CUSTOMER: BP

PROBLEM:  BP wanted to put in place contingencies to ensure leak-free smooth running of their pipelines in the Caspian Sea. So important is the project that a number of solutions were sought and proposed, and several selected.

SOLUTION: A unique self-sealing clamp worth over $100,000 was produced by Furmanite for deployment on a critical main oil export line.  Designed to fit a 24 inch, 150 bar g flange and comply with a 20 year design life requirement, the Furmanite clamp was profile cut from carbon steel to avoid excessive weld points. The clamp peripherally seals the flange, the individual flange bolts are then fitted with collars, featuring teflon seal guards to prevent seepage via bolt holes during injection. Once in-situ, the clamp is injected with a specialist resin, developed by Furmanite for a sub sea oil environment, to fill the voids and complete the operation.

Requiring diver-installation in strong currents and up to 80 metres depth of water, the clamp was engineered to be as ‘diver-friendly’ as possible. Further, it’s design features sacrificial anodes attached to ensure continuous service in these conditions for 25 years.

Furmanite completed design, testing and manufacture of this bespoke clamp in just three weeks.

OUTCOME: BP is to stock contingency clamps globally, on almost every pipeline (including those subsea), as part of plans to reduce the environmental impact of leaks or damage to pipelines.