Hydraulic Boom Arm Case Study

The Benefits of Using a Hydraulic Boom Arm 

Instead of using crane to deploy a hose, the hydraulic boom arm is used to pump our custom grout into an offshore structure, and can used for both jackets and topsides. A key benefit is that it frees up the vessel’s crane to be used for other things. This in itself means that we are also not waiting for the crane to become free when we are wanting to use it. Additionally, it provides flexibility to operations: whilst a crane is stationary, in its one position where it is located, the hydraulic boom arm can be positioned in a variety of places on the deck. This allows grouting operations to be autonomous and much more self-contained. 

The use of an autonomous arm also provides the benefit of a faster transfer operation when the hose is being deployed and recovered, saving time In its first project it saved an average of ten minutes per structure by speeding up and simplifying the process of connecting the grout hose to the grout mixer – this resulted in an impressive ten-hour time saving over the course of 60 structures. 

How it Works

The arm is made up of several segments, each of which can be adjusted with a pivot, sitting on top of a pedestal, different pedestals are available for different vessel configurations . The hydraulic boom arm lifts vertically to extend each segment, and then can bend over, using the pivots to move the hose into position for connection to the jacket – this curved shape allows grout to flow fluidly through the hose to the structure. 

The shape of the extended arm provides another key benefit– it minimises the risk of damage to the structure, or causing paint defects, because there is no grout hose hanging down from the structure, meaning there is nothing to swing or flex near the paintwork.. The hose remains entirely elevated throughout the operation. Avoiding scratches is very important for far more than simply cosmetic reasons: marine grade paints are designed to prevent saltwater erosion and rust, so their integrity is vital for withstanding the harsh conditions offshore. 

Future Operations

The hydraulic boom arm can be used on either a jack up vessel or floating vessel, as it can be adjusted to various different configurations, but our one has so far been used on jack up vessels where the pedestal does not need to be extended, a configuration which means the grout can easily be pumped to the structure. When the vessel deck is approximately level there is little risk of hitting the limitations of a material being pumped, which tends to be around 25 to 30 metres, depending on the custom grout mix. But whether floating or jack up vessels, this equipment could be used in a large range of operations in the future.

By reducing vessel crane dependency, the introduction of the hydraulic boom arm as an option on our clients’ projects is providing time savings and flexibility in operations for FoundOcean and our partners and contractors. This piece of equipment can be a valuable asset to operations and is a good item to have in our armoury. 

For more information on FoundOcean’s experience and capabilities, contact the team on +44 1506 440330 or email info@foundocean.com