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For platform jackets and subsea templates |
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Oil States MCS provides economical, standardized leveling systems for offshore structures that are anchored by foundation piles, including subsea templates, subsea manifolds, and platform jackets. When the levelness of a planned structure is critical, an Oil States MCS Leveling System is incorporated at the design stage. During installation, after piles are driven, the structure can be leveled with precision, thereby preventing problems, such as misalignment of casing hangers and tie-back systems, during subsequent drilling and completion operations. Oil States MCS Leveling Systems are applicable to all types and sizes of templates and to jackets with either skirt or main piles.
Oil States MCS Leveling Systems comprise two basic components that are used in various combinations: the Latch-Lok™ Leveling Tool and Temporary Pile Grippers. The Latch-Lok™ tool is a pile-supported, hydraulic lifting device that raises structures for leveling. Temporary Pile Grippers are structure-mounted, pile-gripping devices that hold templates or jackets in the leveled position while the structure-to-pile connections are completed. Both components are compatible with either conventional grouting or Hydra-Lok® pile-swaged structural connections.
Perhaps the most important feature of the Oil States MCS approach to structure leveling is that the equipment and procedures are compatible with conventional structure design, fabrication, and installation techniques. Because a leveling system is included at the structure design stage, the leveling operation can be performed with a minimum of additional time, effort, and risk. Equipment is deployed and operated from the installation vessel; no diver intervention or guidelines are required. Tools feature straightforward, robust design and construction to operate reliably and withstand rough handling. Back-up tools can be furnished, and redundancy can be built into components as required.
Every effort has been made to minimize the cost of structure leveling. As previously mentioned, the tools and techniques do not add significantly to the time required to install an offshore structure, and Oil States MCS has standardized the components wherever possible to keep equipment costs low. Expendable equipment has been kept to an absolute minimum, and all recoverable tools and equipment can be leased instead of purchased. Finally, the tools can be combined in a variety of options to match specific risk/economics scenarios. At your request, Oil States MCS will prepare an economic and operational analysis for your project.
The Oil States MCS Latch-Lok™ Leveling Tool is a hydraulically actuated lifting device that is deployed after foundation piles have been driven. The tool is primarily used for leveling templates and jackets having skirt piles, although it can also be used at the surface on a jacket as main piles. The Latch-Lok™ tool works at any water depth, and it can be used with conventional grouting or in combination with the Hydra-Lok® pile-swaging system, which is used for making permanent structure-to-pile connections.
The Latch-Lok™ tool is deployed from the installation vessel onto the foundation pile at the lowest corner of the structure. The tool can be adjusted to accommodate various piling heights. No diver intervention or guidelines are required. |
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500-ton Latch-Lok™ leveling tool
1500-ton Latch-Lok™ leveling tool
500-ton Latch-Lok™ leveling tool combined with a Hydra-Lok® tool
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Once the tool is supported by the pile, its hydraulic cylinders are actuated to extend the latch frame downward until the latches engage the latch ring. When the hydraulic cylinders are retracted, the tool reacts against the foundation pile, lifting the structure to level, smoothly and precisely. Latch design prevents accidental release. The Latch-Lok™ tool is easily released for retrieval to the surface or for relocation to another corner of the structure, if required. The primary method of release is by full extension of the hydraulic cylinders, which positively retracts the latches. Back-up release is by pulling on the deployment rigging, which retracts the latches mechanically.
Because the foundation pile provides firm, unyielding support, leveling with the Latch-Lok™ tool is precise and reliable. This is especially important when compared to the conventional mud-mat jacking systems used for template leveling. Mud-mat jacks between the template and the mud mat react against the seafloor, which can shift as weight is redistributed during leveling operations. Another important advantage over mud-mat jacking systems is that the Latch-Lok™ tool is recovered after leveling, whereas the mud-mat jacks are expendable, adding to project cost. Finally, if there is a mechanical problem, the Latch-Lok™ tool can be retrieved and replaced with the back-up tool; mud-mat jacks offer no back-up.
Oil States MCS Latch-Lok™ Leveling Tools are available in two lift capacities and three size ranges.
• 30 - 42 inch pile sizes, 500 ton load rating
• 48 - 60 inch pile sizes, 500 ton load rating
• 60 - 84 inch pile sizes, 1500 ton load rating | |
Oil States Industries, Inc.
Oil States International, Inc.