SKF USA and Vantage Drilling combined resources to improve the reliability of the Vantage Titanium Explorer and Platinum Explorer drill ship fleet.
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Titanium Explorer. From Vantage. |
These vessels are designed for operation in the deepest waters of the Gulf of Mexico and other offshore global basins of oil & gas exploration. Based on SKF’s expertise in the application of condition monitoring systems and Vantage’s philosophy of improving the mechanical reliability of its drilling ships, these ships will be equipped with a comprehensive monitoring system for the propulsion and positioning thrusters.
SKF undertook a careful study of the thruster mechanical system, including bearings, lubrication, gearboxes and drive motors to design a condition monitoring solution, supported by remote diagnostics services that will provide Vantage with timely information about the mechanical health of their thrusters along with advanced warning of issues that could impact drilling or propulsion system operation.
Application of this system coupled with the remote diagnostics services provided by SKF will enable Vantage to comply with American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) guidelines for condition based maintenance procedures. Through the application of these systems and processes, Vantage will now be able to extend the mandatory overall interval required for physical inspection of the thrusters until the operational condition of the asset requires it. This will create a major cost savings over the life of the asset and contribute to significant improvements in operational utilization of the drill ships.
An important factor in maintaining ABS certification is the monitoring strategy and data analysis process that SKF will provide from their recently certified SKF Solution Factory in Houston, Texas.
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