We are thrilled to announce SPS Technology’s significant role in CenerTech’s in-house exhibition, showcasing innovative solutions for maintaining asset integrity. The exhibit introduced CNOOC’s use of our cutting-edge COLD WORK solution, a revolutionary approach that is reshaping the oil and gas industry.

Keep reading as we delve into the technical intricacies and advantages of SPS for maritime and offshore industries, showing how our composite minimises production disruption, reduces maintenance costs and enhances overall safety.

SPS Cold Work: a technical breakdown

SPS (Sandwich Plate System) offers a permanent structural repair and reinforcement technique approved by renowned classification societies. Unlike traditional repair solutions, SPS employs a non-destructive, COLD WORK approach. Here’s how it works:

The surface of the corroded plating is prepared through vacuum blasting.
Structural adhesive is applied to perimeter bars, creating a structural frame on the existing steel.
Elastomer spacers are positioned inside this cavity.
The SPS top plate with pre-attached perimeter bars is adhered onto the cleaned corroded plating.
Ventilation funnels are positioned on the valves whilst temporary restraint beams are fixed on top of the plate by magnets.
An injection machine introduces liquid elastomer into the cavity as air is pushed out via the ventilation ports.
The Elastomer core solidifies within 15 minutes and the composite bond is complete after four hours.

SPS technical advantages as identified by CNOOC

Rapid Construction: SPS boasts a remarkably short construction period, requiring minimal labour as most of the prefabrication is completed onshore. This efficiency translates to less offshore work, reduced shutdown times, minimised operational disruption, and enhanced productivity.
Cost-Effectiveness: By significantly reducing maintenance and operating costs, SPS becomes a crucial tool for operators seeking to upkeep production.
Safe & Permanent Repair: SPS’s non-destructive approach ensures that the original structure remains undamaged. This means a safer working environment and a more secure, permanent repair solution.
Classification Society Approval: SPS’s permanent repair approach has earned the approval of classification societies, providing peace of mind and validating our composite’s reliability.
Enhanced Safety: Removing the need for hot work translates to the elimination of fire-related hazards. COLD WORK safeguards personnel, assets and revenue. SPS’s ability to minimise these risks offers a significant advantage in the industry.

CNOOC’s SPS case studies

The success of SPS is best showcased through real-world implementation cases, as exemplified by CNOOC at the in-house exhibition:

From 2017-21, there were ongoing steel renewal campaigns onboard FPSO Bohai Shiji to satisfy classification requirements. The need for conventional hot work crop and renew repairs created continuing disruptions to production. SPS was introduced in 2021 for QHD32-6 maintenance. The cost and schedule effectiveness have made SPS a preferred method to repair the tanks. As of 2023, there were 8 campaigns completed for FPSO Bohai Shiji.
The success of SPS COLD WORK on FPSO Bohai Shiji has been shared internally in CNOOC. Aside from the QHD3-26 oil field, there are a number of Bohai oil field companies looking into implementing SPS COLD WORK as the repair solution for their assets.