Sandvik ClikLoc Improves Safety And Efficiency At BP Skarv Field
BP Norge AS has signed an NOK 8 mill contract with Sandvik Riser Technology to implement the Sandvik ClikLoc technology in their operation. The connectors will be used in Tree Running Tool operations and coil, wire line operations.
Operationally proven and used in the harsh environment of the North Sea, Sandvik ClikLoc is a rapid action connector for demanding topside and riser applications on oil and gas rigs. Its use greatly simplifies tube connections, helping improve both safety and efficiency, while reducing make and break times by as much as 80%.
Sandvik ClikLoc significantly improves efficiency by reducing rig-up/rig-down time taking approximately 10-15 seconds per connection. This compares favourably with conventional connectors that can take up to an hour to assemble.
Based on male and female parts which form a seat for the sealing ring, the connector comprises a radial extending annular stem with a first and second axial seal support portion. The female part is axially assembled to the male part and as a result compresses the seal support portions making the sealing area compress in a radial direction.
The innovative new technology substantially reduces the time taken in performing a drill stem test to evaluate surrounding geological formations when a landing string system is connected to the wellhead. Using traditional technology, the last connection of the landing string is made by rotating the assembly below the surface flow tree after first disconnecting hoses and other connector. By employing a Sandvik ClikLoc connector for the last connection below the surface flow tree the connection can be made without rotation of the surface flow tree this eliminates the need to disconnect any hoses or other connectors.
Design of the connector is in accordance with detailed specifications combined with performance qualification testing and Det Norske Veritas (DNV) certification. All parts are fully tested and assigned a serial number for tracking and full traceability. The connector is rated for operational pressures of up to 10,000 psi.
Titanium grade 28 is used for the important metallic seal of the connector, because of its greatly improved mechanical strength and low e-module it gives excellent values as a seal ring material. The body of the connector is manufactured in Sandvik SAF 2507 super duplex steel using Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP) of gas atomized powder. HIP'ed products are completely dense, homogeneous and isotropic. This improves the product's fatigue life by around 20% compared to carbon steel.
The design makes Sandvik ClikLoc ideal for use in narrow and constricted spaces. It has a flush bore which prevents objects from internal obstruction anywhere along the line. Key applications include coiled tubing stack-up risers, tree running tool and flow head connections.
Sandvik ClikLoc provides greatly simplified tube connections increasing both safety and performance. It reduces down time because there is far less chance of malfunction than with a standard connection; it also provides quicker more reliable general performance and is a natural successor to conventional couplings for both offshore and onshore applications.
SOURCE: Sandvik Riser Technology