Trustworthy Flanges for Offshore Hook-Up?? (Hydrocarbon service)

[JimMacM]

Ive been given the task of identifying trustworthy flange-types on the market, suitable for hydrocarbon and utility service, that will provide an alternative to welding and susequently minimise offshore hook-up time.

Does anyone know of any flange products that have a relative success story for offshore service?

Thanks

 

[BigInch]

What's wrong with the one you are using now?

"Make everything as simple as possible, but not simpler." - Albert Einstein (1879-1955)
***************

http://virtualpipeline.spaces.live.com/

 

[JLSeagull]

My experience with offshore hookup and commissioning mostly used ASME B16.5 flanges with hydraulic tensioning. The exceptions were acid gas streams that included welded ends. It is desirable to have a complete module to minimize the offshore hookup. That was not my experience where the multiple deck platforms exceeded the lifting capacity of any offshore heavy lifting cranes. Stay below about 6500 tons and you may be OK if you can schedule a crane.

 

[unclesyd]

As specific information is lacking could you possibly use this type of quick connecting flange?

http://cl-flange.com/

 

[BigInch]

Any flange provides alternatives to welding the tie-ins (that's why they make flanges), so nobody knows what you're really looking for.

"Make everything as simple as possible, but not simpler." - Albert Einstein (1879-1955)
***************

http://virtualpipeline.spaces.live.com/

 

[gr2vessels]

Try also this link,

http://www.vectorint.com/mainSections/Section03_Techlok/3_techlok.asp

cheers,
gr2vessels

 

[unclesyd]

In the same vain asgr2vessels here is two other approaches to different pressure energised flanges. First is the Grayloc, the original of the clamped flange. The second is the Taper-Lok site that has a number of special flange connections. You might want to look as the three bolt flange.

http://www.oceaneering.com/Grayloc.asp?id=751

http://www.taper-lok.com/index.htm

Like as post by BigInch it would help we could get in the same arena on your requirements.

 

[BillBirch]

I'm with BigInch. Why re-invent the wheel? Just about every offshore platform uses ASME B16.5 flanges - they work and are readily available. Clamp systems and compact flanges have been used over the years to reduce weight (and sometimes cost). Similarly, clamps and compact flanges are used if exotic materials are required, or piping is excessive large, to reduce cost.

Your terminology is strange -"Trustworthy"? Anything on the market must meet Code requirements, so by definition is trustworthy. I suggest that you talk to your piping engineer who, I guarantee, will steer you towards ASME B16.5 flanges, unless size, material, cost considerations make these other systems attractive.

Finally, does your company have piping specifications? If not, are you developing them, and if so I would again suggest talking to an experienced piping engineer?

 

[BigInch]

If he's talking about subsea tie-ins, which I doubt at this point, there may be something like the hydro-lock type connections to look at, but he didn't say anything about subsea, and those arn't flanges anyway. He did ask about flanges, right?

"If stupidity got us into this mess, then why can't it get us out?" - Will Rogers (1879-1935) ***************

http://virtualpipeline.spaces.live.com/

 

[smartspray]

Couplings that can be made from custom materials and flanges available.

http://www.durolok.com/

 

[chief]

Flanges are always the prefered choice. But if weight is a consideration, then clamp rings are the way to go. But remember that pressure testing with a clamp system can be a problem, because of the difficulty to use blind flanges between fixed sections.
Good pipe support and alignment are a pre-requisite for a large bore clamp system. Otherwise a good seal during pressure testing can be a problem.
Makers of lage bore clamp systems are Galperti, Graylock ( large bore 30").
Weco,ANSON for smaller bore and hammer lock systems. Benefits are quick rig up and down,ideal for temporary packages. Very popular in the oil exploration business and well proven.

Offshore Engineering&Design