The maritime and offshore industries are currently experiencing a shift in forward-thinking structural repair technology. Set sail with us into the world of Cold Work as we explain the multifaceted benefits that make SPS the pinnacle of innovative offshore repairs.
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What is the SPS Cold Work solution?
The steel condition of any offshore asset is paramount to its strength and structural integrity. The above animation follows the SPS Cold Work process, which begins with meticulous surface preparation. Achieving a minimum roughness of 60 microns is crucial, so we use vacuum blasting as the most efficient method for the task.
Following surface preparation, the installation progresses through carefully orchestrated steps:
- Structural adhesive application: Structural adhesive is applied to the underside of a pre-drilled perimeter bar, forming the cavity boundaries on the deck.
- Elastomer spacer placement: Engineered elastomer spacers ensure uniform design depth within the cavity, preventing the new top plate from sagging and maintaining a flat surface.
- Additional adhesive application: Additional structural adhesive is applied around the edges of the cavity on the existing deck.
- Top plate installation: The pre-drilled top plate, often with perimeter bars pre-attached, is positioned and mechanically fixed to the perimeter bars using SPS bolts.
- Ventilation system setup: Ventilation ports and flow control valves are strategically placed on the top plate to ensure proper air expulsion during the injection process.
- Injection of liquid elastomer: An injection machine connected to the injection port flow control valve injects liquid elastomer into the cavity, filling it in less than five minutes.
- Solidification and bonding: Within 15 minutes, the elastomer solidifies, creating a robust bond between the new top plate and the existing deck. This critical phase of the SPS Cold Work installation concludes within 60 minutes.
Why choose SPS Cold Work solutions?
Beyond its efficacy in enhancing main deck strength, SPS delivers a permanent, class-approved and cost-effective in-situ solution for offshore asset repair and new build projects.
SPS Cold Work requires up to 90% less labour and a staggering 56% less steel than conventional techniques! This not only streamlines the repair process but also contributes to cost-effectiveness, making it up to 11x less expensive and 3x faster than steel crop and renewal methods.
SPS Cold Work eliminates the need for dive boats and underwater cofferdams, breaking away from traditional constraints. This opens up possibilities for working in adjacent areas simultaneously, allowing project timelines to be expedited as the structure remains intact.
And, ultimately, the biggest advantage for everyone is having a ‘no hot work’ solution to repairs. By using adhesives, there is no need for welding, no sparks and the repair is much safer for personnel!
We can extend the lifespan of vessels while significantly reducing their environmental impact.
Maritime & Offshore sustainability
A noteworthy aspect of SPS Cold Work is its sustainable offering. The process minimises waste and reduces environmental impact by reusing existing corroded plating as one-half of the composite. This innovative approach aligns with contemporary demands for eco-friendly practices in the maritime and offshore sectors.
Beyond immediate repairs, SPS Cold Work also contributes to the long-term health of offshore assets, ensuring enhanced fatigue resistance and providing a shield against wear and tear. This results in an extended service life for the repaired structures, cutting down on expense and waste.
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