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Hydraulic systems & components

1st Quarter 2010 Hydraulic systems & components

Marine hydraulic specialist Hytec Marine and Offshore Services recently completed a two-part marine engineering project on the drilling vessel ‘Deepwater Expedition’.

The project comprised the redesign of the pipe handling system and the construction of control valve modules for the ship, which services the petrochemical industry off the west coast of Africa. The project, valued at R3,1 million, was completed under a tight deadline and has demonstrated Hytec Marine and Offshore Services’ ability to deliver high quality solutions with maximum speed and efficiency.

Robotic pipe handling

The control system for the ship’s onboard robotic pipe handling system was redesigned, supplied and constructed by Hytec Marine and Offshore Services. The system supplies the ship’s drilling rig with the riser pipes necessary to reach the ocean floor. Riser pipes are stored on the stern of the vessel, while the drilling rig is located amidships. The supplied solution is capable of forward and reverse movement as well as articulation on a vertical plane. The system was designed using Bosch Rexroth components throughout. The new pipe handling system affords two advantages over the previous system: improved stability at sea and the elimination of damage to riser pipes during the handling process. The new system has resulted in a safer, more efficient vessel from which to conduct marine drilling.

BOP systems

For the vessel’s blow out preventer (BOP) systems the marine engineering company supplied 189 litre Hydac hydraulic accumulators. BOP systems are fitted to wells as emergency shut-off mechanisms to seal a well in the event of an emergency.

These systems are engaged if overpressure causes fluids, such as oil or natural gas, to enter the well-bore and threaten the drilling rig. BOP control valves control the actuators which shut the well on a BOP system. They are operated remotely using valve actuators, which are powered by hydraulic accumulators. In drilling applications this mean that BOPs can operate immediately without lag and independently of any external power source.

Hydac accumulators have a working pressure of 210 bar (3000 psi). The imported control valves used on the BOP systems are rated for working pressures 420 bar (6000 psi), and are constructed out of 316 grade stainless steel to ensure that the components do not rust on the ocean floor.

According to Clynton Sutherland, key accounts manager, Hytec Marine and Offshore Services, the company was awarded the contract directly from the client, as a result of the company’s exceptional standing within the industry.

“Hytec Marine and Offshore Services has excelled in the petrochemical sector, as a result of the speed and efficiency with which we are able to complete jobs, our high attention to detail, a globally recognised high quality product range, a skilled and efficient work force, and a sense of pride which ensures that clients always receive the best possible solution available.”

For more information contact Clynton Sutherland, Hytec Marine and Offshore Services, +27 (0)21 551 4747, [email protected], www.hytec.co.za

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