MasterMover’s Special Projects’ Team Make Waves in the Oil and Gas Sector
The oil and gas sectors have specific requirements in terms of logistics, with the demands of geography and the nature of the products involved often requiring special consideration.
One project being developed by MasterMover’s Special Projects’ Team illustrates how smart thinking can be applied to meet some of the challenges incurred.
The team is currently working with TechnipFMC, a manufacturer of integrated subsea systems, known as Christmas Trees, which are a key component in the oil and gas industry.
During the manufacturing process of a Christmas Tree, the central block is moved to different bays along the production line. At each bay a different manufacturing process is applied prior to final assembly.
The engineering process applied at each stage require the block to be manipulated (rotated) in order for it to be worked on.
The current practice for manipulation involves use of a static manipulator (one that can’t be transported around the facility).
To improve production efficiency, MasterMover’s Special Projects’ Team has been working with TechnipFMC to develop a bespoke machine to support and manipulate each block, that is also capable of being transported around the facility by an electric tug.
Once the block is lifted onto the manipulator by a crane, the manipulator will then transport the block along the production line. At each bay it then rotates the block in order for each process to take place, without any further crane intervention.
The new MasterMover machine can adapt to the size of block as the connectors move electronically to fit. There are different sizes of block that will be moved/ manipulated by the machine.
By working closely with TechnipFMC’s HSE department, MasterMover have integrated many safety features to ensure maximum protection to the operator.
James Jones, MasterMover’s Special Projects’ Director, is overseeing the installation. He said: “We have worked with TechnipFMC through every stage of the process.
“We started with a simple CAD drawing which was then worked through to a concept model drawing and overlaid with the final solution.
“There was a 16-week lead time from initial discussion to completion and crucially, the project was completed on time and on budget.”
This project gives a flavour of the unique blend of skills the MasterMover Special Projects’ Division can offer to handle any projects that require something different to MasterMover’s standard range of products.
They can bring real competitive advantage that put customers in control, with complete engineered solutions.
