosmagazine.biz | September 2016
hydraulic systems with SCCO2 (supercritical carbon dioxide). The method is new to the industry and although Ocean Team Scandinavia does not have long term results yet, tests show that customers will save money in the long run.
By using SCCO2 we prolong lifespan of the pipes and the oil will only have to be changed every 4-5 years as opposed to every year. Normally you would also have to lift and change the entire subsea construction to achieve the same results. This costs millions, making it something that oil companies are keen on avoiding. Espen Kähler Amundsen says. He explains how costs on oil changes are minimized using SCCO2 in comparison to a traditional oil change.
At the moment, we are working on a project in Norway, where our customer spent 1.5 million Norwegian kroner per pipeline just buying the hydraulic oil. This does not include wages and downtime. An oil rig can easily have more than 100 hydraulic pipelines, which only upscale expenses. Furthermore, the customer only changed the hydraulic oil and when the pipes are not cleaned, old contamination will continue to grow meaning that dirt will accumulate in the oil fast. Ocean Team Scandinavia will be exhibiting at ONS in Stavanger August 29 to September 1, 2016. Meet them at the Danish Oil & Gas Technology Pavilion, hall 5 stand number 5830-3.
Facts: Ocean Team Scandinavia • Founded in Esbjerg, Denmark in 1995. • One of the world’s leading suppliers of total purity systems servicing the on and offshore energy industry, including oil and gas, subsea, marine, wind turbines, power plant, CHP and refineries sectors. • Ocean Team operates internationally to provide specialized cleaning of technical fluid and the fluid carrying systems.
www.oceanteam.eu Facts: Danish Oil & Gas Technology Group • Danish Oil & Gas Technology Group is Denmark’s largest networks of suppliers to the international oil and gas industry. • The member companies supply components, systems, services, research and consultancy. • Danish Oil & Gas Technology Group has 126 member companies and is a part of Danish Export Association with 13 industry networks
www.dk-oilgastech.com Contact Espen Kähler Amundsen, Head of Engineering, Ocean Team Scandinavia, +45 7918 1886, eka@oceanteam.eu Merethe Wrang, Head of Danish Oil & Gas Technology Group, +45 31 50 87 88, Merethe.wrang@dk-export.dk
Industry news
Helix Well Ops (U.K.) Completes First Riser-Based Coiled Tubing Intervention Aberdeen based Helix Well Ops (U.K.) Limited, a UK subsidiary of international offshore energy service company Helix Energy Solutions Group, Inc., has completed the industry’s first riser-based coiled tubing intervention project from a mobile offshore drilling unit (MODU) class light well intervention vessel (LWIV). The pioneering project was conducted from the company’s MODU class monohull vessel Well Enhancer. Launched in 2009, the 132-metre long vessel was designed specifically to perform complex operations such as wireline and coiled tubing interventions and has undertaken over 130 well interventions in the North Sea, the Atlantic Ocean in Irish waters and offshore West Africa. Delivering coiled tubing well intervention from this type of vessel has been anticipated by the oil and gas industry for some time. In the quest to enhance oil recovery and reduce the costs associated with subsea well abandonment, it may be seen as a potential industry game changer due to its cost effectiveness over traditional rig-based methods. Helix Well Ops is a global provider of subsea well intervention and operates a fleet of three mono-hull well intervention vessels – Seawell, Well Enhancer and the chartered Skandi Constructor. The company works with the oil and gas industry to deliver a range of well maintenance, production enhancement and well abandonment solutions to boost efficiencies. Earlier this summer, the firm conducted the first live riser-based coiled tubing intervention project from a LWIV, which took place in the central North Sea in water depths of 83m (275ft). The project involved drifting and milling to 4,400m (14,500ft) and performing a reservoir saturation tool (RST) log before perforating 267m (877ft) of reservoir section in four runs, followed by a venturi clean-up.
the unit virtually eliminates the effect of vessel motion and reduces the coil fatigue towards that of a fixed installation or platform.
maximising the recovery of hydrocarbons. Through our fleet of well intervention vessels and innovative technologies we are playing our part in this.”
Initial results of the intervention indicate an increase in daily oil output of over 1,500 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boepd). Helix Well Ops’ coiled tubing intervention system is designed to operate in water depths of between 80m and 200m and can deploy a variety of coil sizes up to 2⅜in and 20,000ft in length.
Aberdeen based Helix Well Ops (U.K.) Limited provides a range of well operations and decommissioning services using specialist vessels and innovative equipment. Launched in 1986, MSV Seawell was a pioneer of the light well intervention market and completed its first wireline subsea well intervention project in 1987. In 2009, Helix Well Ops (U.K.) expanded its fleet with the launch of Well Enhancer, a 132-metre (433ft) long DP3 well intervention and saturation diving vessel. Helix Well Ops (U.K.) increased its deepwater capabilities in 2013 when the 120-metre (393ft) long DP3 well intervention vessel Skandi Constructor joined the fleet as a charter. The company employs around 400 people between its onshore and offshore operations.
Steve Nairn, Helix Well Ops (U.K.) Vice President, said: “This recent riserbased coiled tubing project represents an important step in the development of the intervention industry. It clearly demonstrates the production potential and cost-effectiveness that coiled tubing intervention can deliver. “Mobilising a rig to undertake coiled tubing interventions is a complex process and the time and costs involved could outweigh any potential benefit. Unsurprisingly, coiled tubing intervention on subsea wells has been an underutilised practice in the North Sea as a result. However, it is hoped that our proven technology will enable operators to open up opportunities that were previously thought uneconomical or unviable. “Every business operating in the North Sea has a responsibility to contribute to
More about Helix Well Ops (U.K.) can be found at:
www.helixesg.com or by telephoning 01224 351800
The coiled tubing unit was provided by Altus Intervention and features its bespoke fatigue management system. When combined and interfaced with Well Ops’ patented technology and equipment September 2016 | www.sosmagazine.biz | p19
Industry news
Leading is not easy As we all know leaders can no longer depend upon mediumterm or even long-term stability in the markets or fields in which they operate; customers’ preferences can shift dramatically, the complex networks in which many organisations are now operating can experience significant shocks, customers search for better deals, stock markets fluctuate rapidly and reputations can be shattered overnight as a result of, what on the face of it, seems like a simple quality or environmental failure. So what are the consequences for the leaders of the organisations in which our quality and environmental professionals work today? Leaders face the constant expectation that they will deliver solutions to meet the needs of this ever changing market place in which we are now all operating. There is no time to ‘take a breath’. Leaders must continually challenge conventional thinking and drive their teams to explore and deliver at a level not previously experienced and within financial constraints that make the task seem insurmountable. Business leaders, and in particular quality and environmental professionals, must learn how to master fiscal challenges and make decisions in extremely uncertain times. Managing risk, it seems, has become more important but also more complex; ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015 have both addressed this aspect of business management through the risk based thinking approach set out in both standards:
The concept of risk-based thinking has been implicit in previous editions of this International Standard including, for example, carrying out preventive action to eliminate potential nonconformities, analysing any nonconformities that do occur, and taking action to prevent recurrence that is p20 | www.sosmagazine.biz | September 2016
appropriate for the effects of the nonconformity. To conform to the requirements of this International Standard, an organization needs to plan and implement actions to address risks and opportunities. Addressing both risks and opportunities establishes a basis for increasing the effectiveness of the quality management system, achieving improved results and preventing negative effects. Opportunities can arise as a result of a situation favourable to achieving an intended result, for example, a set of circumstances that allow the organisation to attract customers, develop new products and services, reduce waste or improve productivity. Actions to address opportunities can also include consideration of associated risks. Risk is the effect of uncertainty and any such uncertainty can have positive or negative effects. A positive
deviation arising from a risk can provide an opportunity, but not all positive effects of risk result in opportunities. QMI Scotland Limited are leading the market in providing IRCA registered auditors and IRCA accredited training for quality and environmental professionals and their leaders to facilitate the understanding and application of this risk based thinking . We will guide you in the management of risk for the business as a whole and how it can be managed through the application of a robust quality and/or environmental management system that will not only withstand the unsettling markets we are operating but will provide sustainable solutions. If you need some help in understanding the implications of leadership within either of the standards or you just have a few questions give us a call on: 01224 626290 or visit our website at:
www.qmi-scotland.co.uk
MAERSK TRAINING ANNOUNCES GROUND BREAKING COURSE FOR NEW WIND TURBINE ROTORBLADE TECHNICIANS Developed with support from wind industry technical experts 8.2 Aarufield, Maersk Training has launched a ground breaking new training course designed specifically at supporting the creation of a global workforce of competent rotorblade technicians. Developed with support from wind industry technical experts 8.2 Aarufield, Maersk Training has launched a ground breaking new training course designed specifically at supporting the creation of a global workforce of competent rotorblade technicians. Maersk Training offer the Competent Rotorblade Technician course as a standalone ten day programme or, for individuals from outside of the sector wishing to build a new career, it can
form part of a bundled career transition solution being integrated with the five GWO Basic Safety Training elements, IRATA Level 1 (rope access technician), Confined Space training, Slinger Banksman, Offshore Medical as well as comprehensive information, advice and guidance (IAG) sessions including market mapping, personal brand building and employer introductions. The Competent Rotorblade Technician course is delivered at the Maersk Training Newcastle Centre and is scheduled to run monthly from September 2016. For more information or to book a course contact the bookings team on: +44 (0) 191 270 3200 or email: newcastle@maersktraining.com or visit: www.maersktraining.com
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July 2016 | www.sosmagazine.biz | p41
Industry focus
HOW CONNECTORS PERFORM IN HARSH CORROSIVE ENVIRONMENTS, AND WHY RELIABILITY MATTERS The grain material and the intergrain material can react very differently to chemicals, and associated corrosion can vary strongly. Materials’ reactions to corrosion can differ considerably due to these structural differences (Fig. 1 below).
Corrosion, an everyday life problem
Corrosion is a process known to everyone who owns a car. In essence, rust is the corroded product of iron – iron gets corroded and its atoms slowly detach from the raw material when bonding to hydroxide molecules. Iron oxide is the reddish product we call ‘rust’. It has been widely used since antiquity as a pigment and is also used nowadays, for example, as a contrast agent in MRI imaging. Corrosion can affect almost any metal under specific environmental conditions. It is a chemical reaction between two materials (or two components of the same alloy) and an electrolyte. Certain materials offer great corrosion resistance, as their limit to trigger the corrosion chemical reaction is much higher than the usual chemical conditions we experience in our everyday lives.
Different types of corrosion
Corrosion is a process whereby a material degrades to a more stable state, such as an oxide or sulfide. This chemical reaction is generally triggered by external factors (exposure to corrosive agents) and can be dramatically increased by ill-adapted component design. The choice of material and that of its protective coating are critical factors to control when designing parts that will be exposed to the environment. Three elements are needed to start a corrosion reaction: 1. Electrically conductive materials (e.g. brass, stainless steel, aluminum) 2. Components that have different electrolytic potentials • The more positive one will be the cathode • The more negative one will be the anode 3. An electrolyte medium (e.g. salt water) A catalyst can speed up the reaction • Common catalysts are based on oxygen or sulfur chemicals. Most metals (alloys) have a non-homogenous lattice, which exposes some more reactive compounds to the corrosion process. p22 | www.sosmagazine.biz | September 2016
Figure 1. This inhomogeneous state affects corrosion speed, and specific corrosion mechanisms preferentially affect certain materials. Different effects on corrosion are described and categorized. It is, however, always the same chemical reaction that occurs. The most common types include :
integrity of various materials. The mechanism is not exactly a corrosion effect, but rather an induced mechanical or chemical stress in the material lattice. Since hydrogen atoms are extremely small, they easily diffuse into the material lattice as temperature rises (thermal excitation increases gaps among atoms) and combine with material, thus creating internal stress “pockets” that can slowly shear or crack the material.
Chemical reaction details
Corrosion is a galvanically induced effect. The galvanic corrosion process consists in an oxide reduction chemical reaction that is triggered by the electrolytic potentials of each material present in the reaction.
a. Pitting corrosion This very local corrosion type occurs mainly on passivized alloys. The common alloys subject to pitting corrosion are stainless steel or aluminum, since their granular composition may create local corrosion cells that generate pits. b. Intergranular corrosion This corrosion mechanism is generated by the difference in electrolyte potential between the grain and the intergranular phase of the alloy. It is usually the intergranular material of the alloy that dissolves due to the galvanic corrosion effect. The material gets sandy on the surface and slowly degrades. c. Crevice corrosion Crevice corrosion occurs mainly on part assemblies and is localized on parts’ interfaces. The crevice is created by a zone where, due to capillarity effects, the electrolyte accumulates, generating a mixture of electrolyte and corroded material that acts as a catalyst. The geometry of the crevice prevents the mixture from being removed, thus inducing more and more corrosion which increases the crevice. Crevice corrosion is mainly found on bolts and plate assemblies. d. Stress corrosion cracking Stress is not actually a corrosion mechanism in itself but acts as a catalyst in a corrosive environment which under unstressed situations would not corrode the material. Stress can therefore trigger a local corrosion effect. e. Hydrogen embrittlement Hydrogen is a gas that can affect the structural
Figure 2. In order to properly design components for use in a corrosive environment, material choice is critical. Choosing a mix of materials that have very similar electrolytic potentials is the key to success. The typical bad example is aluminum coated with chromium. The chromium offers great resistance, but once the coating gets damaged – thus exposing the raw aluminum – a corrosion potential is induced. The corrosion potential can easily be seen in an electrolytic potential table (Fig 5). Environmental parameters, such as strain temperature or microbial pollution, can make these parameters vary and therefore induce corrosion in commonly passivized materials. In the following example, the electrical potential triggering the corrosion is induced by the difference in galvanic corrosion potentials and the presence of electrolyte that allows the current to flow from one exposed surface to the other. Aluminum has a lower potential than steel and gets corroded as it takes the place of the anode in this reaction (Fig. 3). If we replaced the steel with magnesium, for example, the aluminum would no longer be corroded, as the anode would be transferred to the magnesium.
This article is extracted from a white paper by Fischer Connectors with the same title “How connectors perform in harsh corrosive environments, and why reliability matters,” which can be downloaded in full under the company’s website :
Industry focus
www.fischerconnectors.com
Figure 3. Corrosion speed is also linked to the galvanic potential intensity difference between the two alloys and the ratio between the exposed surfaces. If the anode has a small exposed surface compared to the cathode, pitting corrosion will grow rapidly and slow down as the pit surface increases, thus reducing the current flow and thereby lowering the corrosion rate.
There are many mechanisms that protect parts and assemblies from corrosion; one of the most common is to coat the surfaces with a nobler material that is much less likely to get corroded. This allows the use of mechanically optimized materials while obtaining the best corrosion resistance from the coating. The most common coating on metallic parts is nickel chromium or thin gold-based layers applied with a galvanic or sputtering deposition process.
generally due to the level of sulfide and chloride products. The best material for sulfide resistance is premium stainless steel (316L). Stress corrosion is generally the most discussed topic in the market, as it affects pipelines and drilling tools subject to extreme levels of mechanical stress. Connectors, on the other hand, are less exposed to stress corrosion but remain exposed to cleaning chemicals and high temperature variations.
Figure 6. Another solution is to add a protective
Figure 4. This chemical process is commonly found on boat hulls where a sacrificial anode is used (Fig. 4) – usually made of magnesium alloy, since this has one of the lowest anodic potentials in the metallic alloys class. In this example, the sacrificial anode corrodes leaving the steel hull intact – at least until the sacrificial anode has been fully corroded.
phase directly into the alloy composition. This mechanism is commonly used in stainless steel. The chromium phase (16-18% of total mass) added to the steel reacts with oxygen (in the air for example) to create a sealed layer of chromium oxide on the surface that protects the raw material from being exposed to the electrolyte, thus preventing corrosion (Fig. 6). The main drawback with coating is that once the matrix material gets exposed, due to mechanical wear or pin holes for example, corrosion speed can increase dramatically, since it is linked to the galvanic potential intensity difference between the two alloys as well as to the ratio between the exposed surfaces. The material potential differences define the voltage, and the exposed surface ratio affects the current intensity. Therefore, if the anode has a small exposed surface compared to the cathode, corrosion will grow rapidly and eventually slow down once the surface ratio has equilibrated enough to reduce the current flow.
By: Jacques Miéville, Project Manager, Fischer Connectors SA
Connector solution recommendation
Jacques Miéville works closely with Fischer Connectors’ customers to design products that best meet their specific needs in different applications.
Fischer Connectors offers a full range of materials and coatings that fulfill most demanding applications. Figure 5.
Protection against corrosion
These corrosion mechanisms can occur in many different situations, as materials are rarely homogeneous. Used in mechanical assemblies, they come into contact with other metals that have different potentials.
Oil and gas applications In oil and gas applications, we can distinguish two types of environmental exposure: salt and seawater in offshore exploration → see salt and marine environment and corrosion induced by corrosive extraction products (hydrocarbons). The corrosive effect of these products is
Fischer Connectors SA 11 The Briars Waterberry Drive Waterlooville, Hampshire PO7 7YH United Kingdom Phone: +44 23 9245 9600 Email: sales@fischerconnectors.co.uk
www.fischerconnectors.co.uk
ROVOP to create new jobs as a result of GoM business growth Independent subsea remotely operated vehicle (ROV) service provider, ROVOP, is set to increase its Houston workforce as a result of further business growth including recent contract wins in the Gulf of Mexico region. The growth follows the successful completion of a pipeline installation campaign in Mexico with Drebbel de Mexico, which has led to follow-on work. The initial project with Drebbel involved the use of an ROV for concrete mattress installation for the first time in Mexican waters. As a result of the successful project, ROVOP and Drebbel will work together again on another new scheme with a large multinational service operator to provide ROV services for pre-lay survey, riser inspection and crossing fabrication with concrete mattresses. Both projects build on ROVOP’s track record for delivering inspection, maintenance and repair (IMR), decommissioning and installation
projects in the US Gulf of Mexico, Brazil, Venezuela and Mexico as well as West Africa and South East Asia over the last three years. In support of these project wins, ROVOP - which currently employs around 135 people globally - continues to actively recruit for its full service Western Hemisphere base in Houston and anticipates increasing its workforce by up to 10% this year. This latest success closely follows the firm’s recent announcement that it had secured more than $4million in contract wins spanning the North Sea, Gulf of Mexico, West Africa and Europe. President of ROVOP’s Houston operations, Wayne Betts, said: “We are particularly pleased with our performance in the initial contract with Drebbel because with safety being of paramount importance, precisely positioning the mattresses in zero visibility meant that we eliminated the risk to divers by deploying one of our high-performance ROVs and expert operators. We look forward to working together on future projects.”
FUGRO SUPPORTS TOTAL ULTRA-DEEP WATER DRILLING CAMPAIGN WITH ROV SERVICES Fugro has been awarded a contract by Total E&P Uruguay B.V. to support its drilling campaign offshore Uruguay. The contract provides for ROV and tooling services in the Raya-1 field in 3,400 metres water depth. Fugro is supplying two state-of-theart 200hp FCV 4000D work-class ROV systems and subsea tooling, which are installed on board the Maersk Venturer drilling ship, and a field support vessel. In addition to specialist tooling tasks, Fugro is performing a range of activities typically required during drilling operations such as bullseye checks, seabed survey, and general cleaning on and around the subsea BOP. Real-time p24 | www.sosmagazine.biz | September 2016
video provided by Fugro and Total telecom network enables Total to observe critical operations from its onshore office should it be needed. Raya-1 is the deepest well, by water depth, ever to be drilled.
Fugro’s top class intervention tooling is key to supporting Total in this world leading contract. Richard Mathieson, Fugro ROV Services Project Manager. Right: Fugro’s FCV4000 ROV recovers the ADCP deployed to monitor subsea currents at the Raya-1 field offshore Uruguay.
Dependable, compact and powerful control solutions for the worldwide subsea oil and gas industry
Class 1-4 Rotary Docking (API 17D) Torque Tool
Class 5 Rotary Docking Torque Tool Durable Stainless Steel construction offering repeatable high accuracy, delivering 6,780N.m (5000lbf-ft) torque; providing torque feedback, (Directional) Quadrature output turns count, optional ‘latched’ or ‘un-latched’ versions and visual motor turns indicator, this unit is built to last.
Repeatable high accuracy delivering 2,711N.m (2,000lbf-ft) torque; providing torque feedback, (Directional) Quadrature output turns count, auto gear box selection with high / low pressure and visual motor turns indicators, planetary gear box and sprung loaded, nested, multi-class sockets or fixed standards. Optional Petrobras adaptor or full Petrobras front end effector.
Subsea ‘In Line’ Contamination Monitor (ICM) Prevents unseen minor faults from developing into major contamination problems with ‘GO/NO GO indication. Designed to monitor hydraulic system fluids (NAS, ISO & AS cleanliness standard), water contamination % RH (Relative Humidity), low pressure and temperature. Stores 4000 (retrievable) previous tests with stand-alone or 485 link to provide ‘live’ continual monitoring.
Jupiter 2 RCU System Latest intelligent valve pack to join the Jupiter range offers powerful control system that integrates high flow application, torque tool control & deployment or skid functions into a single unit with sensor inputs and powerful software control.
Tel: +44 (0) 1653 602020 www.zetechtics.com
subsea equipment
New design for subsea basket to save on vessel deck space A local fabrication company, Quayside Fabrication, has come up with a creative design for subsea baskets, which means they can now be stacked and secured on a vessel whilst at sea. The newly named ‘Stackable at Sea’ subsea baskets will save on valuable deck space and bring huge savings with fewer trips to sea for oil companies. The subsea baskets have been designed specifically to withstand movement on board a vessel in rough seas. The new features incorporate four bumper posts, which act as an aid to stabilise baskets during manoeuvres and prevent movement and damage. Once stacked, a special locking mechanism is fixed to secure the baskets in place. David Duncan, Director at Quayside Fabrication comments:
“We have been working on this new design of subsea baskets for over six months and we are delighted that we have come up with a solution that works perfectly. We have worked closely with one of our clients to overcome obstacles and to test the final product and we are really excited with the result. It will save a lot of money and time and it creates a highly efficient process that can easily be adopted by vessel owners and service companies. We’re looking forward to rolling the baskets out to our clients and to the industry.”
services for the oil and gas industry. The company is committed to improving efficiency through innovation. The firm works closely with its clients to come up with new ideas to streamline processes. For more information visit:
www.quaysidefab.com Below: ‘Stackable at Sea’ basket.
The Stackable at Sea subsea baskets are now available for hire in the UK. The new design comes as part of Quayside Fabrication’s ongoing commitment to improve efficiency through innovation and has been welcomed by its clients. Quayside Fabrications specialises in structural steelwork and fabrication
Seatronics continue to invest in industry leading technology with iXblue RAMSES System Seatronics, an Acteon company and leaders in the rental and sale of marine electronic equipment, has announced its investment in iXblue’s RAMSES system, to increase its client’s objectives of operational efficiency. iXblue are leading global provider of innovative navigation, positioning and imaging solutions. RAMSES is an acoustic synthetic baseline positioning system with self-contained computing. The software allows for simple real-time sparse array navigation, an ideal solution for the highest precision navigation with smooth and drift free positioning. Seatronics continues to develop its business through the provision and development of leading technology, providing its clients with increased efficiencies through forward thinking solutions.
p26 | www.sosmagazine.biz | September 2016
iXblue’s RAMSES is a calibration-free, all-in-one system with real-time position computation and decimetre range measurement accuracy. Requiring no top-side and no umbilical, the unit allows quick and easy deployment in new or existing fields, with iXblue or third-party transponders, reducing operational costs. Phil Middleton, Seatronics managing director, stated: “We are delighted to have completed the purchase of these systems adding to what is already the largest available fleet of iXblue assets within the rental market. “In the tough market conditions, reducing operational costs and increasing efficiency is more crucial than ever. This investment shows our continued commitment to our client base, offering them access to leading edge technology globally which will support this. The systems will initially be supplied as part of an integrated solution to a leading subsea contractor in the Gulf of Mexico.”
Below: iXblue’s RAMSES system.
Jeremy Stuhr, Regional Sales Manager for iXblue Houston commented: “We are excited to see Seatronics engagement with the Gulf of Mexico market increasing requirements for cost and time savings during subsea operations. A leading subsea contractor in the Gulf of Mexico will yield massive savings to subsea operations offshore that can be accredited to RAMSES integration and flexibility as a solution during their operations. I am excited to stand by Seatronics side as we bring these operational savings to the Gulf of Mexico market.” Seatronics has taken delivery of the systems and is fully proficient and ready to assist its clients around the world with immediate and simple mobilisations.
www.seatronics-group.com
subsea equipment
James Fisher Subsea Excavation brings the world’s most powerful mass flow excavation tool to the market The world’s leading mass flow excavation provider has launched the SP12000 as part of its range. SP12000 is the world’s most powerful hydraulically-driven mass flow excavator. Tool will be operated for clients by an expert team on large scale excavations utilising the same precision capabilities as its other market-leading tools. The world’s leading mass flow excavation business, James Fisher Subsea Excavation – part of James Fisher and Sons plc, has brought the world’s most powerful tool to the market to support clients with large scale excavations.
worldwide, recently completed an extensive re-engineering project on the SP12000. Advanced hydrodynamics and improved efficiency have been combined to give an excellent flow regime, which produces the cleanest cut trench possible by a mass or controlled flow excavator. Despite its size, the fully-controllable SP12000 is also capable of smaller-scale, precision excavation. This new technology is also being applied to the company’s existing extensive fleet of mass flow excavators, also known as controlled flow excavators, around the world.
The SP12000 produces more than 6 tonnes of thrust at full power and a significant volume output of 12,000 litres of water per second, making it ideal for large seabed preparation projects, sandwave clearances, freespan rectifications and large diameter pipeline trenching.
James Fisher Subsea Excavation’s fleet of tools provide a non-contact form of excavation that eliminates the risks associated with other excavation methods, especially around complex subsea assets. Further enhancing its capability, the tools have the additional benefit of real-time sonar imaging, enabling precision excavation in confined areas, as well as for large cable or pipeline scopes.
James Fisher Subsea Excavation’s expert team, who have the most in-depth knowledge and understanding of mass flow excavation
James Fisher Subsea Excavation has a total of 28 spreads which, alongside the SP12000, include the established ‘T’ tools, the innovative
PRODUCTS
EXPERTISE
TwinProp and the SP single prop range. This represents the largest and most diverse fleet of mass or controlled flow excavators in the world, which ensures customers are provided with a tailored solution to their project requirements. It operates from strategic hubs in the UK, UAE, Singapore, Venezuela, USA, Brazil, South Africa, China and Mexico. James Fisher Subsea Excavation’s equipment is used for applications including pipeline and cable trenching, deburial, rock dump dispersal and seabed clearance and preparations. The mass flow excavators are ideal for moving materials such as sand, silt and mud, drill cuttings, clay and rock dump.
www.jfsubseaexcavation.com
SERVICES
• ROV tooling skids & backpacks. • Pipe-tracker frameworks.
• Dynamic management team with over 30 years specific industry experience.
• Service, maintenance & repair. • Instrument pipefitting.
• Pressure intensification panels.
• In-house 3D design and verification service.
• Bespoke ROV tooling design.
• ROV tooling rental & sales. • Hydraulic wire cutters. • Soft-line cutters. • Bespoke solutions available to suit customer requirements.
• Proven network of fast reaction, trusted suppliers.
• Pressure testing & commissioning. • Equipment qualification. • On-site support.
• ISO 9001 certified company.
Tooltec Ltd, Unit 2, Straik Road, Elrick, Westhill, Aberdeenshire AB32 6TJ Telephone: 01224 279411 • www.tooltecltd.com • sales@tooltecltd.com September 2016 | www.sosmagazine.biz | p27
LIFTING EQUIPMENT, DECK MACHINERY & WINCHES Sparrows Group and SapuraKencana Petroleum to form partnership in Malaysia Sparrows Group is set to further grow its presence in the Asian Pacific market following the formation of a partnership between Sparrows Offshore Services Pte Ltd and SapuraKencana Technology Sdn Bhd, the latter being a whollyowned subsidiary of SapuraKencana Petroleum Berhad. The partnership will see both entities collaborating in the provision of offshore and onshore crane services including manufacturing, supply, operations, maintenance and overhaul of offshore and onshore cranes for the oil and gas industry in Malaysia. Sparrows Group is currently working with a number of drilling firms in Malaysia but this new alliance will see the group’s activity with operators in the country grow significantly.
p28 | www.sosmagazine.biz | September 2016
SapuraKencana Petroleum is a prominent and well respected company and this partnership is right in many regards for us. It brings together two companies that have a reputation for delivering quality to the energy sector and SapuraKencana’s commitment to excellence is in line with our own values.
The collaboration with Sparrows Group will expand our range of service offerings in operations and maintenance (O&M) services. We are confident that this partnership will enable sharing of knowledge and technologies in providing high quality solutions to our clients in the oil and gas industry.
Our specialist capabilities will complement SapuraKencana Petroleum’s diverse range of service offerings and we are confident that their knowledge and experience will support us in further establishing our presence in the country.
Vivek Arora, Senior Vice President of Business Acquisition of SapuraKencana Petroleum.
Stewart Mitchell, Chief Executive Officer at Sparrows Group.
www.sparrowsgroup.com
lifting equipment, deck machinery & winches
RUD VRBG Load Ring on Plate for Bolting RUD Chains offers over 500 different tested and certified lifting and lashing points which cover a working load capacity range of 0.6 to 250 tonne. RUD’s lifting equipment is used across a wide range of working environments from Heavy Lifting, Engineering, Materials Handling, Offshore, Construction, Rail, MOD and many more. The VRBG load ring on plate for bolting offers a range of advantages and lifting options for the user. Firstly it can be supplied with 4 bolts offering a working load capacity of 10-16 tonnes or it can be supplied with 6/8 bolts with an impressive working load capacity of 31.5-50 tonnes. It can be loaded at 90° to the vertical with a full working load limit, the suspension
ring pivots 180° and offers a safety factor of 4:1 in all load directions. The VRBG is operational from -20° to plus 350°. RUD patented wear marking indicator helps highlight when the lifting equipment is no longer fit for service and needs to be replaced. Therefore, offering an ultimate safety factor to the user.
RUD provide standard and tailored solutions to meet even the most demanding environments. Top quality products combined with technological innovations and experience make RUD a top choice for all your lifting requirements.
The VRBG is easy to assemble and has 100% working load limit at 90° in the load ring plane. The minimum working load limit in all directions is clearly marked and the RUD bolts are available as spare parts. The VRBG is typically used across heavy engineering, shipbuilding, turbine lifting, steel structure assemblies and in lifting and final positioning of new machinery.
For more information call: 01227 276 611 Email: katie.crane@rud.co.uk or visit us at:
www.rud.co.uk
ATR Group begins five-year contract with Nexen ATR Group has commenced work on a new five-year contract supplying lifting equipment and regulatory inspection services to one of the UK’s largest oil producing companies. The global equipment management company will manage the co-ordination and mobilisation of 10 rigging lofts to support operations across Nexen Petroleum U.K. Limited’s North Sea assets. The contract, which has two one-
year extension options, will also see ATR Group’s Lifting Solutions division provide inspection services to ensure the equipment, which includes wire rope slings, hoists, shackles and working at height apparatus, is certified to HSE Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998. Business Development Director Dave Grant said: “We have a long and successful track record of managing and maintaining rigging lofts and associated lifting equipment to the highest global standards
for companies in the North Sea and internationally. “We are pleased to secure this new contract with Nexen. It will provide a great opportunity to fully demonstrate our strengths of providing experienced personnel, quality equipment and valueadding services to our clients and support them in delivering safe and robust operations in the North Sea.” For more information, please visit:
atrgroup.co.uk
www.
September 2016 | www.sosmagazine.biz | p29
Lifting Equipment, Deck Machinery & Winches
‘Nautilus Hooks’ set new standard for workplace safety NAUTILUS Rigging (UK) Ltd are internationally recognised the leading manufacturers and suppliers of Nautilus Hooks, the next generation of lifting hooks which are proven to eliminate the known risks and inherent hazards associated with the use of traditional style lifting hooks. The unique ‘patented’ safety features of Nautilus Hooks provides several major technical advancements (the first in more than 40 years) which significantly raise the level of personnel safety and ease of operation for general lifting hooks, the patented safety handle and side mounted locking mechanism effectively eliminate the risk of, potentially serious, pinch and trap hand or finger injuries by removing the operator’s hands from the hazardous hook/sling interface area. The unique safety features of this innovative hook design were cited as deciding factors in Nautilus Hooks winning the American Society of Mechanical Engineers prestigious Woefel, Best Mechanical Engineering Award at OTC and the OSJ Innovation of the year award.
Corporate Responsibility – Safety Policies and Statutory Obligations Under PUWER 98 regulations corporations are required to provide the safest possible equipment for use in the workplace, in particular where the equipment is proven to reduce risk of injury. Nautilus Topside and Subsea Hooks meet these obligatory requirements, by adopting Nautilus Hooks as the new lifting hook safety standard Corporations can align their workplace practices with the stated objectives of Corporate safety policies which aim to to reduce risk and potential injury. Nautilus Hooks are manufactured to exceed industry standards, All Nautilus hooks are CE Certified and are manufactured to BS/EN1677-1, Nautilus Hooks are individually numbered and individually proof tested to 2.5 times the Working Load Limit, exceeding the requirements of corporate supply and compliance criteria. Nautilus Hooks have DNV type approval under regulation 2.22 for lifting appliances. DNV Type Approval Certificate No. TAS00000E3. Nautilus Topside Hooks Nautilus Topside safety hooks are proven to significantly enhance personal safety in all lifting operations, the hooks are particularly beneficial the Offshore Sector where the unique safety features incorporated in the design mitigate the risks associated with traditional “latch lock” style hooks, risks which are amplified in offshore lifting operations due to the unpredictable dynamics of the offshore marine environment.
Nautilus ROV/Subsea Hooks “Nautilus ROV/Subsea hooks address growing industry concerns over the suitability and safety of traditional ‘snap on’ style ROV hooks which have a known, high risk, hazard of unintentionally self releasing the load due to their internal spring latch design. Nautilus ROV Hooks eliminate this risk, the ‘positive locking’ function of the Nautilus design maintains load integrity at all times until released by the ROV, with the added benefit that the positive locking arm prevents any unintentional hooking on of umbilical cables and subsea equipment to provide subsea operators with a safe, secure, ROV operated lifting hook, eliminating the risk of self-release and associated, costly, downtime and recovery operations. Short videos, of the Topside and ROV hooks, detailing the unique operational and safety benefits of these innovative lifting hooks can be viewed at: www.nautilusrigging.com/video Nautilus Hooks are the cost efficient solution to ensuring load integrity, safety, and security for all topside, subsea and ROV assisted lifting operations - Safe Lifting - It’s in your hands!
Nautilus Rigging (UK) Ltd Email : sales@nautilusrigging.com info@nautilusrigging.com
www.nautilusrigging.com
NautilusHooks
TM
OFFSHORE
MINING
CONSTRUCTION
SHIPPING
Across industry and around the globe Award winning Nautilus Hooks© are setting the new safety standard for lifting operations • Winner 2010 ASME Best Mechanical Engineering Award - technically advanced • CE Certified and DNV type approved - safer operation • Eliminates pinch and trap hand injuries - reduces risks • Range of hooks from 4 to 20 tonne W.L.L. - cost effective
Safety, it’s in your hands. NautilusRigging Manufacturers of NautilusHooks
TM
To find or become a distributor contact:
www.nautilusrigging.com Tel +44 1224 772323
Type Approved
Lifting Equipment, Deck Machinery & Winches
HOISTS AND CRANES –THE CAPTAINS OF INDUSTRY The importance of an ever expanding industrial world should not be underestimated. After all, long term, sustained industrialisation is a key driver for economic development, a fact recognised by the world’s most important leaders. It was no accident, for example, that President Obama made a personal appearance to open the planet’s largest industrial exhibition, Hannover Messe, earlier this year, becoming the first US president ever to do so.
Above: JDN Subsea hoist being used by an underwater diver.
– all of which is achieved without any detriment to safety or performance. And perform they must. The wide ranging demands of industrial applications for these products mean that at crane and hoist manufacturers such as JDN, their products are all engineered for extremes.
Above: J D Neuhaus hoists are engineered for extremes and suitable for use throughout industry, including within the high temperature, heavy atmospheres of foundries.
Technological innovation, such as that exhibited at Hannover Messe, is paramount in helping industrial companies achieve competitive gain and accrue market share. These technologies must be robust, reliable and require little maintenance. Only this way can the industrial sector maximise its output. For example, take humble hoists and crane systems such as those manufactured by J D Neuhaus (JDN). These lifting mechanisms have become the mainstay of material handling operations the world over as so many industrial tasks require lifting and manoeuvring, which without mechanical assistance would prove unproductive. Even hoists and cranes, however, are constantly evolving. Today’s iterations place great emphasis on long service life, ecological compatibility and recyclability p32 | www.sosmagazine.biz | September 2016
Above: A typical J D Neuhaus Profi TI hoist, with a 6 tonne lift capacity, shown in motor trolley. Left: Air Hoist with a lift capacity of 100 tonnes from the J D Neuhaus Profi range.
www.jdngroup.com
Lifting Equipment, Deck Machinery & Winches
Load Cell Calibrates Cable Tensioners Aboard Vessel Industrial force measurement specialist Northern Balance employed a Straightpoint 25t Radiolink plus load cell aboard the Fugro Symphony to calibrate two newly installed cable tensioners recently. The new additions to the deck of the 130m vessel grip cables and maintain tension as they are collected or laid on the seabed. Four huge load cells are fixed on each machine but the Straightpoint unit and digital handheld display were used as calibration tools while the boat was docked in Blyth, Northumberland, UK. Hayden Rouse, Managing Director, Northern Balance, said:
The ability to monitor the load cell at a safe distance was a major advantage. With the massive forces involved, the potential for something snapping and causing injury is always present and we always have to be mindful of the inherent hazards associated with such work. Rouse provided weighing expertise alongside a team of fitters and welders in addition to a marine architect and draftsman. Only when the alignment mechanism was welded in place could the Radiolink plus and other equipment be rigged. Slings, shackles and the on board crane combined to generate the pulling force. Fugro Symphony is equipped with a MacGregor Hydramarine
‘Active Boost’ 150t AHC knuckle boom crane, capable of subsea lifts of 150t in single fall mode, down to 3,000m.
I was impressed by the friendly and ‘can do’ attitude of the engineering team. It was no small task to install the massive cable winding system on the deck of the ship. They were also very respectful to me as the weighing expert and recognised the importance of the information I was contributing to the project. They watched me as I worked and I supplied the results of the calibration in real time. Hayden Rouse, Managing Director, Northern Balance.
Northern Balance was contracted by Blue Offshore, headquartered in the Netherlands, a specialist in innovative solutions for subsea cable installations. The modular design of its deck equipment is suited to use on a variety of vessels for projects involving offshore power cables, flexible pipes and umbilicals, all offering further scope for utilisation of Northern Balance’s expertise and Straightpoint’s force measurement, load monitoring and suspended weighing load cell equipment. Rouse added:
The 25t Radiolink plus load cell met our capacity requirements and I know Straightpoint equipment to be rugged and reliable. This is the first job we have done for this particular customer but hopefully its success will lead to more work and we wouldn’t hesitate to utilise the benefits of the same technology again. www.straightpoint.com www.northernbalance.co.uk Above The 130m Fugro Symphony docked in Blyth, Northumberland, UK. Left: Hayden Rouse, Managing Director, Northern Balance, with the 25t Radiolink plus load cell and handheld device. September 2016 | www.sosmagazine.biz | p33
HTL strives to enhance customer experience with dedicated rentals App ‘ihire’ HTL, supplier of controlled bolting, flange working and portable machine solutions have launched another bolting industry first; the rentals app; ‘ihire’. ihire follows the recent release of a new rentals catalogue from HTL, both featuring a comprehensive gallery of HTL’s readily available product range to solve the everyday and more complex challenges faced in the industry. Free to download from Apple’s App store and Google Play, ihire differs from the HTL Rentals Catalogue by adding value to users through a built-in enquiry basket functionality. The enquiry basket allows users to easily add products to a basket and submit the enquiry directly to HTL. The objective is simply to make equipment availability as easy as possible. The user friendly HTL app features product
categories such as torque equipment, tensioning equipment, nut splitters, portable machines, flange working, subsea, flushing instruments, maintenance tooling and many more complementary product lines suited to a range of sectors. Known for delivering a customer driven rental portfolio in parallel with innovative new products and services, the dedicated HTL app was a natural step to continue the journey of commitment and growth.
serving the market with ways to instantly and easily access efficient and safe products and services. I feel ihire offers this to existing and prospective customers and is another example of our commitment to industry with our customers and markets in the forefront of our minds.”
Stephen Jones, CEO HTL Group comments: “Our aim is to stay ahead of the game by
www.hiretorque.com/ihire
To download ihire, simply visit the Apple App Store or Google Play. For further information please visit: or email: info@hiretorque.com
Serving the needs of the training sector; HTL Training Services HTL Group are delighted to have Bob Fogerty BSc CMIOSH as Director of Training for HTL Training Services. Personally delivering training alongside a team of highly skilled Technical Trainers, Bob is responsible for developing a training programme to serve the growing training demands of the oil, gas, and renewable energy sectors. With over three decades of experience in engineering and a team of Technical Trainers with expertise in a number of industries, Bob ensures that HTL Training Services consistently delivers training which exceeds industry standards. World class training facilities based in Cramlington, Aberdeen and Great Yarmouth coupled with an ever increasing portfolio of approved courses ensures delegates have the best learning experience with HTL Training Services whether they are looking to reskill, upskill or transfer skills. p34 | www.sosmagazine.biz | September 2016
A full suite of approved courses can all be delivered onsite at client’s premises globally or at any dedicated HTL training facility with flexible study periods to suit individual requirements. Worldwide recognised courses available include the ECITB’s Mechanical Joint Integrity training (Topside, Subsea & Wind Energy), Gas Turbine Introduction and Operations, Mechanical Valves and Maintenance, Effective Communication in Construction Engineering, CCNSG Safety Passport, NEBOSH National General Certificate in Health and Safety, IOSH Managing Safely and QNUK First Aid training. Bob Fogerty comments: “Having spent the past 25 years in the Controlled Bolting Sector, the role of Director of Training for HTL Training Services felt like a natural step for me. The position allows me to take the successful HTL business model and apply it to the training services arena, ensuring that HTL will continue to develop its training
Above: Bob Fogerty BSc CMIOSH, Director of Training, HTL Training Services. course portfolio in response to its clients and industry needs.” To view the full course portfolio available from HTL Training Services visit: http://www.htl-trainingservices.com/ upcoming-courses/ To enquire about individual or group course bookings please call: +44 (0) 1670 700 005 info@htl-trainingservices.com
www.htl-trainingservices.com
Fasteners, seals & bolting solutions
Flexicarb SEL Flexitallic, the global leader in static sealing solutions, has upgraded its range of graphite containing semimetallic gaskets and will now use Flexicarb SEL as standard.
the potential to reduce emissions and meet extended duty cycles.
Flexicarb SEL improves oxidation resistance by more than 50 per cent when compared to traditional graphite and will further increase the long term sealing capabilities of Flexitallic’s products.
The introduction of Flexicarb SEL demonstrates our commitment to using the latest materials and engineering to support and solve our customers most demanding needs.
By upgrading its graphite materials, Flexitallic can manufacture and supply gaskets with significantly less contaminants, such as sulphur and halogens that are detrimental to the long term demands of a bolted connection. This allows its customers to use solutions that increase
Flexicarb SEL will be used for all Flexitallic spiral-wound gaskets, Flexpro™ kammprofiles and industryleading Change™ gaskets. Flexitallic has begun integrating this material into its manufacturing operations in the UK and expects full integration by the end of 2016.
Phil Kelshaw, Flexitallic’s Sales Director Eastern Hemisphere, said:
For further information on Flexicarb SEL, or any other Flexitallic product, please contact our customer services team on:
+44 (0)1274 300330 or email: customerservices@flexitallic.eu
www.flexitallic.eu
New premises for expanding Gee-Force Hydraulics EEEGR member Gee-Force Hydraulics, specialist supplier of controlled bolting and flange working equipment has moved to new, larger premises on the prestigious Beacon Business Park in Great Yarmouth. ‘The Beach Got Bigger’ was the company’s strapline whilst exhibiting at EEEGR’s SNS2016 event in March when the company made the announcement about a new rental and training partnership with industry leader HTL. The ‘beach’ is of course local vernacular for ‘onshore’ and a previous strapline ‘the beach got closer’ signified the company’s presence in Great Yarmouth, right at the heart of the southern north sea oil & gas operations. The new HTL partnership offers access to an unparalleled hire fleet of controlled bolting and flange working equipment, flushing, test and instrumentation equipment, portable machines as well as cutting and subsea equipment. The partnership also brings ECITB approved training and testing from the new Beacon Park premises. HTL’s team of industry experienced technical trainers ensures that Gee-Force and HTL can continuously deliver approved courses which meet local customer needs, including the new Wind
Turbine Bolted Connections courses, MJI31 and MJI32. Managing Director Graeme Cook explains:
Gee-Force Hydraulics already supply controlled bolting and flange working equipment to a wide range of industry sectors including oil & gas, power generation and renewable energy, however a partnership with HTL allows us to offer customers a complete portfolio of solutions through a full range of hire equipment. In discussions with
HTL we felt that a partnership could bring about an unrivalled level of customer service to the local area, which has already been enthusiastically received by our customers. With the new premises, a much wider range of equipment is readily available on our hire shelves as well as a full training calendar filled with courses in demand from industry; the beach has certainly got bigger! www.gee-force.co.uk September 2016 | www.sosmagazine.biz | p35
The Leading Brand for Offshore Field Joint Coating - Radyne Part of the global Inductotherm Group organisation, Inductotherm Heating & Welding Ltd (IHW) based in Basingstoke, UK, is the European manufacturing and technical headquarters for four of the company’s brands: Thermatool, Radyne, Banyard and iRoss. Whilst the company’s products and services span a plethora of industries, only one brand, Radyne, offers solutions to the oil and gas sector both onshore and Offshore The Radyne Offshore brand has been supplying induction heating equipment and systems to the offshore pipe lay industry for over 25 years from the UK Manufacturing site, with full engineering, design and Test facilities. Merlin™ Coating Systems Arguably Radyne’s biggest success story for the offshore market has been the development of the Merlin™ Coating Systems; pipe and tube coating systems that revolve around the field joint coating processing, with a series of induction systems utilised for heating and coating of field joints on pipe laying vessels and spool bases. One of the biggest benefits of the Merlin™ system is its ability to heat and coat field joints by carrying out both operations simultaneously. The Merlin™ Field Joint Heating and Coating
System first heats the joint precisely, monitored with low temperature pyrometers and associated electronics included in the process. The pyrometers measure the surface temperature of the steel pipe prior to the application of the FBE coating. Once the surface has reached a predetermined temperature, the pyrometer will trigger the FBE coating process; a precise twocoat FBE and copolymer coating, delivering vastly improved cycle times and quality, with a vertical or horizontal orientation of the pipe application, and minimum manning levels, compared to traditional less precise methods and equipment. Merlin provides total control to the coating supervisor using pre-selected heating and coating recipes modelled by the Radyne team in conjunction with the client. The Merlin design concept is based on four frame sizes to cover 8 to 48 inch OD pipe diameters and uses interchangeable tooling. The units are not project specific but become a vessel asset to be used over several projects dependent on pipe diameter and joint length. “Our clients have got their own team of personnel on board who use the equipment and can have their own team of service people who look after the Equipment, but the Radyne offshore team is always available to provide highly skilled qualified offshore engineers with both mechanical and electrical attributes.” Global Pipe Laying Projects Over the last 18 years or so, Radyne equipment has been field-proven on a number of the world’s biggest and most prestigious pipe laying projects including Blue Stream, Thunderhorse Mardi Gras, Medgaz, and more recently, Walker Ridge, Guara Lula, Cabiunas, and South Stream. And continues to be used on future projects by the vessel owners – continued asset benefit.
Pipe OD
Nominal Coil Size
(nom) 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 40 42 44 46 48
10 10 12 12 18 18 22 22 26 26 30 30 36 36 36 42 42 42 48 48 48
FBE Thickness
Min time to complete heating & coating
(pm)
(s)
350 350 350 350 350 350 350 350 350 350 350 350 350 350 350 350 350 350 350 350 350
55.1 60.2 79.1 76.9 88.7 98 74 78.1 94.3 96.2 94.4 94.9 110.9 11.3 11.8 120.4 118 114.6 144.1 141.8 137.2
Proven and Reliable Summarising the current market position and potential at the company With 25 years of experience and development the Radyne offshore division –has gained an enviable reputation as a leading global specialist in the design, manufacture and supply of high-reliability induction heating systems for this specific arena, we continue to work with key names in the offshore industry and further development projects are in discussion, now is not the time to stand still. “The key to success in this industry is listening to precisely what the customer - and the industry - wants to achieve. Our development of other equipment continues apace, and we look forward to working with existing and new customers on successful partnerships and solutions that fulfil needs now and into the future.”
www.inductothermhw.com
welding & fabrication
Local Fabrication Firm Shortlisted for Two Prestigious Awards An Aberdeenshire fabrication company has been shortlisted for two prestigious Business Awards on the back of its innovation in the Oil & Gas Sector. Colpy based, Quayside Fabrication, has been shortlisted in Oil & Gas UK’s Offshore Safety Awards for ‘Innovation in Safety’, which was announced on 27th August and also in Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce’s Northern Star Awards for ‘Innovative Use of Research & Development’, which will be announced in September 2016. Both awards have recognised Quayside Fabrication’s contribution to the Oil & Gas Industry, following the launch of its Portable Power Unit (PPU) last year. The PPU is an innovative power unit that supplies power to welders for vessel mobilisations
and demobilisations. It has significantly improved safety by reducing the number of crane lifts from 12 to just one and has proved to reduce mobilisation costs by hundreds of thousands of pounds for the firm’s clients.
demobilisations, design and equipment hire. Earlier this year, the firm was Highly Commended at FSB Worldpay Awards in London for ‘Business & Product Innovation’. The firm aims to improve efficiency through innovation.
David Duncan, Director of Quayside Fabrication, said: “We are focused on improving efficiency through innovation and have remained positive in what has been a very difficult time for the industry. We work very closely with our clients to come up with new ideas to help them and the industry, as a whole. It’s great for all of the team to be recognised for this and for all of their hard work in making it happen.”
For more information visit:
www.quaysidefab.com Below: Quayside Fabrication Director, David Duncan.
Quayside Fabrication provides fabrication services to the Oil & Gas and Marine Industries. It specialises in structural steelwork, including mobilisations/
Whittaker Engineering develops welding procedure which can save millions of pounds through the prevention of dry docking Whittaker Engineering, an independent Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) company, has developed a unique water-backed welding procedure for vessels which can save companies millions of pounds from the prevention of dry docking and resultant loss of production.. Traditional welding specifications used for the design and manufacture of FPUs (Floating Production Units) and oil rigs do not take into account the cooling effects of seawater. Whittaker Engineering’s procedure uses high-powered induction heating coils to maintain a preheat temperature whilst welding water-backed plate, mitigating the heat loss through a ship’s hull into the cold temperature of the sea. It was successfully deployed by EnQuest on the Northern Producer FPU during routine work. Greig Ritchie, Operations Manager for the Northern Producer, said: “This is a truly noteworthy welding development that has helped EnQuest carry out work in the most efficient way. The procedure enables insitu modifications and repairs and avoids unnecessary and inefficient dry dock periods. It has significant potential for operators of vessels both in the North Sea and elsewhere.” The resultant weld with the induction heater p38 | www.sosmagazine.biz | September 2016
is ductile, low in hardness and has proved as high in quality as if it was performed without water around it. The same technique can be applied to corrosion and pitting in the hull. Whittaker believes it is the only company in the world currently offering this procedure with full Lloyd’s Register classification. Induction heating involves huge currents surging backwards and forwards through induction coils to generate high temperatures. Cooling water and electricity flows through the coils from the power supply on deck and routed to where the welding is carried out. The power supply for the inductors has a maximum range of 75 metres from the power source on deck to the welding repair area. The presence of seawater on the outside of a hull structure greatly increases the rate of cooling of weld metal. Fast cooling rates can produce hard martensitic structures in basic carbon steels which in turn can lead to cracking. Furthermore, the cold seawater encourages condensation at the weld site, which further increases the risk of hydrogen cracking. Conventional ceramic electric heating pads do not supply sufficient heat (typically a maximum of 30°C is reached) to combat the cooling effect of the seawater. However, with a sufficiently powerful induction heater, Whittaker can achieve a constant
preheat of 75°C to 100°C with seawater at 5°C (typical North Sea temperature). Ken Whittaker of Whittaker Engineering said: “Many oil and gas vessels are expected to be at sea for 15 years or more. By carrying out the work offshore, we can potentially save companies millions of pounds by avoiding dry docking and loss of production through downtime. This is our fourth deployment and each one has been successful. Independent testing has also proved that our water-backed weld with induction heating is at least as strong and reliable as those carried out in a shipyard in the dry.”
www.whittakereng.com
Below: Water backed weld.
welding & fabrication
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www.sosmagazine.biz ARC ENERGY RESOURCES ANNOUNCES ACQUISITION OF CLG ENGINEERING Gloucestershire based Arc Energy Resources, the weld overlay cladding and fabrication specialist, has acquired precision machining company CLG Engineering, based in Stonehouse, Gloucestershire. Arc Energy Resources provides corrosionresistant weld overlay cladding services to a variety of clients in industry sectors ranging from oil and gas to defence, power generation, petrochemical, water and nuclear. Its versatile processes provide a practical combination of readily-available, cost-effective base materials and corrosion-resistant alloys to protect any critical area, providing cost savings and reductions in lead times. Its fabrication department holds ASME U and U2 Stamps, and manufactures radiographic-quality specialist equipment, including pressure vessels, spools, pig launchers, wellhead equipment and nuclear devices. CLG Engineering provides CNC milling, CNC turning and assembly services to, amongst others, the oil and gas, automotive and rail industries. Certified to ISO 9001, and with over 40 years’ engineering experience, its knowledgeable team can produce parts from 25mm to 1.25 metres in length, and up to 18” diameter, within tight tolerances.
The acquisition means that Arc Energy Resources’ 80 employees are supplemented by CLG Engineering’s 14, to create a stronger team with a wider mix of skills. Both companies are supported by teams of experienced project managers, inspectors and welding engineers, with access to a wide range of auxiliary processes in-house, including heat treatment, NDT and CMM inspection. Commenting on behalf of both companies, group managing director Andrew Robinson, says: “This is a fantastic opportunity for both companies. CLG Engineering’s precision machining capability perfectly complements Arc Energy Resources’ cladding and fabrication offering. “The group structure enables us to offer a one-stop-shop for all our clients’ engineering requirements, from design and material supply through to welding, cladding, machining, NDT, pressure testing, surface finishing and project management.” He goes on to say that the cultures of the two companies are highly compatible, from a focus on quality, attention to detail and customer service, to the way they treat their staff. “I have great plans for the future growth of the
group, and am looking forward to supporting our clients on new and larger projects.” says Andrew. Arc Energy Resources was supported in the acquisition by Gloucestershire-based BPE Solicitors. Commenting for the practice, corporate partner Tim Ward says: “We were delighted to represent Arc Energy Resources at such an important time. With our head office in Cheltenham, we opened an office in Stonehouse just two years ago, so this is a great opportunity to work with two successful Stroud businesses, providing them with legal services at a very exciting time. We wish them every success.” The acquisition follows a record trading year for Arc Energy Resources, which grew its turnover in 2015 by 14% to £6.5M and invested heavily in new equipment and facilities including a bi-cathode rotary head cladding cell, a robotic welding cell and a 6,000 square foot extension to its workshop. September 2016 | www.sosmagazine.biz | p39
HAZARDOUS AREA Hazardous area sensors market the rise of intrinsic safety prominence The rising importance of intrinsic safety has positively influenced the growth of the hazardous area sensors market, TMR states. Intrinsic safety is a globally recognized and widely accepted technique of low-energy signaling at a hazardous location, thereby preventing the occurrence of explosions. The acceptance of this concept in present-day manufacturing facilities in oil refineries, textile mills, paint manufacturers, and chemical plants has strongly driven the market and the impact is anticipated to be high toward the end of the forecast period. In addition to the growing prominence of intrinsic safety, the implementation of stringent government legislations across the globe has compelled companies to make use of hazardous area sensors. The author of the study observes. Countries such as the U.S., the U.K., Germany, Canada, France, Austria, Switzerland, and the Netherlands have set up specific standards, certifications, and ratings for sensor safety. On the flip side, economic slowdown in several countries and the high cost of upgrading legacy systems while installing modern sensors are likely to hamper the growth of the global hazardous sensors market. Increased Use of Hazardous Area Sensors in Oil and Gas Industry The prominent applications of hazardous area sensors include oil and gas, power, mining and metal, healthcare, grain storage, chemical, waste and sewage management,
p40 | www.sosmagazine.biz | September 2016
pharmaceutical, and fertilizer. The use of hazardous area sensors in the oil and gas sector has been significantly high and over the forecast period from 2015 to 2023, this application segment is expected to lead the overall hazardous area sensors market. The rising demand for shale gas and coal gas, coupled with increasing exploration for new gas fields, has been positively impacting the market. Servomex Group, Ltd., Neo Monitors AS, Eaton Corporation Plc, Sick AG, MettlerToledo International, Inc., ABB Group, Yokogawa Electric Corporation, Honeywell International, Inc., Endress and Hauser, and Siemens AG are some of the leading players in the global hazardous area sensors market. Developed Markets to Register Sluggish Growth as Developing Regions Surge Ahead The global market for hazardous area sensors has been geographically segmented into Asia Pacific, North America, Europe, and Rest of the World. Asia Pacific has been the leading revenue generator in the hazardous area sensors market with a share of more than 35% in 2014. The region is expected to retain its lead throughout the forecast period owing to high economic growth in countries such as India and South Korea. In addition, the rapid growth of various industrial sectors and the increasing importance attributed to intrinsic safety in most industry verticals have been instrumental in driving the hazardous area sensors market in Asia Pacific. North America has been just as significant a market as APAC, fueled by the replacement of existing hazardous area sensors and the constant upgrade of legacy systems. The growth in certain sectors, such as shale gas exploration, waste and sewage management, and healthcare, is also likely to boost the hazardous area sensors market in North America. The regional market,
along with Europe, is considered to be rather mature and is thus estimated to exhibit sluggish growth over the next few years. Despite holding a minimum share in 2014, the hazardous area sensors market in the Rest of the World is anticipated to register the fastest growth rate from 2015 to 2023. This segment is projected to be fueled by the oil and gas as well as the mining and metal industries. Several countries in RoW, such as Brazil and South Africa, have been emphasizing on intrinsic safety in the industrial sector. As an increasing number of countries follow this trend, the hazardous area sensors market is likely to receive an impetus during the forecast period. About TMR Transparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company driven by high-pedigree consultants and researchers. TMR leverages its Syndicated Research, Custom Research, and Market Consulting expertise to help businesses make accurate decisions. TMR’s exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis draws on proprietary data sources and techniques, while their data repository is continuously updated to reflect the latest trends.
Research Report: www.transparencymarketresearch.com/ hazardous-area-sensors-market.html
hazardous area
New range of explosion proof heat detectors from LGM Products Finding the right cost-effective detector for hazardous areas in offshore environments is not always straightforward, but LGM Products’ HDL probe heat detectors offer an excellent new detection solution. These ATEx and IECEx approved explosion proof detectors can be used in a range of settings including fire alarm, fire suppression or fire and gas detection systems. They can also be installed on a conventional line or on an addressable loop via a switch monitor module. IP66 rated, the detectors are particularly designed for hazardous areas in harsh environmental and corrosive conditions as well as tough industrial settings. The detectors are able to meet most specifications with a range of alarm
temperatures available and several box sizes for increased terminal capacity. LGM Products also supplies a marine standard box for offshore and onshore applications. LGM Products’ Sales Director, Nic Mogford -Revess said: “The versatility and durability of these heat detectors means they are particularly suitable for a range of on and offshore applications from drillships to wind turbines as well as oil and gas platforms.
The addition of these units to our product offering complements LGM Products already extensive range for specialist fire detection. LGM Products has more than 25 years’ experience supplying heat detection equipment to the marine industry.
For further information please visit LGM Products’ website or contact their sales team. +44 (0)1252725257 sales@lgmproducts.com
www.lgmproducts.com
Data Loggers for Harsh Industrial Environments Explosions, fires and corrosion pose ever present dangers to electrical instrumentation operating in heavy industrial environments. OSHA and other organizations classify work areas according to the presence of flammable materials or gases. For data capture in Oil & Gas, Chemical, and other processing applications, users require speciallyprotected data loggers. Capturing Data in Hazardous Environments: Hazardous locations are standardized as Classes and Divisions based on their level of exposure to gases, liquids, dusts etc. which can potentially result in a fire or explosion. To record data in these areas, users need devices with special protection against flammable substances and explosions. If you need to capture data in these
locations, first determine the Class/Division rating of the hazardous area and then source a datalogger rated for operation within it. • Class I Hazardous locations contain flammable gases or vapors in the air in concentrations sufficient to produce explosions or other ignitions. Class I locations are then further classified as one of two Divisions and one of three Zones. • Class II Hazardous locations contain combustible dust in hazardous concentrations. Class II locations are then further classified into two Divisions. Data Loggers for Use in Hazardous Areas: CAS DataLoggers offers Class 1, Division 2 data loggers designed to record data in areas where flammable liquids, gases, etc. are processed, often where ventilating equipment isn’t functioning correctly.
Right: data Taker Industrial Data Loggers. Their first preference is to locate the data logger outside of the hazardous area, trailing the appropriate sensors inside the area, and then to use safety barriers to route the signals from the sensors to the logger. This provides the advantage of easy access to the data logger for data retrieval, program changes, and other maintenance. However, due to distance or other considerations, this is not always practical. Therefore they offer a selection of data logging equipment suitable for direct use in hazardous areas to collect Temperature, Humidity, Pressure or other types of data.
www.dataloggerinc.com
September 2016 | www.sosmagazine.biz | p41
hazardous area
Choice of enclosures for new Rate Totalisers BEKA associates have introduced third generation Rate Totalisers which provide an easy to read display of rate and total flow in the same or different engineering units from almost any pulse output flowmeter. They include the features and functions most frequently requested by users during the past ten years, including two inputs, linearisation, smaller enclosures for applications where panel space is limited and even larger digits in the 144 x 72mm models. A rugged 316 stainless steel model is included for use in marine environments. All models have IP66 front of panel protection. Options include an internally powered display backlight, isolated synchronous pulse output, isolated 4/20mA output and dual alarms.
In addition to general purpose instruments, intrinsically safe models have ATEX, IECEx, US and Canadian certification allowing worldwide installation in gas and dust hazardous areas. For applications in Zone 2 or 22, Ex nA and Ex tc approval permits installation without the need for Zener barriers or galvanic isolators which significantly reduces installation cost. Although well documented and easy to configure on-site, these rate totalisers can be supplied configured to customer’s requirements with a slide-in scale card showing the customer specified units of measurement for no additional charge. All BEKA instruments are supported by a three year guarantee and for customers wishing to evaluate an instrument onsite, a free three month sale or return evaluation service is available.
For further information including datasheets, certificates and application guides please visit: www.beka.co.uk/panel_mounting_rate_ totalisers.html or phone the BEKA sales office on: 01462 438301
www.beka.co.uk
E2S Warning Signals E2S Warning Signals, the world’s leading manufacturer of audible and visual warning devices, has now launched and is delivering against orders the eagerly anticipated STEx family of Stainless Steel products for Haz Loc applications. Satisfying an increasing demand for optimum combinations of robust build and resistance to corrosion, the STEx family complements the well-established BEx (low copper Aluminium) and GNEx (GRP) families. Constructed in Stainless Steel (gr. 316L & 316), rated IP66 for ingress protection and certified (ATEX and IEC IECEx) for Zone 1, 2, 21 & 22 explosion proof signalling, the new STEx family includes alarm sounders, PA loudspeakers, Xenon strobe beacons, Rotating Halogen beacons, LED beacons and combined (beacon and sounder in single assembly) units.
p42 | www.sosmagazine.biz | September 2016
All beacons have a UV stable pc lens filter, which enhances the light output, of colour as chosen to suit the application but which is also Field Replaceable. The STExB2LD2 is an LED Multi-function/ Multi-Mode beacon having an array of high power Cree® LEDs, orientated to optimise visibility in any direction. The beacon can be configured to operate for steady illumination status indication, with a light output of up to 174 candela, or for warning applications, in one of five flashing modes, with a light output of up to 338 candela effective intensity, which is greater than many 5Joule or 10Joule Xenon beacons. DC voltage versions feature three remotely selectable stages enabling multiple warnings to be signalled from one device. Also immediately available is the STExJ2
Above: STEx family group.
Ex d Junction Box for use either with or independently of E2S signalling devices. Full details are available at:
www.e2s.com/products/range/stex
hazardous area
Peli 2785Z1, The Most Powerful ATEX Headlamp with 215 Lumens Peli Products, designer and manufacturer of high-performance protective case solutions and advanced portable lighting solutions, has announced the new high performance 2785Z1, Peli’s most powerful ATEX certified headlamp ever. Peli 2785Z1 is certified by ATEX Zone 1 (Cat. 2) therefore can be used in potentially hazardous areas often found in the Fire & Safety, Oil & Gas, Petrochemical, Pharmaceuticals and other hazmat industries. This new safe headlamp brings a high performance of 215 lumens and 100 hours of burn time. This is the perfect combination of Safety, Power and Long burn time which will support all professionals’ needs for hands free lighting.
This headlamp provides four modes of illumination: Main, Downcast, Flashing, and the combination of Main/Downcast LED modes. The focused Main LED illuminates everything in front providing a great distance beam of 108 meters, while the Downcast LED projects a dispersed beam set at a 45° downward angle. This Downcast beam facilitates safer illuminated pathways, reading capability and convenient face to face applications. Options are plentiful as each mode is provided in an easy to select high, medium or low setting. It offers a pivoting 60º head to direct the light where needed. The rear mounted battery pack is equipped with a full time battery level indicator in addition to a rear facing red LED for added safety. This product is
available in yellow or black colour and includes both a rubber strap for helmets and a cloth strap for bare heads. It offers Peli’s lifetime guarantee (where applicable by law). Above: 2785Z1 – Peli’s most powerful ATEX certified headlamp ever (photo: Peli Products)
www.peliproducts.co.uk
Drum Handling Equipment Lifting & Moving Solutions
Any Drum, Any Space, Anywhere... Move Drums From Any Position On Any Pallet
Tel : 01736 851050
Regulation Compliant UK Designers and Manufacturers
Web : www.sts-trolleys.co.uk
Email : sales@sts-trolleys.co.uk September 2016 | www.sosmagazine.biz | p43
tech spotlight SHOWA 377-IP SET TO MAKE AN IMPACT IN OFF SHORE HAND PROTECTION Hand protection specialist Globus is set to further strengthen its reputation in the oil and gas sector with the launch of the high performance impact-resistant SHOWA 377-IP glove. Designed to protect against the major threat of impact-related hand injuries in the oil and gas industry the new 377-IP glove combines impact protection with wet and dry grip performance, durability, comfort and dexterity. Thanks to its revolutionary design, the back of the hands, knuckles and fingers are protected by SHOWA’s fully integrated and highly flexible Thermoplastic Rubber (TPR) shields that absorb and dissipate the force of an impact, significantly reducing the threat of injuries. Flex points have also been builtin to the TPR shields so that when the hands are gripping tightly, the shields aren’t ‘opened up’ safeguarding the bones against potential impact exposure. On the palm, SHOWA’s patented nitrile foam grip technology - which extends to the fingertips - disperses oil, sludge and mud to deliver outstanding grip in wet and slippery conditions. The additional underlying layer of film nitrile bolsters protection to the entire hand.
The result is a glove ideally suited for a number of trades on oil rigs and platforms including drilling operations, pipe handling, deck operations and engineering and maintenance roles.
The SHOWA 377-IP glove fills a real gap in the market that currently exists, providing enhanced protection in an industry that is unforgiving and physically demanding. You only have to look at the latest figures from the Health and Safety Executive and International Association of Drilling Contractors* to see how risk-exposed the hands are – in particular to the threat of fractures from ‘struck by’ and ‘caught between’ impact injuries. Of all reported upper limb injuries in the industry, 91% result in fractures. The development of the SHOWA 377-IP provides the perfect balance of impact protection, oil grip, hand flexibility and liquid resistance. It also overcomes any lack of finger flexibility that can be evident in other impact protection gloves in the sector. Feedback from rig workers so far has been extremely positive. Steve Shale, Globus Marketing Manager.
p44 | www.sosmagazine.biz | September 2016
tech spotlight In addition to its physical attributes, the new SHOWA 377-IP provides wider user benefits including: Durability – the palm is significantly more abrasion resistant compared to traditional synthetic leather Ergonomic Design – provides comfort for extended wear and reduced hand fatigue. Designed using SHOWA’s patented manufacturing processes resulting in a glove style that mimics the natural curvature of the hand. Bright Blue and Green Colour – users benefit from a highly visibly glove which can help safety in poorly-lit or gloomy working environments. This increases the awareness of the users’ hands by others. Grip – Excellent and proven grip performance in oily, wet and dry environments thanks to SHOWA’s patented nitrile foam coating to the palm and fingertips.
Flexibility and Tactility – has the flexibility and dexterity that workers really like leading to increased wearer compliance and greater worker efficiency. Part of the Renowned Family of SHOWA Nitrile Foam Grip Gloves – SHOWA 377-IP is an addition to a product family with an impressive legacy. Gloves featuring the same patented nitrile foam grip technology (SHOWA 377, 379, 477 and S-TEX 376) are already trusted extensively for their grip performance in the oil and gas industry. For more information on the new SHOWA 377-IP gloves visit:
www.globus.co.uk
Email: sales@globus.co.uk or call 0161 877 4747 and ask to speak to our Oil and Gas Sector Specialist Team.
*Upper limb injuries in the Offshore sector account for 42% of all injuries reported, with 91% of these being fractures. HSE - Offshore Injury Statistics Report for 2015: www.hse.gov.uk/offshore/statistics/ hsr2015.pdf
September 2016 | www.sosmagazine.biz | p45
tech spotlight
STR design and manufacture bespoke cabling solution for CEFAS Subsea Technology & Rentals Ltd (STR) have enhanced their reputation as specialists in developing high quality bespoke technology for the subsea industry with the design and manufacture of a bespoke cabling solution for the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS).
and depth compass. Together with the cables for Aris sonar, and the STR SeaSpectrumIP camera, this provided CEFAS with a fully mountable video inspection system for their sled.
STR were approached by CEFAS to produce a cable design to simplify their more complex operations and expand the capabilities of their recently purchased STR SeaSpyder Telemetry Camera System.
At STR we specialise in working with our clients to develop and manufacture creative solutions to help overcome their more complex operational needs. Our team of technicians are experienced in designing and manufacturing cabling solutions for unique applications for clients across all sectors of the industry, no matter how challenging!
Brian Patterson, Cable Moulding Supervisor at STR said:
The cabling solution was designed in-house at STR to enable the SeaSpyder Telemetry System & fibreoptic mux to directly interface with 6 off STR underwater LEDs, an array of laser pointers and line generators, altimeter
Above: SeaSpyder Cable Mould & SeaSpyder Cable Harness.
For further information on these and other products and services offered by STR: Visit:
www.str-subsea.com
Email: sales@str-subsea.com Tel: +44 (0)845 388 6383
Development of pressure tolerant battery pack for MAS continues at pace In October 2015 a consortium of UK companies, led by Steatite, secured funding from the UK’s innovation agency (Innovate UK), to research and develop a battery pack that would be pressure tolerant to oceanic depths of 6000 meters. The project, which is due for completion in October 2017, brings together expertise from Lithium Sulfur (LI-S) cell manufacturer Oxis Energy Ltd, underwater vehicle designer and manufacturer MSubs Ltd, scientific expertise from the National Oceanography Centre (NOC), and battery pack design and assembly specialist Steatite Ltd. When complete, the increased energy
p46 | www.sosmagazine.biz | September 2016
density of Lithium Sulfur (LI-S) cells used within the battery pack will bring a host of benefits to the Marine Autonomous Systems (MAS) sector including improved safety, greater vehicle speed and operational endurance, significant launch cost savings as a result of greater operational efficiency, improvements in neutral buoyancy and increased payload capacity as the batteries will not need to be housed within a pressure vessel. Currently just past the quarter way point of the programme, development of the pack is ahead of schedule and continuing at pace. Phase one testing has been completed with very encouraging results. During the test process Lithium Sulfur cells were repeatedly exposed
to a combination of pressures and low temperatures, with performance observed at 660 Bar and 4 Deg C. The results are promising and with further iterations of testing and cell development the consortium remain optimistic that the project’s goals and performance expectations will be achieved. This testing phase is a major step forward for the project and phase two testing is now underway, the results of which will be released very soon. Interested parties can receive regular updates on the progress of this project by subscribing to the MAS update list at:
www.steatite.co.uk/masupdates
tech spotlight
Sandvik Achieves NORSOK Approval for its Alloy 625 HIP Products Having recently achieved NORSOK approval for its Alloy 625 hot isostatic pressed (HIP) products Sandvik showcased its extensive expertise in the production of complex components for oil & gas applications, using powder metallurgy HIP technology, in its booth at ONS 2016. Sandvik is the only company to have achieved the NORSOK qualification for its HIP products in Alloy 625. This is an important step towards providing customers with increased design flexibility and manufacturing advantages especially for subsea systems. This qualification will drive product differentiation and means that customers in this sector will no longer have to seek other, less effective forms of manufacture. It opens up more opportunities where we can satisfy the complex nature of the products along with the exceptional corrosion resistance and inbuilt strength of the HIP process. Mats Petersson, Sandvik Product Manager, HIP products, Oil & Gas.
In many oil and gas projects the NORSOK qualification is a prerequisite, the only options being to use other manufacturing methods, such as forging where there are few qualified operators, or to seek a complex deviance.
Working with Sandvik makes the process straightforward and can accommodate the most complex of designs using HIP technology. Adds Petersson. Hot isostatic pressing facilitates the manufacture of products with irregular shapes and complex geometries such as subsea wye pieces, manifolds, tees, swivels, valve bodies etc., to near-net-shape. Costly operations such as machining and welding are greatly reduced, process safety improved and material properties enhanced. It also results in products having isotropic properties, the ability to withstand complex multidirectional loads, contributing to a lighter, more precise and stronger product. Sandvik advanced metal powder technology is available in a full range of stainless steels, duplex and super-duplex material grades. These offer excellent resistance to corrosion and hydrogen induced stress cracking (HISC) making them ideal for subsea offshore oil and
gas operations.
Sandvik’s industry-leading metallurgical competence can help create unique customer value, setting industry standards in powder metallurgy based applications. Concludes Mats Petersson. HIP product examples will be displayed in the Swedish Pavilion, Booth 6, at ONS 2016. The HIP products are part of the wide Sandvik portfolio of advanced materials for the oil and gas industry. Sandvik works with all major oil and gas companies and fabricators to solve challenges relating to deep, hot and sour wells where corrosion, cost-efficiency, weight savings and safety are critical.
Above: Sandvik has achieved NORSOK approval for its Alloy 625 hot isostatic pressed (HIP) products (photo: Sandvik).
Ashtead Boosts Rental Fleet with Cost-effective Below: The iXblue RAMSES. Subsea Navigation Technology The iXblue RAMSES is an acoustic synthetic baseline positioning tool with self-contained computing, for simple, efficient, real-time underwater navigation. Coupled with iXBlue inertial navigation system (INS), it delivers extreme precision in even the world’s most challenging seas. It can be used to track the position of subsea structures without the need for multiple transponders or umbilicals, enabling immediate and simplified mobilisation. Traditionally, achieving
subsea accuracy required the deployment and calibration of subsurface equipment – an often lengthy and very costly process. With the iXblue RAMSES system, an ROV can place a single beacon on the sea floor and achieve positioning precision, allowing for improved operational flexibility, significant cost savings, improved operational efficiency and higher levels of acoustic accuracy. Allan Pirie, Chief Executive of Ashtead said: “Our existing pool of inertial navigation systems has proven to be
extremely popular with our customers and we have enhanced our rental fleet to meet their growing demands. “This investment underlines our commitment to the subsea market, by offering the latest, most efficient technologies available and will see our clients experience a more cost-effective, reliable solution for ROV and AUV navigation, offshore support, metrology, and demanding subsea applications across the UK and beyond.”
September 2016 | www.sosmagazine.biz | p47
tech spotlight
VABH-B Excavator Hook for Bolting Can be used with most commercial lifting means RUD Chains offers over 500 different tested and certified lifting and lashing points which cover a working load capacity range of 0.6 to 250 tonne. RUD’s lifting equipment is used across a wide range of working environments from Heavy Lifting, Engineering, Materials Handling, Offshore, Construction, Rail, MOD and many more. The VABH-B VIP Excavator Hook for bolting offers a range of advantages and lifting options for the user. Firstly they can be used as lifting points on cross bars and beams or for wire rope slings and round slings. They can also be used for lifting means with loop or oval suspension rings. The VABH-B Excavator Hooks are known as the threaded hook for all lifting means due to the fact they can be used with most commercial lifting means without the need for additional connecting elements. The ICE-Bolt is made out of RUD patented steel and offers a higher toughness, higher bending strength as well as less wear occurrence.
RUD patented wear marking indicator helps highlight when the lifting equipment is no longer fit for service and needs to be replaced. Therefore, offering an ultimate safety factor to the user. The VABH-B Excavator Hooks offer a safety factor of 4:1 and are operational from temperatures as low as -40° to plus 350°. They also come with RUD RFID chips embedded into them to help make management of all lifting equipment a quick and easy process should you wish to use the RFID technology. RUD provide standard and tailored solutions to meet even the most demanding environments. Top quality products combined with technological innovations and experience make RUD a top choice for all your lifting requirements.
For more information call: 01227 276 611 Email: katie.crane@rud.co.uk or visit us at:
www.rud.co.uk
INNOVATIVE PASSIVELY COOLED INSTRUMENTATION SHELTERS TO BE SHOWN AT ADIPEC Intertec is exhibiting an innovative approach to housing remote instrumentation and communications equipment in harsh environments, in the form of a passively cooled walk-in shelter. The shelter can greatly reduce the problems of installing equipment in remote locations, where reliable power is unavailable, and where dust and sand in the atmosphere can make it difficult to cool electronics equipment using conventional air conditioning systems. Another major element of the shelter’s performance is its construction from GRP (glass reinforced polyester) panels employing a composite ‘sandwich’ construction to provide a very high degree of insulation, plus surface protection that can survive the extreme challenges of the Middle East p48 | www.sosmagazine.biz | September 2016
environment - including very high levels of UV and dust and sand abrasion. GRP is an inherently inert material that is virtually immune to corrosion and atmospheric pollutants. It is also resistant to a wide range of petrochemical media. Intertec’s shelter employs a highly efficient passive cooling system that exploits the energy storage capacity of water, which circulates by natural convection. This passive, unpowered system can be boosted by a small externally mounted electrical cooler driven by solar panels -
shelters can substantially reduce the total cooling power required compared with insulated steel shelters, and provide highly stable operating environments for sensitive equipment such as analyzers. Intertec’s composite GRP sandwich panels include thick polyurethane insulation layers, which are bonded inside GRP sheets. This style of fabrication and assembly eliminates the ‘thermal short cuts’ between shelter interior and exterior that can result from the fixings that are often used with traditional insulated metal constructions. Such conductive points often account for the
The high levels of insulation of Intertec’s
www.intertec.info
to optimize performance on hot sunny days. Using this and other hybrid techniques, Intertec is able to provide passively-cooled shelter solutions that are able to operate in equatorial regions, as well as the arid climates in which they are widely used today.
majority of thermal losses: around 75% or more of the shelter totals in many instances. Intertec’s multi-function composite material also ensures that the internal walls are smooth and stable, making it simple to mount the equipment.
tech spotlight
New Underwater Products from Remote Ocean Systems Inc. Leading underwater equipment manufacturer Remote Ocean Systems Inc. (ROS) has released 3 new products targeted at the subsea, marine and oceanographic industries: L350 – Super Robust LED ROS underwater lights are world renowned for their reliability and longevity. This enviable reputation has been further enhanced by the release of the most robust ROS underwater light to date – the L350! The L350 is an evolution of its market leading predecessor the L300, giving full range dimming up to 7500 Lumen. Designed with the offshore operator in mind, the L350’s 6000m rated hard anodised 5K aluminium housing utilises a captive flush mounted window and recessed tamper proof screws, while faces of the housing meet with large radii mitigating corrosion, chafe and snag points. The L350’s structural integrity is further enhanced with the view port secured in place by a ‘cleated’ bezel and housing interface removing the shear loading on the ports retaining fasters. The L350 utilises the proven internal electronics of the L300 which have been independently tested to 6G shock and vibration without failure. The end result is a super robust underwater LED that illuminates the toughest of challenges in the harshest of environments. The L350 comes with a 2-year warranty and various connector options. P15 Lightweight Electric Pan & Tilt Known for their durability the latest ROS
pan and tilt is no exception. The P15 Lightweight Electric Pan & Tilt is available in both a shallow or deep water configuration. The shallow water P15 is rated to 70m and weighs in at an impressive 1.4kg in water. Designed for inshore and onshore survey and inspection work, the unit is ideal for pole mounting from a RIB or small work boat or for long-term facilities monitoring projects. The deep water P15 is rated to 6000m (PBOF/PBLF) and weighs only 1.9kg in water. With its compact form factor, the unit is ideal for mounting to various classes of ROV as the main pan and tilt or as a secondary unit for applications such as sonar imaging, leak detection operations or high pressure jet cleaning. The robust P15 has an impressive in air load capacity of 6.8kg and shows an improved +/0.1° absolute positional feedback capability. The 20-28VDC RS485 controlled unit runs low back-lash harmonic gears and brushless DC motors giving 20° p/s rotation speed. The P15 comes with 2-year warranty and is available with a Subconn MCBH-4-MP connector as standard.
the fixed focus C460 offers a 77° field of view over 570 TV Lines. The C460 comes with a 2-year warranty and various connector options. ROS have been industry leaders in the design and manufacturing of reliable, high-tech equipment and systems for the most severe subsea, oceanographic, industrial, commercial and military environments since 1975. To view ROS’s full subsea, nuclear and military range of cameras, lights, positioners and system solutions please visit www.rosys.com or contact us at: sales@rosys.com SCS Ltd. is contracted by ROS Inc. to act for and on their behalf in the UK and Norway.
www.subcomservices.com
C460 – Ultra Low Light Camera ROS’s widely used range of underwater cameras has been further enhanced with the addition of the C460 Ultra Low Light Camera. The monochrome C460’s highly impressive 5 x 10-⁶ Lux rating generates work enabling footage in the darkest of ambient light conditions as well as high intensity sunlight. Housed in a 6000m rated Titanium enclosure with underwater corrected view port,
In these pictures (clockwise): ROS C460 Ultra Low Light Camera, ROS P15 Lightweight Pan & Tilt and ROS L350 Super Robust Underwater LED.
Blaze Manufacturing Solutions launches advanced flexible pipe system at ONS A leading provider of fire control and safety solutions has launched its new flexible pipe solution at this year’s ONS Exhibition and Conference. Blaze Manufacturing Solutions (Blaze), which was established in 2006 to serve the global oil and gas and renewables markets has launched FLEX- FLO™, a modular system for the construction of flexible piping solutions, to the onshore and offshore market. FLEX- FLO™ is an enhancement of the firm’s signature product, Flameshield 300™ flexible deluge pipework. Having installed
Flameshield 300™ on a number of platforms, Blaze utilised its in-house expertise and experience to make significant enhancements to Flameshield 300™ to further increase safety and reduce costs, resulting in the new system. Incorporating patent pending technology, FLEX-FLO™ has been developed primarily for firewater deluge in Asset Life Extension (ALE) and decommissioning projects, as well as new build or existing oil and gas production, chemical processing, vessels, drilling and well test heat shielding applications. As a low maintenance, corrosion free flexible
pipework solution, FLEX-FLO™ is quick to install, does not require production shutdown to construct, and provides flexibility when alterations are required. September 2016 | www.sosmagazine.biz | p49
Industry news
STR ACQUIRES INDUSTRY LEADING CABLE COUNTER TECHNOLOGY FROM REMONTEC Great Yarmouth based Subsea Technology & Rentals Ltd (STR); global specialists in the design, production and rental of advanced subsea technology for the offshore industry have acquired the product rights to Remontec’s cable counter technology. Under the terms of the agreement, STR now own the design and copyright covering all Remontec’s T- Count Cable Counter range and have commenced a manufacturing and product development programme to ensure continued availability. The robust wireless cable counter blocks are already used by STR’s customers for various oceanographic applications and will continue to complement their expanding portfolio of specialist technology.
manufacturing and R&D in order to drive business growth and diversification.
For further information on these and other products and services offered by STR:
www.str-subsea.com sales@str-subsea.com +44 (0)845 388 6383
Neil Jackson, Sales and Operations Manager at STR said:
The acquisition of the product rights to the currently marketed T-Count Cable Counter fits perfectly with our strategic plans to enhance
Coming up in the October issue of
Subsea & Offshore Service Magazine... Offshore Energy Exhibition & Conference 2016 Preview, Cables, Glands & Connectors, Corrosion Services, Pipe & Tubular: Products & Services, Subsea Equipment,
Decommissioning... If you have any news, insights or product launches that you would like to share with our readers, please email them to:
editor@sosmagazine.biz for consideration in our future issues.
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