Vector supports fast track Shell construction project
Posted: 9 December 2003
Vector International has supported main contractor SLP Engineering
Ltd in constructing two new gas platforms for Shell UK Exploration
and Production – Carrack QA and Clipper PR – in a rapid
construction time by providing Techlok clamp connectors for the
project.
The platforms, which sailed out in July, were constructed in SLP’s
Lowestoft yard and completed in just 12 months – much faster
than typical construction time for platforms of this size.
Rapid construction of the project was required to meet Shell’s
plans for targeting of the oil and gas reserves of the Carrack field.
Vector has supplied over 600 Techlok connectors for the platforms
ranging from 1 to 24 inches in duplex and super duplex to be used
on topside piping.
“Given the importance of size and weight for offshore developments,
particularly topside, Techlok provides a key advantage, being some
75 per cent smaller and lighter that traditional gasketed ASME/ANSI
flanges of the same pressure rating. For instance, weight savings
of nearly three tonnes can be made using Techlok over an equivalent
1500 class ASME/ANSI flange on one 24 inch size alone,” explains
Ian Robinson Vector International’s vice president marketing
and sales.
“What’s more, and of particular significance for this
fast construction project, is that Techlok has reduced bolting requirements
(only four per connector) so typically, several connectors can be
made up in the time it would take to construct one ANSI flange.”
The reduced bolting requirements on the Techlok connector are achieved
thanks to its sealing method – a unique metal-to-metal technology
that is self-energised by the pressure within the piping system
and requires only low seating forces to maintain joint integrity,
thus allowing the number of bolts to be reduced. ASME/ANSI flanges
need very high seating forces to compress a gasket in order to maintain
a seal and consequently several bolts per flange. A high number
of bolts require a wide bolt-circle, which increases the flanges
susceptibility to bending and the only recourse is to increase the
thickness of the flange section, adding further weight.
Carrack QA will be a ‘hub’ platform of the operation
some 120km off the coast of Norfolk on the UK/Dutch border, targeting
reserves of 300 million standard cubic feet per day (MMscf/d), which
is equivalent to almost 3% of the current daily demand in the UK.
Clipper PR will be installed adjacent to Shell’s existing
Sole Pit Clipper platform to act as a reception facility for Carrack
gas production.
In addition to the provision of connectors, and demonstrative of
Vector’s partnership engineering capabilities, its engineers
have been integral in the decision-making of all pipe connection
requirements for the platforms, working closely with SLP project
engineers and numerous equipment suppliers, providing advice and
guidance on the application of Techlok connectors and all interfacing
equipment.
Competency training was also provided to SLP engineers to ensure
that all the Techloks would be installed correctly, so helping to
avoid incidences of damage to hubs, flanges and sealrings commonly
caused by mishandling. Reducing damage to components is essential
to achieving no leaks on start-up as even slight impairments can
prevent a connector sealing correctly, which can cause delays while
the resulting leaks are rectified.
For more information see www.vectorint.com.
Posted by Richard Price,
Editor Pipeline Magazine
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