The use of Mechanical Connectors throughout Life of Field Andrew Woodward Subsea Sales Engineer andrew.woodward@hydratight.com 1
What I will cover Safety Moment Introduction to Hydratight What are Mechanical Connectors Types of Connector Why use Connectors Types of Intervention o Repair o Tie in o Bypass 2
Safety Moment ICE - In Case of Emergency The concept of ICE In Case of Emergency was created by former paramedic, Bob Brotchie, in 2004. It then went on to receive worldwide recognition in 2005 and is still used by millions of mobile phone users today! By adding ICE to your mobile phone it allows paramedics on the scene to identify you, treat you and be able to contact your next of kin immediately. Also, carers and parents can relax knowing, that should anything happen to their loved ones, medics will have all the information they need to give the right treatment, and they will know who to call first. To create your Medical ID: 1. Begin by tapping the Health app to open it. 2. In the bottom right corner of the app, tap Medical ID. 3. The first time you do this, you'll see a screen explaining what it is. 4. Tap Create Medical ID to continue. For other phones check instructions! 3
Introduction to Hydratight Products & services cover applications including : Torque & tension bolting Joint Integrity software & services In-situ pipe cutting, beveling, & prepping On-site, in-situ milling, line boring & grinding In-situ CNC thread capable 3D milling In-place leak sealing & valve testing Topside & Subsea Weldless Connections Customized engineering solutions Part of the Actuant Corporation, Hydratight is a world leading engineering company who provide a range of specialist products and services to the Oil & Gas and Power Generation industries. Since 1901, our aim is to maximise safety and improve operational efficiency by supplying products and services that provide safe, reliable connections. 4
What Are Mechanical Connectors A Mechanical Connector provides a safe, reliable, reversible means of affecting a mechanical connection between two bare pipe ends equivalent to a good welded connection. Key features: Gripping Capacity to suit pressures and external loads Sealing to suit line media, Fire Safe Fatigue life Cold work solution Applicable 3 rd party approvals o eg. DNV-GL type approval to DNV-OS- F101 / DNV-RP-F113 5
Types of Connector Various Connector types to suit: Topside/Subsea/Remote Applications High/low pressures Different pipe materials o Carbon Steel / Stainless Steel / Duplex Steels Connector configurations Pipe-to-pipe Coupling Pipe-to-flange Flange Adapter Pipe-to-weld prep Pipe Adapter Pipe-to-blind End Cap 6
Types of Connector Topside Subsea & Remote 7
Types of Connector Gripping Mechanisms Ball & taper Grip Ring Collet Seal Types Graphite Elastomeric application sensitive 8
Why Use Connectors? Alternatives Welding o Hot works often means wide ranging isolations in work location - Topside o Requires Hyperbaric spread - Subsea Hot tapping o May require compromises on production levels Advantages of Connectors Restore original pipeline condition With suitable 3 rd party approvals can be considered a permanent repair Removes requirement for welding (Hot Works / Hyperbaric) 9
Unplanned Interventions Challenges Identification of defect and root cause analysis repair methodology Operational concerns with intervention Finding suitable repair locations Finding suitable vessels, repair equipment etc Lead time and/or specification issues Planning ahead Planning for the unexpected can save time and money: o Repair strategies can be identified o Agreements with vessel contractors o Storage of repair equipment o EPRS Club Arrangements 10
Repair Repair requirements can occur at anytime during the life of a field, causes include: Corrosion/erosion Dropped objects/dragged anchors/fishing activities Buckling Weld failures Operational issues eg blockages Repairs are often unplanned 11
Planned Interventions Challenges Existing Infrastructure Capacity & Suitability Operational concerns with intervention Finding suitable tie-in / Bypass locations Opportunities Operations can be proactive not reactive Undertake other inspections / repairs / upgrades during shutdown window Mitigating Risk: o Pre-repair inspections o Engagement with operators, contractors and suppliers Time to find ideal solutions to operator specifications 12
Tie-In Original Field Layout 13
Tie-In New Opportunity Nearby 14
Tie-In Pipeline cut & removed. Connector installed 15
Tie-In New Field Layout 16
Tie-In Why Tie-in new infrastructure to old? Reduced CAPEX of new infrastructure Shared OPEX of existing infrastructure Reduced and/or shared Decommissioning costs REDUCES TOTEX Environmental concerns o Additional pipeline networks o Protected areas Bypasses make sense where: New Field development is located near to existing infrastructure 17
Bypass Original Field Layout Bypass identified 18
Bypass Pipeline & removed cut either side of Asset 19
Bypass Connectors Installed 20
Bypass Bypass Spool Installed New Field Layout 21
Bypass Why Bypass redundant infrastructure? Reduced OPEX of infrastructure OPEX savings fund Decommissioning costs Can reduce TOTEX Allows decommissioning activities to begin earlier Reduced risk of asset deterioration over time Bypasses make sense where: Cost of Bypass Annual Cost of Maintenance x Time 22
Summary Mechanical Connectors join bare pipe ends without welding. Potential savings: o No hot works o No hyperbaric welding set equipment With suitable approvals can be considered equivalent to a welded connection Can be used for pipeline repair, tie-ins and bypasses Tie-ins and bypasses can have major cost implications on OPEX and TOTEX 23
Thank you Questions? 24