Challenge

A client had corroded studbolts on live pressure vessel flanges in its onshore gas processing facility. The next planned shutdown was in 2016 and the client was concerned that the corroded bolts strength would degrade below the allowable limit before the shutdown.

Removing and replacing the bolts using traditional techniques would require a shutdown and loss of production at a significant financial cost.

Solution

Stork recommended that its patented Hot Bolt Clamp (HBC) technique be applied, allowing it to remove and replace the bolts while the plant was still in production. A team was mobilised and 35 live connections with four bolts were replaced with no disruption to ongoing production.

Benefits

• The work was carried out online without requiring a costly premature shutdown
• It avoided the risk of bolt failure awaiting the planned shutdown in 2016
• By replacing the bolts outside of the turnaround, it will make the upcoming turnaround less complex and therefore easier to execute on time and within budget
• The HBC workscope was completed on time, within budget with no safety or environmental incidents

Project name: Pressure vessel bolt removal and replacement

Services: Hot Bolt Clamp

Date: 2015