GRE piping systems have gained popularity in the offshore industry due to their numerous advantages, making them a common choice for e.g., Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessels. Onboard the FPSO’s the GRE piping systems are crucial for various applications, including ballast water, cooling water, deluge, and fire water systems, which are essential for uninterrupted operations.
As FPSO vessels often extend beyond their original design lifespan, the demand for timely modifications, integrations, and maintenance becomes paramount. However, the financial and operational implications of shutting down production or docking an FPSO for system interventions and repairs are daunting. The industry, recognising these challenges, has been on the lookout for innovative solutions.
While conventional techniques used to make online repairs or connections to existing piping or pressure vessels, like hot tapping and line stopping are well-suited for steel pipes, applying them to GRE piping adds substantial challenges. These methods, where a hole saw is used to make a cut in the pipe, exposes the laminate layers of the pipe and puts at risk the structural integrity of the GRE piping. Additionally, relying on composite materials to repair and restore the integrity of GRE piping systems may not always provide a sustainable solution, in cases of leaks, depressurising the system for repairs is not only impractical but also escalates costs due to extended downtime.
Introducing the AOGV mechanical isolation tool – a game-changer in pressurised process system maintenance.
This patented tool is ingeniously engineered to place and withdraw a blind spade between flanges on a pressurised system. By strategically utilising these spades, whether individually or in tandem, tasks like tie-ins, modifications, spool and valve replacements, pump overhauls, and temporary vessel isolation can be accomplished without disrupting the primary process flow.
While AOGV’s efficiency on carbon and stainless-steel flanges has been proven over the last years, the exciting development is now its validation for GRE systems. We’ve invested extensive research and engineering expertise to meticulously design a range of AOGV tools tailored to the unique requirements of GRE systems. This ensures that FPSO owners and operators can now leverage the AOGV advantage, making the maintenance and modification of their GRE piping systems feasible and efficient.
As we venture into this uncharted territory, we look forward to collaborating with industry leaders to bring our revolution to the GRE system maintenance. With AOGV, it’s time to pave the way for more robust and sustained offshore operations.
