EoW May 2009

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EuroWire – May 2009 32
english technology news
Nexans has been awarded an €11 million contract by BP Norge
to supply a direct electrical heating (DEH) system for the Skarv
field subsea production pipeline in the Norwegian Sea. Nexans
is the only supplier with experience of this technology and
has already supplied this type of system for 17 subsea pipeline
installations.
A 12" diameter production pipeline will be installed from one
of the production wells at the field to the floating production
storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel at Skarv. The distance
between the well and vessel is approximately 13km. At times
of low production or shutdown a DEH system will be used,
thus preventing blockage of the pipe. A number of methods
may be used for maintaining flow, such as chemical injection,
but DEH has proved to be both a reliable and eco-friendly
solution to the problem.
The DEH principle works by sending an electrical alternating
current from the FPSO through a dynamic riser cable with two
power cores to the seabed and in to the production pipeline.
One insulated cable is connected directly to the pipe in the
near-end while the other is laid along the pipeline in the
direction of the template (far-end) where it is connected to the
pipe. AC current is supplied through the cable and returned
partly via the pipe walls and partly through the seawater. This
causes heat to be generated in the steel pipe, ensuring that
the well flow is maintained above the critical temperature for
hydrate formation.
Nexans – France
Fax: +33 15669 8484
Email:
Website:
DEH system for Skarv pipeline
Keir Manufacturing has been producing
ceramic guides for the wire and cable
industry for 25 years, using technical, task
specific ceramics to provide customers
with the exact solution, to specification,
in a reasonable amount of time.
Keir manufactures bushings, eyelets,
rods, tubes, wear plates and any other
geometrical shape based on the wire
customer’s needs or will duplicate worn
out metal components with 99.8% pure
alumina ceramics.
Ceramic components are more durable,
resistant to wear, and more cost effective
than metal, with reduced heat transfer.
The Frontiersman AirWipe from
Keir, operates at line speeds up to
7,200 ft/sec utilising compressed air. Two
models of AirWipes are available: the
SureShot is ideal for bare wire and the
SplitShot for jacketed wire. The design
of Keir’s patented ceramic insert utilises
lower air pressure air than other models.
The pressure regulator and insert are
mounted in a durable polymer housing
which delivers the appropriate amount
of air, saving costs due to the reduced
r e q u i r e m e n t
for air. For pro-
ducers of multi-
ple gauge wire,
Keir inserts allow
for quick changes,
with minimal
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retooling.
For multiple
strand wire, Keir
AirWipes can be
mounted in a
line to support
as many strands
as required.
It is ready for
mounting and
made to fit the
exact wire size,
instead of a range of sizes. The split and
spring loaded design of the SplitShot
allows for welds or extrusion bulges to
pass through without damage, or is used
where it is not practical to thread wire.
Keir’ s AirWipes will accommodate
wire gauges up to a maximum OD of
4.5".
Keir has dedicated itself to making
ceramic products that enable the wire
and cable industry to be more efficient
and productive.
Keir Manufacturing – USA
Fax: +1 828 884 7494
Email:
Website :
Guides and wipes for wire working
A selection of ceramic components from Keir ▲ ▲