Objective
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.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
This project has not yet been classified with EuroSciVoc.
Be the first one to suggest relevant scientific fields and help us improve our classification service
You need to log in or register to use this function
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Data not available
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Coordinator
AB9 8SY Aberdeen
United Kingdom
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.