N E W S R E L E A S E from FURMANITE AUSTRALIA
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FPSO steering rams repair method helps keep tight shutdown on-schedule
Repairs to restore worn hydraulic steering rams on Woodside’s Cossack Pioneer FPSO with minimum downtime were successfully undertaken recently by Furmanite, the technical services company geared to maximising asset uptime, helping to keep a short and tightly subscribed shutdown on schedule.
The vessel’s four hydraulically-actuated steering rams (each 3 metres in length and 410 mm diameter) had become worn through continual movement over 35 years in service. The ram surfaces had been heavily scored, resulting in leakage of hydraulic oil, reduced steering capacity and a condition of class (ABS).
Initially a repair involving removal and replacement of a layer of metal on the ram was considered, but this was discounted because it would render the FPSO unable to return to site immediately in the event of an unforeseen emergency or a requirement to commence operations back on site. Instead Furmanite, known for its ability to develop bespoke in-situ solutions, was called in to repair the scored surfaces and reduce the oil loss with minimum downtime.
After considering various options, Furmanite devised and project-managed a repair method that involved its on-site machining expertise and its sealing compound knowledge.
Furmanite technicians used grinding machines to clean the score marks and roughen the surface, and then filled the scored grooves with a specialist ABS approved two component polymer composite base compound to repair the metal surfaces. Previously used in nuclear power stations, the compound has a compressive strength to 13,500psi and flexural strength to 9,500psi and a hardness of 86 shore D. The result was a fully refurbished ram surface, which successfully stopped the excess leakage of hydraulic oil.
One of the many challenges involved related to conducting the repair work in the confined recessed space of the steering gear room, with temperatures exceeding 35 deg C and humidity of 60 to 70 per cent. These conditions required compound curing times to be closely monitored to ensure optimum bond strength whilst retaining the ability to be able to work the surface finish.
Critically, the work was fully completed on the two rams required within just eight days, on-time and in-budget within a tightly scheduled annual shutdown period, after which the vessel had to return to site, off the North West Shelf of Western Australia. Work to repair the remaining two rams in the same way will be undertaken by Furmanite while the FPSO is moored on station.
Commenting on the project Furmanite sales manager David Arnold said: “Our experience and expertise in engineering problem-solving enabled us to find a solution that could deliver the required results with minimum time requirements. This is typical of the service we offer, applying our range of skills and technologies to minimise downtime and keep assets earning.”
For further press information please contact:
Sarah Manwaring-White, Keep in Touch Ltd
Tel: +44 (0)1451 844 488 Email: sarah_mw@keepintouch.co.uk
Issued on behalf of Furmanite Australia