The Stena Spey is a self-propelled, semi-submersible, offshore drilling rig, based in Aberdeen, and requires constant maintenance to prevent corrosion.
The Hughes Pumps Ultrabar 10 unit strips corrosions and failed coatings from the rig structure using plain water.
This water-jetting system was supplied with a simple dump gun using a new design of self-rotating surface preparation nozzle, suitable for the very low flowrate required.
Hughes explains that this innovation significantly simplifies the unit, eliminating the need for on-site compressed air and reducing routine UHP accessory maintenance.
Hitherto, maintenance intensive compressed air-driven rotary guns and UHP dump valves were the only option with this type of application.
As part of the support package for this application, six Stena Spey operators underwent Water Jetting Association (WJA) accredited safety training at Hughes Pumps' UK factory.
system comprises: Ultrabar 10 EC UHP water jetting unit with a performance of 8.3lpm at 2500bar; and 45kW electric motor and starter panel for use in a safe area.
It is crash-frame mounted – 1.8m x 1.0m x 1.5m and 1,100kg – making it one of the most compact UHP pump sets on the market.