Pipetech, the independent process system integrity specialist, has launched a new Active Caisson Management service following a number of recent projects with North Sea operators.
Caissons, an important structural element in oil and gas production, are prone to damage from fatigue and erosion which can lead to defects and wall failure. This damage then results in a knock-on impact on production and safety, costing the industry millions of pounds every year.
Pipetech’s Active Caisson Management solution aims to drive cost efficiencies, whilst maintaining asset integrity throughout the lifecycle of the caisson. It involves a single sourced, full range of services including inspection, cleaning, coating and planned and programmed maintenance and repair scheduling. The company has already delivered a number of caisson projects with Repsol Sinopec Resources UK, Statoil, Aker BP ASA and Nexen Petroleum UK Ltd.
Eric Doyle, managing director at Pipetech said: “Caissons are an essential structural element in oil and gas production, but are highly at risk from erosion defects and damage, particularly around the sea surface area. We have several years’ experience in caisson cleaning so understand the value a proactive integrity management plan can offer and recognised the need to take our existing service to the next level.”
Caisson failures have been recorded as the cause of numerous shutdowns, with structural failures leading to dropped objects. Clamp repairs are time consuming, expensive and in many cases can result in the defects occurring in new areas on the caisson. Pipetech reports that the company’s Active Caisson Management solution addresses wall thickness and defect issues with integrity in mind, significantly reducing the likelihood of failure.
“We have developed our Active Caisson Management solution in response to industry demand for a joined-up approach to this costly problem and have already conducted several successful projects with key North Sea operators. Through one point of contact, Pipetech delivers all of the necessary steps to ensure caissons are inspected, cleaned, monitored and maintained to avoid the unnecessary cost of failure and reduce operational spend,” adds Doyle.
Pipetech, founded in 2001 and headquartered in Portlethen, Aberdeenshire, is focused on maximizing production flow and reducing costs for its global clients. The company also has a base in Stavanger, Norway, and has experienced a successful start to 2018 with more than £1 million of contracts secured.
