Aker, MAN Diesel & Turbo Tackle Subsea Compression Technology

Aker Solutions and MAN Diesel & Turbo expect to reduce the size and weight of subsea compression systems by at least 50%, according to a news release.

The effort comes just a year after the first such system, delivered by Aker in collaboration with partners including MAN and Statoil, went onstream at Statoil’s Åsgard Field in the Norwegian Sea. “The Åsgard system, which has been running with practically no stops or interruptions in its first year, will help recover an additional 306 million barrels of oil equivalents more cost-effectively, safely and with a smaller environmental footprint than a traditional platform,” MAN said in the news release.

Compressors, typically installed on platforms above sea level, are used to maintain output as reservoir pressure at gas fields drops over time. The two units at Åsgard are the world’s first compressors to be installed and put into operation on the seabed, the release said.

SKF, GE Partner To Focus On Active Magnetic Bearing Technologies

SKF and GE Oil & Gas have signed an agreement aimed at further developing the use of active magnetic bearing technologies in the oil and gas sector.

As part of the agreement, GE Oil & Gas will make use of SKF’s magnetic bearing technologies from FEED to installation, testing and service to customers, according to Business Wire.

The partnership also provides the basis for future collaboration, to widen the scope of applications of active magnetic bearings into other GE Oil & Gas turbomachinery, such as steam and gas turbines.

Specialist Coating Targets Corrosion, Preventative Maintenance

HTL Worldwide Ltd. has released a specialist coating that aims to extend the life of any structure or assembly, a product announcement stated.

The company said the HTL Pro-Tect is suitable for any mechanical and electrical application that is subject to climatic corrosion. The coating, which HTL said has a lifespan of up to 25 years, is intended to protect all mechanically exposed assemblies in the harshest environmental conditions including subsea.

The high-strength nature of the product comes from its silicone base, which forms a strong, resilient and rubberized coating that averts moisture, debris, and water or oxygen ingress, the company said. Non-marine pollutant and nontoxic to the environment, the coating is described as recyclable and capable of being easily applied and removed.

Guidance Releases New Vessel Radar System

Guidance Marine has released a new Artemis Mk6 long-range radar system the company said is capable of positioning vessels up to 10,000 m (32,808 ft), a press release stated.

The system is typically used in the offshore operation of offloading and transportation of oil between shuttle tankers and FPSO units. The new system has an all-weather operating system up to 10 km (6 miles), interchangeable antennas and antenna units, a Guidance Dashboard user interface and is compatible with all existing Mk5 stations, according to the release.

—Staff Reports