Hydratight announces launch of hot bolting services

Hydratight, the joint integrity specialist, now offers safe Hot Bolting Services on all types of flanged joints globally.

The need to replace corroded or damaged bolts that are fitted to live pressurised flanges is a common problem for many offshore operators, who are trying to extend life of aging assets. Aging assets form a substantial global market, as more offshore assets reach or surpass their design lifespan.

Offshore installations

For example, North Sea offshore production facilities, built in the 1970s and 1980s, have already exceeded their 25-year design life. The average age of Norway’s offshore installations is approximately 25 years, approaching the intended productive lifespan. There are more than 2500 platforms in the Gulf of Mexico that are approaching or have exceeded their design life. Similar situations exist in the Middle East, Brazil, West Africa and South East Asia. The Middle East has about 500 platforms with an average age exceeding 28 years. Indonesia and Malaysia combined have more than 1000 platforms with an average age of 20 years. (Source: Infield)

Hot Bolt Clamp

Increased age brings inevitable degradation to assets and especially joints. While existing offshore assets are compelled to remain online, their lifespan must be prolonged safely and efficiently. Hydratight provides a simple, safe and secure solution. The patented design of Hydratight’s Hot Bolt Clamp offers a robust solution, providing the highest mitigation of risk of flange or gasket damage or worse, a leak. The philosophy behind the design is to minimise the possibility of disturbing the gasket. The solution does not require any pneumatics or hydraulics for clamp engagement, nor does it increase the load on the gasket. The lightweight and compact design fits almost all flange space restrictions; it is easy to handle and fit, therefore enabling speedy bolt replacement. Furthermore it is designed and tested in accordance with ASME VIII Division 2.

North Sea

Hydratight started its new Hot Bolting Services in the North Sea as a pressure test. The company has now successfully completed the pressure testing of its new Hot Bolting Service using the new Hot Bolt Clamp. The pressure test included 4-bolt and upward flanges, ASME and NORSOK flange designs, hydrocarbon and non-hydrocarbon services, hot bolting and temporary installations. In addition, technician training programmes and procedures were developed to mitigate all risks and minimise leakage or harm to the technician. Clients have included major offshore platform operators.

Statoil testing

The major focus of the pressure test was Statoil. Statoil owns 36 platforms in the North Sea, with average age of 20 years. Statoil is a pioneer in asset integrity and leak prevention on offshore installations and places high importance on safety and contractor competency. Statoil has now prequalified Hydratight’s Hot Bolting Services for use on 4-bolt ASME flanges, subject to review of technician competency and performance offshore.

Adapted from press release by Katie Woodward

Read the article online at: https://www.oilfieldtechnology.com/exploration/24102014/hydratight-offers-hot-bolting-services-1703/