Date: July 2018
Client: Middle East operator
Location: Arabian Gulf
Client challenge
A 48” subsea pipe, located in Saudi Arabia and responsible for transporting crude oil, had developed a significant defect. Our team was commissioned to carry out a repair using our composite system, Technowrap™.
What we did
The project required a solution that would maintain pressure in the pipeline, allowing for future purging and eventual replacement. We recommended an innovative approach which included wrapping the clamped pipe by trained air divers and was managed topside by our experienced technicians. To ensure a smooth transition from the clamp to the pipework, a custom metal shim was fabricated to butt up against the clamp.
The complex geometry of the clamp required the fabrication of two custom steel collars by IPS in Aberdeen. These collars, along with composite materials, were shipped to the Middle East to maintain quality control in the UK. Third-party composite repair trained divers installed the collars on either side of the clamp. Once in place, composite repair materials were prepared topside and sent down to the divers for application. All activities were closely supervised and directed through a live video feed on-board. Pressure testing was conducted over six hours, ultimately concluding the intricate subsea composite repair within a remarkable 10-day timeframe, from initial application to the pressure test’s conclusion.
Our customised Technowrap™ 2K Splashzone composite repair design, effectively encapsulated both ends of the clamp to ensure fluid and pressure retention, to help avoid future oil spills.
Results
This innovative repair method was not only a perfect fit for our client’s long-term strategic goals but also a guarantee of the pipeline’s integrity. This approach translated into substantial cost savings as we effectively bypassed the need for costly environmental mitigation measures and provided a remarkably cost-effective alternative to replacing the pipeline.
In terms of efficiency, we harnessed the expertise of our multi-skilled divers and technicians, enabling us to execute the project swiftly and effectively, minimising any disruptions to production and eliminating the looming threat of an emergency shutdown.
This case study underscores our remarkable ability to think creatively, engineer tailored solutions, and successfully overcome complex challenges in the demanding subsea environment, all while ensuring the continuous reliability of critical infrastructure.
| Depth | 33m |
| Design Temperature | 140°F |
| Operating Temperature | 75-140°F |
| Design Pressure | 590psi |
| Max. Operating Pressure | 200psi |
Date: May 2023
Client: International independent E&P company
Location: Dutch North Sea
Client challenge
Our client is an international independent exploration and production (E&P) company operating in the Dutch North Sea. They approached our team with a critical structural repair project involving the repair of ten beams with complex geometries and required a solution that could achieve compression on corroded beams. The objective was to provide a long-term, cost-effective repair solution while ensuring the safe operation of the bridge link. The structural repair of the bridge link beams presented several challenges that needed to be addressed.
The complexity of the beams required a solution capable of forming around the unique geometry. Additionally, achieving compression on corroded beams was crucial to ensure adequate adhesion of the repaired elements. The repair was carried out without the need for fabrication, hot work, or heavy lifting to minimise downtime and associated costs. The chosen solution required a design life of 20 years to align with the remaining lifespan of the asset.
What we did
To meet the specific requirements of the structural repair, our team employed a combination of two advanced fabric systems:
- Technowrap™ SRS (Structural Repair System)
- Technowrap™ HPPRS (High-Pressure Pipe Repair System)
By combining these fabrics, we created a bespoke laminate solution tailored to the unique repair scenario of the bridge link beams.
The repair process involved the following steps:
Assessment and preparation: The bridge link beams were thoroughly assessed to identify the extent of corrosion and damage. The corroded areas were cleaned and prepared for the application of the composite repair system.
Fabric selection and laminate formation: Technowrap™ SRS and Technowrap™ HPPRS fabrics were selected based on their individual strengths and characteristics. A customised laminate was created, leveraging the unique properties of each fabric to achieve optimal strength in the correct load path.
Application: A supervisor and two technicians were deployed to carry out the repair. The laminate system was applied to the bridge link beams, ensuring full coverage and conformity to the complex geometries of the structures. The installation process required no fabrication, hot work, or heavy lifting, streamlining the repair and minimising downtime.
Quality assurance and longevity: Rigorous quality assurance measures were implemented to verify the effectiveness of the repair. The composite laminate solution was designed to provide a 20-year design life, aligning with the remaining asset life.
Results
The successful implementation of the composite repair solution for the bridge link beams provided several outcomes and benefits, providing a long-term solution designed to last the remaining 20-year life of the asset. This ensured the continued safe operation of the bridge link and minimised the need for future repairs or replacements. Additionally, the repair solution required no fabrication, hot work, or heavy lifting. This streamlined the installation process, reducing downtime and associated costs. In terms of cost, the composite repair solution offered a cost-effective alternative to full beam replacement, saving the client significant expenses while maintaining structural integrity.
The quick application of the repair solution ensured the safe future operation of the bridge link and the repaired beams were capable of withstanding the operational loads and environmental conditions in the Dutch North Sea.
The structural repair project for the bridge link beams showcased our team’s expertise in developing and implementing advanced composite solutions for complex geometries. By combining Technowrap™ SRS and Technowrap™ HPPRS fabrics, we successfully addressed the challenges posed by the client. The efficient, cost-effective, and reliable repair solution enabled the client to continue safe operations and provided longevity of the asset in the Dutch North Sea.
Date: April 2023
Client: National Oil and Gas producer
Location: UAE
Client challenge
Our client is a prominent energy operator based in the Middle East and approached our team with a critical repair project involving a de-ethaniser column. The objective was to address specific problem locations within the column, spread across six different vertical positions. The project required a reliable and efficient solution to mitigate the risk of further damage, while ensuring minimal revenue loss during the repair process.
What we did
The de-ethaniser column, measuring just over 7.5 metres in height with a diameter of 3.05 metres, had encountered structural issues and cracks that needed immediate attention. Traditional repair methods involving hot work were not feasible due to the potential for revenue loss, and safety concerns associated with the presence of flammable substances. In addition, the repair solution needed to consider the prevention of galvanic corrosion and provide pressure containment capabilities while limiting stress on the steel structure to prevent crack propagation.
Our team proposed an innovative repair solution utilising advanced composite materials, specifically glass fibre and carbon fibre, to address the unique challenges faced by our client. By employing this composite approach, we ensured a durable and efficient repair without resorting to hot work, minimising any potential revenue loss.
The repair process involved multiple steps:
Surface Preparation: The affected areas of the de-ethaniser column were thoroughly inspected, cleaned, and prepared for the application of composite materials.
Galvanic Corrosion Prevention: To safeguard against galvanic corrosion, a single layer of glass fibre was applied as a barrier between dissimilar metals present in the column.
Composite Application: A total of 20 layers of carbon fibre, employing various lay-up techniques, were strategically applied to the problem locations within the column. This composite configuration aimed to provide pressure containment, withstand axial loads, and limit stress on the steel structure to prevent further crack propagation.
Curing and Quality Assurance: The composite layers were allowed to cure under controlled conditions to ensure optimal bonding and structural integrity. Rigorous quality assurance tests were conducted to verify the effectiveness of the repair.
Results
The successful implementation of the composite repair solution resulted in several significant outcomes and benefits:
Enhanced structural integrity: The repaired de-ethaniser column demonstrated improved structural integrity, as the composite materials effectively contained pressure and limited stress on the steel structure.
Avoidance of galvanic corrosion: The glass fiber layer acted as an effective barrier, preventing galvanic corrosion and ensuring long-term durability of the repaired column.
Reduced loss of revenue: By avoiding hot work, our repair solution eliminated the need for significant downtime and revenue loss that would have occurred with traditional repair methods.
Extended service life: The repair solution was designed to provide a five-year lifetime, ensuring the longevity and reliability of the de-ethaniser column.
The de-ethaniser column repair project demonstrated our team’s ability to develop innovative solutions tailored to our client’s specific requirements. By leveraging our advanced composite materials, we successfully addressed the structural issues of the column, mitigated the risk of galvanic corrosion, and ensured the safe and efficient operation of the facility. Our client benefited from a cost-effective repair solution, minimal revenue loss, and an extended service life for their critical equipment.
Date: 2017
Client: Major North Sea Operator
Location: UK North Sea
Scope
The stair tower on large North Sea platform was out of use due to heavy corrosion on the structural members. The operator contracted ICR to deliver a cost effective option to re-instate the stairwell to its original design capacity. Phase 1 took place in July 2017 whereby work commenced on the lower section of the stair tower with approx. 80 metres of beams and tubulars being repaired. Phase 2 began in August 2017 to repair the upper section of the stairwell.
Solution
Technowrap™ SRS – ICR’s structural carbon fibre repair system – was recommended to provide added toughness. A low temperature curing resin was used and designed to suit ambient conditions in the North Sea.
| Design Temperature | 30°C |
| Design Lifetime | 20 years |
| Axial Load | 60kN (compression) |
| Bending Moment | 6.0kNm (Mxy) / 2.0kNm (Mxz) |
| Surface Preparation | Sa2.5 |
The client provided a surface profile of Sa2.5 (grit blasting). Complexity of the scope required maximum efficiency from the onboard fabric maintenance (FM) team and prior to mobilisation, ICR trained the FM crew on the application of gel coating. This was applied within 4 hours of blasting in order to hold the blast and prevent gingering. A team of four ICR technicians worked back to back within a double skin habitat to maintain a suitable environment. Materials were prepped and ready for the next shift to ensure optimum productivity on the job.
Results & Benefits
- The stairwell composite repair is a long term integrity solution which will avoid corrosion in the future and is designed for the remaining life of the asset
- Cost effective solution compared with stairwell replacement
- A quicker solution delivered by multi-skilled technicians which ensured the stairwell was back in use as safely and timely as possible
Date: 2015
Client: Major Global Operator
Location: UK North Sea
Scope
A 48” discharge caisson had a large number of through-wall defects over a vertical length of 23 metres that required immediate attention. The scope of the work was to provide an engineered design, with 20 years repair lifetime. This required live leak sealing the numerous through-wall defects and applying both Technowrap™ 2K and Technowrap™ SRS over the defect areas.
Solution
The Technowrap™ 2K and Technowrap™ SRS repair using ICR’s Splashzone™ resin system was installed live.
The combination of the two repair products was a requirement to withstand both the internal pressure plus the axial bending moment resulting from the wave loading. Having successfully overcome all challenges, ICR’s composite engineering team was able to successfully complete the repair of length 23 meters on the 48” caisson. All 40 plus through-wall defects were successfully sealed and the structural integrity of the caisson was reinstated for an extended lifetime of 20 years.
Results & Benefits
- All 40 plus through-wall defects were successfully sealed and the structural integrity of the caisson was reinstated for an extended lifetime of 20 years
- Applying the repair live resulted in zero impact on production and operations to the client and providing an extremely cost effective solution
Date: December 2019
Client: Major Operator
Location: North Sea
Scope
Two large laydown areas onboard an operator’s asset offshore in the North Sea were suffering from external corrosion and multiple through wall defects resulting in water ingress. As the roof was classified as a laydown areas and subjected to personnel traffic there was a requirement that the load capacity of the roof was factored into the design. This unique design ensured that the laminate could withstand the applied loads and impacts associated of +5kN/m2.
Solution
ICR provided an engineered design using four layers of Technowrap™ DRS. Combining the properties of the Technowrap™ SRS (Structural Rehabilitation System) carbon fibre and DRS a rubber toughened epoxy resin system. Our integrated approach, providing engineering, materials, technician training and installation, all in-house, has enabled ICR to become an industry specialist. Third party training for the contractor on application and QA/QC procedures was provided and the contractor was subsequently
supervised by a ICR technician.
Results & Benefits
- There were multiple areas with through wall defects and more were to be expected following mechanical surface cleaning preparations
- As a result it was decided that ICR would prefabricate composite plates to cover any through wall defects before the surface preparation commenced
- Following the successful installation of Technowrap™ DRS, the integrity of the roofs was restored for a 10-year defined lifetime
Date: July 2019
Client: Major Operator
Location: Central North Sea
Scope
The pipe deck on the client’s asset had suffered extensive corrosion resulting in severe wall loss and through wall defects. This was the third phase of a 22 bay pipe deck repair. 7 bays measuring 3m x 6m required a repair solution totalling 126m2. Multiple through-wall defects and low wall readings were found.
Solution
The bays were grit blasted to a SA2.5 surface profile. For any areas that were through-wall, 6 layers of our DRS Carbon Fibre solution was utilised. This consisted of a 2 layer composite plate – fully cured – bonded directly over the defects followed by a 4 layer wet lay up. For all non through-wall areas, 4 layers were applied. Fully engineered calculations produced by the ICR technical team.
Results & Benefits
- The repairs were designed to seal all through wall defects as well as providing an engineered design lifetime of 20 years
- The DRS resins provide a rubberised molecule resin which absorbs and dissipates impacts from thoroughfare and use as a landing area
- An anti-slip coating was also applied over the completed pipe deck area. Long term corrosion protection
- No hot work required
- No heavy lifting or steel components
| Date | Client | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Global Supermajor Operator | Gulf of Mexico |
Scope
It was advised that a logging support deck plate onboard a supermajors platform was suffering from external corrosion and various through-wall defects. Four areas of the logging plate deck required composite repairs.
Solution
Following an engineering assessment, ICR proposed four layers of Technowrap™ Structural carbon fibre combined with our DRS resin system to be applied over the defect areas. The design challenge for the repair was to ensure enough strength within the repair to withstand the applied load, but also impact tolerance from dropped objects. A design methodology using rubber toughened epoxy has been developed by ICR ensuring both strength and stiffness as well as impact tolerance.
Results & Benefits
- The application of the Technowrap™ DRS went as planned and without delays
- The integrity of the deck was restored for a 20-year defined lifetime
| Date | Client | Location |
|---|---|---|
| March 2022 | Energy Company | Nuclear Power Station, England |
Scope
ICR’s UK Onshore team was asked to complete a Technowrap™ composite repair scope at a nuclear power station site in England where replacement was not practicable due to severe access restrictions and isolation issues.
Solution
Although typical composite resin systems within a confined space area require breathing apparatus, ICR was able to use its bespoke resin system and installed a Technowrap™ engineered composite repair to eliminate the requirement. Following visual inspection and risk assessment, the area was grit blasted with the pipework remaining in service at all stages. The repair was implemented and signed off within a 3-day window.
Results & Benefits
- No hot work required, reducing safety risk
- Cost effective solution
- 20 year design life achieved
- Has led to several further scope enquiries from client
Client Feedback
“We would also like to pass on our thanks to your Team for the work carried out. It was a job well done with no issues and to an excellent standard.”
| Date | Client | Location |
|---|---|---|
| July 2018 | Middle East Operator | Arabian Gulf |
Scope
ICR was initially contacted regarding a crack that had developed on a subsea 48” pipe carrying crude oil in Saudi Arabia. ICR proposed an engineered composite repair solution to repair the defect, however on this occasion the client opted for an alternative solution and installed a sleeve clamp which they believed was a more tried and tested option. However, following clamp installation, the client reported the pipe was still weeping and the clamp had left a 6mm gap. In order to retain pressure and avoid an oil spill, ICR intervened and provided full project management of a unique and complex remedial scope of work.
The long term goal for the client is to cut and replace the pipe therefore the scope required a solution which would retain pressure so the line could be purged at a later date for replacement. ICR recommended an overwrap of the clamped pipe using an engineered composite repair system which would be installed by trained air divers and project managed topside by two experienced ICR technicians. A metal shim was fabricated to butt up against the clamp and give a gentle gradient to help the cloth transition from the clamp to the pipework.
Solution
ICR engineered a bespoke Technowrap™ 2K Splashzone composite repair design to encapsulate both ends of the clamp to ensure fluid and pressure retainment.
| Depth | 33m |
| Design Temperature | 140°F |
| Operating Temperature | 75-140°F |
| Design Pressure | 590 psi |
| Max. Operating Pressure | 200 psi |
This was a completely tailored approach providing a solution to avoid an oil spill which to ICR’s knowledge, has never been done anywhere else in the world.
Challenges
Due to the complex geometry of the clamp and to create a smooth repair profile, two custom steel collars were fabricated by IPS in Aberdeen then shipped along with composite materials to the Middle East to ensure quality control in the UK.
Third party composite repair trained divers installed the collars at either side of the clamp and once in place, composite repair materials were prepared topside and sent down to divers for application, all of which was closely supervised and directed from a live video feed on onboard.
Pressure testing was delivered over six hours following curing. ICR successfully completed the complicated subsea composite repair scope of work in 10 days from first application to the conclusion of the pressure test.
Results & Benefits
- Integrity solution that supports the client’s long term strategic goals
- Significant costs savings on environmental mitigation as well as a cost effective alternative to pipe replacement
- A quicker solution delivered by multi-skilled divers and technicians
- No disruption to production and avoided an emergency shutdown
