DEVELOPMENT OF A LARGE DIAMETER PILE CONNECTOR

Ziel

Due to increasing water depth of oil reserves, platforms pile diameter are becoming larger and jointing times for each section of pile, by welding, increases correspondingly. To replace offshore welding, reduce the cost of installation and lessen weather dependency mechanical connectors have been proved viable.
It is to demonstrate the feasibility of manufacture of a full size large diameter pile connector and to design and assess practical methods of connector assembly. A full size assembly trial will be carried out, combined with manufacture of a full size assembly tool.
The connector is not threaded and requires no rotation during make-up. Axial loads are transferred through a series of rings and grooves with radial interference, assembly being effected by the injection of an interface fluid between Pin and Box. The connector incorporates the varying tooth pitch principle, resulting in a more even distribution of pre-load and axially applied external forces between connector teeth.
Results from prototype testing have shown that large diameter pile connectors satisfy and exceed industry requirements. Consequently further justification has been obtained for the replacement of welding with connectors as a means ofjoining pile lengths.
The project involves the manufacture of a full size large diameter pile connector. The connector will demonstrate the feasibility of manufacture and assembly of a large diamater pile connector.
Phase I and II of the project have been successfully completed. Phase I covered the initial design and analysis of the connector which included extensive use of Finite Element Techniques. Phase II involved manufacture of scale prototypes. The prototypes, in 15" and 30" diameters, were subjected to extensive static and fatigue testing. The results of the testing showed that the static and fatigue performance exceeds the current method of joining lengths of piles, which is by welding.
Phase III will conclude the project with an asembly trial which will be carried out using a compression test rig. The load required to assemble the connector will be established and used to design assembly tooling. All assembly stresses/strains will be monitored and correlated to theoretically predicted results.
A prototype full size assembly tool will be manufactured complete with all necessary hydraulic actuators and hydraulic system components. Functional trials of the assembly tool will be carried out and any faults will be identified and rectified.
A full scale assembly of a connector will be carried out and data will be compiled and assessed on assembly loads and induced stresses/strains.

Programm/Programme

ENG-HYDROCARB 2C - Programme (EEC) of support for technological development in the hydrocarbons sector, 1986-1989

Thema/Themen

1.9 - PRODUCTION SYSTEMS

Aufforderung zur Vorschlagseinreichung

Data not available

Finanzierungsplan

DEM - Demonstration contracts

Koordinator

Hunting Oilfield Services Ltd

EU-Beitrag

Keine Daten

Adresse

Blackness Road Altens Industrial Estate
AB9 8SY Aberdeen
Vereinigtes Königreich

Gesamtkosten