TPi March 2017

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30 TUBE PRODUCTS INTERNATIONAL March 2017
developments
products &
Calm Buoy Swivel can rotate while maintaining a leak-free joint
Buoy with swivel technology reduces
maintenance downtime
Flexible Engineered Solutions
International (FES), a supplier of fluid
transfer systems to the oil and gas
offshore industry, has developed new
technology for a major manufacturer of
marine equipment based in China.
The Calm Buoy Swivel, which is fully
certified by DNV GL, includes new
swivel technology that allows the buoy
to rotate while maintaining a leak-free
joint between the subsea pipelines and
vessel during the transfer of fluid.
Because it enables the replacement of
seals on board without the requirement
to bring the main buoy into a repair
yard, the new swivel will help to reduce
maintenance downtime for the Calm
Buoy, avoiding it being offline for long
periods of time.
The Flexible Engineered Solutions Calm
Buoy Swivel also has a leak detection
system complete with instrumentation
to allow the user to monitor the seal
performance; an integrated pressure
transmitter to monitor the pressure
during loading; and an integrated
electrical slip ring to allow electrical
cable connections from subsea to
topside.
Ian Latimer, technical director at Flexible
Engineered Solutions International,
commented, “This new technology
is the result of heavy investment in
research and development by Flexible
Engineered Solutions. It is really
pleasing to be on the eve of its first
installation where we believe it will make
a significant contribution to keeping
costs down by reducing maintenance
downtime. We look forward to many
more installations to come.”
FES International – UK