Hydratight is offering safe hot bolting services on all types of flanged joints globally.
The need to replace corroded or damaged bolts that are fitted to live pressurized flanges is a common problem for many offshore operators, who are trying to extend life of aging assets. Aging assets form a substantial global market, as more offshore assets reach or surpass their design life span.
According to Infield, there are more than 2500 platforms in the Gulf of Mexico that are approaching or have exceeded their design life. Similar situations exist in the Middle East, Brazil, West Africa and in Southeast Asia. The Middle East has about 500 platforms with an average age exceeding 28 years. Indonesia and Malaysia combined have more than 1000 platforms with an average age of 20 years.
Increased age brings inevitable degradation to assets and especially joints. While existing offshore assets are compelled to remain online, their lifespan must be prolonged safely and efficiently. Hydratight provides a simple, safe and secure solution. The patented design of Hydratight’s Hot Bolt Clamp offers a robust solution, providing the highest mitigation of risk of flange or gasket damage or worse, a leak. The philosophy behind the design is to minimize the possibility of disturbing the gasket. The solution does not require any pneumatics or hydraulics for clamp engagement, nor does it increase the load on the gasket. The lightweight and compact design fits almost all flange space restrictions; it is easy to handle and fit, therefore enabling speedy bolt replacement. Furthermore it is designed and tested in accordance with ASME VIII Division 2.
Hydratight started its new Hot Bolting Services in the North Sea as a pressure test. Hydratight is pleased to confirm the successful completion of the pressure testing of its new Hot Bolting Service using the new Hot Bolt Clamp. The pressure test included 4-bolt and upward flanges, ASME and NORSOK flange designs, hydrocarbon and non-hydrocarbon services, hot bolting and temporary installations. In addition, technician training programs and procedures were developed to mitigate all risks and minimize leakage or harm to the technician.
Apart from clients like BG, Exxon Mobil and Shell, the major focus of the pressure test was Statoil. Statoil owns 36 platforms in the North Sea, with average age of 20 years. Statoil is a pioneer in asset integrity & leak prevention on offshore installations and places high importance on safety and contractor competency. Statoil has now prequalified Hydratight’s Hot Bolting Services for use on 4-bolt ASME flanges, subject to review of technician competency and performance offshore.
The outcome has confirmed the service is ready for a global launch. Most of the major operators have shown strong interest in the service and Hydratight is committed to maintaining the highest standards of safety while providing solutions tailored according to customer needs. Product management and technical teams are working with regional teams in scaling up the capability based on local customer requirements.
Image from Hydratight.
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