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Content archived on 2022-12-27

DEEP WATER PILE DRIVING

Objective

The pile driving system as described for operation in 1000 m water depth has proven its capability. However, for its commercial usage additional tasks have to be solved concerning rationalization and safety which result partially from the test and partially from requirements of potential users interested in this technique and relate to rationalization and safety. Furthermore the progressing market requirements lead to the request to be able to operate in water depths up to 2000 m.
Therefore it is the purpose of the project to solve the mentioned tasks innovatively in order to achieve market acceptance and a broad basis for the usage of the system.
The system will allow to exploit hydrocarbons in deeper water at reasonable cost, so that existing reserves on those areas can be developed. The reserves that can be exploited economically will be increased.
The successful marketing of the new pile driving technology will secure and create jobs because worldwide this technology will be applied for exploitation of hydrocarbons in deep water. Because of the patents applied for in Europe, USA, Japan and Norway (which partially have been already granted) an exclusivity is secured for years so that the positive effect for employment will be long-term.
The result evaluation will follow from :
- extent of objective part improvements achieved
- successful effected function test
- extent of handling simplification
- degree of integrity of the pile driving system after execution of the system test
- extent of work to be effected for long term storage of the whole system
A pile driving system subsidized by the EC has been successfully tested in 1000 m water depth. Knowledge obtained by the test as well as arguments from potential users require for better handling a new light weight umbilical with a coupling and simplified termination and the possibility to operate in water depths up to 2000 m. For this purpose a new system with more rational operating technique is to be tested by means of a 2. pile hammer.
A commercial usage will take place because the project will make the driving of anchor piles in deep water approximately as cost effective as it is today in shallow or medium water depth and because there is no economical alternative for pile driving under water.
The underwater powerpack attached to the pile hammer requires a small quantity of pressurized fluid only. This is controlled by sensors interrupting the operation immediately when a leakage occurs. Compared to systems with a powerpack on deck of a vessel with long hydraulic hoses whichmay be damaged the safety against pollution when using the new system is practically 100%.

Call for proposal

Data not available

Coordinator

MENCK GMBH
EU contribution
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Address
P.O.BOX 1165
25475 Ellerau
Germany

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Total cost
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