|
|
Successful Trials For Eb's Deepwater Pipeline Ploughs
Created on
11 September 2009 by host
0 Comments | Categories: Industry News
Trialling new equipment can be a win:win situation for the design and
fabrication team, providing the opportunity for passing on required
knowledge about operating a new system to its new owners as well as
providing the designer with practical experience that is a definite
bonus for future designs.
This was confirmed when IHC Engineering Business (EB) worked with Saipem
UK Ltd (SUKL) on installation, commissioning and sea trials of two new
EB-designed and built pipeline trenching ploughs aboard the 'Far
Samson'.
The main trenching plough was designed to bury pipelines up to 1550mm
diameter up to 2.5m below the seabed, sustain a bollard pull of over
350T and maintain speeds of up to 3000m/hr, where seabed conditions
permit. The backfill plough, an all-new EB-designed concept, sees all
four of the main skids sit outside the trench enabling the plough to run
on undisturbed soil, thus increasing stability and reducing risk of
damage to the laid pipe.
"Over the course of six weeks an EB team worked alongside SUKL personnel
and led the electrical installation and commissioning of equipment
onboard the 'Far Samson' in preparation for the sea trails which were
design to rigorously test all key aspects of both ploughs' performance,"
explains EB's Sales and Operations Director Toby Bailey. "The trials
programme included a trenching plan that would test the ploughs' ability
to transition in and out of work, demonstrate multi-pass capability, and
allow operators to gain an understanding of the general performance of
the ploughs in terms of speed, tow force, trench profiles, steering
ability and overall control.
"Over the course of the trials, the ploughs performed exceptionally well
in all of these areas," he adds. "The trenching plough was tested up to
rated bollard pull and stable trenches up to 2.7m deep were created.
Trenching speeds in excess of those expected or required were achieved
and many of the new design features were proved to be a major advance on
previous pipeline plough systems. For example, water jetting to aid with
share closing and a novel system to prevent soil ingress into the skids.
"During the course of the sea trials, the backfill plough concept proved
itself to be highly effective. The plough was easy to steer and very
stable, even at relatively high offset steering angles and provided
effective backfilling of the 2.7m trench.
"Upon completion of the trials, SUKL confirmed that it was extremely
satisfied with the performance of the ploughs and all are now looking
forward to the first 'live' trenching project."
Further information on EB is available at www.engb.com and from IHC
Engineering Business at Broomhaugh House, Riding Mill, Northumberland,
NE44 6EG, UK. Tel: +44 (0)1434 682800; email: team@engb.com
Print this Article
Post Comment:
Rating:
Comments:
There are currently no comments, be the first to post one.