Flexible Engineered Solutions International (FES), global supplier of fluid transfer systems to the oil and gas offshore industry, has developed new technology for a major manufacturer of marine equipment based in China
The CALM Buoy Swivel includes new swivel technology that allows the buoy to rotate while maintaining a leak-free joint between the subsea pipe lines and vessel during the transfer of fluid. The new swivel will enable the replacement of seals on board without the requirement to bring the main buoy into a repair yard. This is expected to significantly reduce maintenance downtime for the CALM Buoy and stop it being offline for long periods of time.
The FES Calm Buoy Swivel has a leak detection system supplemented by instrumentation to allow the user to monitor its seal performance. It also has an integrated pressure transmitter to monitor the pressure during loading and an integrated electrical slip ring to allow electrical cable connections from subsea to topside.
The company has announced that the new patented technology will be delivered in January 2017 to China as part of a contract awarded to FES 12 months previously.
Ian Latimer, technical director at FES International, commented about the contract, “This new technology is the result of heavy investment in research and development by FES so it is really pleasing to be on the eve of its first installation where we believe it will make a significant contribution to keeping costs down by reducing maintenance downtime. We look forward to many more installations to come.”
