Hydra-Lok® Pile Connection System

The Hydra-Lok® swaging system is a unique, patented method of applying internal hydraulic (water) pressure to an annular space within a tubular. The internal pressure is used to cold forge or swage the tubular by expanding it uniformly outwards into a surrounding sleeve to form a structural connection. The connection can be used in any water depth to secure offshore structures such as subsea templates, protection structures and jackets to their piled foundations. Tool sizes range from 24"to 84".

The Hydra-Lok® swaging operation is a quick and reliable method of making pile connections giving immediate full working strength. An offshore operation in 500ft water depth takes less than 2 hours on each pile to stab the tool, swage and inspect using the built-in inspection device in the nose of the tool. A four pile template or jacket can be fully secured in 6 to 8 hours leaving it ready to accept further operations such as drilling or the placing of topsides without any operational delays.

Control during the swaging operation is guaranteed by plotting a graph of the pressure against volume of the water being pumped between the seals Right. This gives a clear and reliable indication of the behaviour of the pile as it is forged into the grooved region. The plot is used as part of the Quality Assurance record of the connection procedure.

Oil States MCS, 18501 Aldine Westfield, Houston, TX 77073. Tel: 281-821-8600; Fax: 281-821-2463.