Bosch Rexroth’s new Subsea Clamping Cylinder protects valuable offshore systems against premature wear, without requiring diving work or a power supply. The device takes into account the complete life cycle of riser systems, whether for transport and storage on the seabed, commissioning and reliable use, or removal and reuse.
The Subsea Clamping Cylinder provides up to 120 tons of holding force for up to 25 years, without external power.
The Subsea Clamping Cylinder for fully automatic Bend Stiffener Connectors is built for safety, reliability and economy, according to the company. The system is designed for use for up to 25 years and provides high clamping forces, powerless holding operation, and easy installation with no need for manual work by divers.
It withstands forces of up to 120 tons per clamping cylinder. And a proven cushioning mechanism absorbs vibrations and distributes the load across a number of cylinders within the system. This prevents material fatigue and premature wear with a predefined clamping force. The integrated clamping unit allows straightforward, reliable actuation during commissioning and removal — even after long periods of use.
Bend Stiffener Connectors (BSCs) protect riser systems against premature material fatigue induced by external forces, such as those from movements caused by waves. This helps protect valuable investments and increase the availability and productivity of offshore equipment. In a fully automatic BSC, a number of Rexroth clamping cylinders are used in a coordinated system.
The patented unit reliably protects riser systems against bending loads and allows secure and economical holding. It is designed for use for up to 25 years and no manual diving work is necessary during installation and removal. Holding operation requires no power – a hydraulic supply is only required for the initial clamping and subsequent removal. Bosch Rexroth offers an optional integrated hydraulic power unit (HPU) with electrical control systems for this purpose.
While the rated force is set hydraulically, a spring in the cylinder is tensioned and fixed using a safety lock unit. This allows clamping force to be maintained over the entire operating lifespan in a purely mechanical manner, with no need for a continuous hydraulic or electrical power supply.
Thanks to the innovative combination of flexible mechanical and hydraulic force components, the loads which act in all six degrees of freedom are automatically distributed to the Subsea Clamping Cylinders installed in the system. Compared to conventional solutions, this flexible load distribution allows a much longer operating life and higher system availability.
A further advantage: the robust design of the Subsea Clamping Cylinder takes into account the entire usage cycle. Until the system is installed, it can be stored under water at a depth of up to 3,000 meters for a period of two years. The clamping unit can be hydraulically released and controlled easily, safely and reliably for removal or for further use.
The Subsea Clamping Cylinders are also suitable for use in numerous land-based, industrial clamping applications.
Bosch Rexroth
www.boschrexroth.com/subsea
Filed Under: Cylinders & Actuators