31 May 2017, Sweetcrude, Houston, Texas — Trelleborg’s offshore operation recently developed a new Standardized Buoyancy Module system to reduce lead times for customers. An innovative ‘off the shelf’ solution, it offers a viable alternative to custom options for some projects.
The Standardized Buoyancy Module is made up of small elements that stack together to increase the overall uplift of the complete distributed buoyancy module. The buoyancy segments are designed to mechanically lock around the clamp to securely attach the assembly to the desired location on the riser.
Jonathan Fox, Senior Product Development Engineer with Trelleborg’s offshore operation, states: “We recognized a requirement to deliver buoyancy products in less time for projects with short lead times. Through our customized innovation process, we were able to qualify and standardize a buoyancy module for subsea or surface applications that can be delivered in around half the time of a typical buoyancy module. In addition, we were able to ease handling of the buoyancy modules by incorporating synthetic rubber feet to the bottom of the finished assembly to prevent handling damage and reduce assembly time.
“Because the product consists of known volumes and upthrusts, we are putting the upfront engineering into the hands of our customers, reducing the time needed to achieve an approved product design.”
The Standardized Buoyancy Module system can be adjusted to operate in seawater depths from surface to 2,500 meters by adding or removing elements based on customer specifications. The new ‘off the shelf’ option reduces lead times and costs for customers looking for quality buoyancy with a quick delivery. For complex projects with undetermined volumes and upthrusts, custom engineered buoyancy modules are recommended to ensure performance.
Trelleborg’s offshore operation and Trelleborg Group
Using advanced polymer material technology, Trelleborg’s offshore operation provides high integrity solutions for the harshest and most demanding offshore environments. As part of the Trelleborg Offshore & Construction Business Area of Trelleborg Group, Trelleborg’s offshore operation specializes in the development and production of polymer and syntactic foam-based seismic, marine, buoyancy, cable protection and thermal insulation products, as well as rubber-based passive and active fire protection solutions for the offshore industry. Within its portfolio are some long established and respected brands including, CRP, OCP, Viking and Emerson & Cuming. Trelleborg’s offshore operation has been providing innovative solutions to the industry for over 30 years. www.trelleborg.com/offshore
Trelleborg is a world leader in engineered polymer solutions that seal, damp and protect critical applications in demanding environments. Its innovative solutions accelerate performance for customers in a sustainable way. The Trelleborg Group has annual sales of SEK 31 billion (EUR 3.23 billion, USD 3.60 billion) and operations in about 50 countries. The Group comprises five business areas: Trelleborg Coated Systems, Trelleborg Industrial Solutions, Trelleborg Offshore & Construction, Trelleborg Sealing Solutions and Trelleborg Wheel Systems, and the operations of Rubena and Savatech. The Trelleborg share has been listed on the Stock Exchange since 1964 and is listed on Nasdaq Stockholm, Large Cap. www.trelleborg.com.
