SIClamp structural pipeline repair clamp technology from U.K. manufacturer Subsea Innovation is designed to act as a temporary or permanent structural repair clamp for carbon steel pipelines designed for water, oil or gas transport. Emergency pipeline repair systems (EPRS) such as these can be immediately deployed should a subsea oil or gas pipeline become damaged or its integrity found to deficient due to corrosion or defect.
The new clamp technology has earned type approval from DNV GL, making Subsea Innovation the first in the world to achieve this certification, the manufacturer said on Friday.
Designed for sizes between 8” and 44” and temperature ranges from -4 to +80oC, the SIClamps provide new capability in the global pipeline market, which the Darlington based firm views as a great growth opportunity.
The technology was developed for operational offshore oil and gas platforms who have had their working life extended and pipelines are required to last longer. With the increase in working life, EPRS support this by maximizing operational life and production efficiency and can be deployed at short notice.
Dave Thompson, Managing Director at Subsea Innovation, said, “The technology helps solve a major problem for oil and gas operators, tier 1 and tier 2 contractors to protect against leaks or structural integrity on the huge amount critical infrastructure which crisscross the globe.”
Subsea Innovation, part of Tekmar Group, has delivered nine such systems in the last two years which enabled the company to apply for the DNV GL type approval. Of these nine systems, five are fully remotely operated vehicle (ROV) automated, utilizing Subsea Innovations in-house designed hydraulic reversible bolt tensioners, which allows for installation and operational in deep water down to 1,350m. The company said it is currently developing systems for even deeper water, with a client list including Subsea7, RasGas, Chevron and Impex.
Subsea Innovation has also provided fast turn-around clamps in under 10 weeks, but still designed in accordance with the type approval, including all the benefits of the SI duel seal single circuit technology.
Thompson continued, “Our modular approach to the design is also unique in the industry and can provide significant cost benefits to the end client. This includes the ability for shared components between clamps and connectors and multiple seal sets allowing them to cover various pipe sizes and the modularity of our installation tooling.”