Successful installation of RTR Handling Arms onboard Transocean Barents

 

– Reduces rig NPT and boosts QHSE, says Transocean Barents Rig Manager.

 

Future Production recently installed their Riser Tension Ring (RTR) Handling Arms System onboard the Transocean Barents rig on location in Newfoundland, Canada.

The system replaces time consuming and potentially dangerous manual rig labour over open sea with a streamlined, safer and more effective remote operated  mechanical operation.

The operation pulls the DAT Tensioners and the RTR with the DAT cylinders from parked position to connected positions onto the riser, and reverses the operation when Riser Tension operations is no longer required.

The RTR Handling Arms also keeps the DAT-cylinders in a securely locked position while not in use.

– Significantly strengthened QHSE

Transocean Barents Rig Manager Pierre Gully says the rig quality and safety is now «significantly strengthened».

– We can now connect the DAT-cylinders much faster than what we managed through our previous manual operations. As a result, our rig personnel no longer need to perform potentially dangerous and hazardous work over open sea. The system greatly improves our rig personnel safety and QHSE, he states.

– The reduced time spent performing the operation also significantly reduces our rig NPT – and gives an improved weather window for connecting the DAT cylinders – which subsequently allows for a further reduction of unnecessary rig costs.

Tailor made design

Prior to designing the equipment, Future Production engineers surveyed the rig to optimize the technical solution and to consider operational and installation aspects.

– The moonpool area where the RTR Handling Arms were installed is typically very congested. It is imperative that added equipment and structures in this area does not obstruct other operations and/or escape routes, says Roar Log from Future Production.

The installed version of the RTR Handling Arms System onboard the Barents was adjusted and specifically designed to fit the individual measurements of the rig.

– During our rig pre-survey we noticed that there was very little space between the moonpool-area and the Pipe Chute. Our solution was to compress the design of the system handling arms to make sure the operational ability onboard the rig was not affected, says Log, who lead the four week long installation process.

– The result is a very compact and effective design, he states.

– Future Production designs every one of its system deliveries to fit the specific needs of the customer down to millimetres. Final fine tuning and minor adaptations performed on site during installation is also normal, and part of our deliveries. This operation was no different, says Log.

8th system installation

The Transocean Barents is an “ultra-deepwater dual-activity semi-submersible rig” specially designed for operations in harsh environments. It was constructed and designed by Aker at the Aker Kværner Stord shipyard, and first put in service in 2009.

Including the Transocean Barents, Future Production has now delivered RTR Handling Arms systems and similar DAT Arrest & Handling systems on eight different rigs, including West Hercules, West Aquarius, Scarabeo 9, West Phoenix, West Eminence and Bluwhale 1 and 2.