Valves Seals and Gearboxes

Valves Transco experienced leakage problems on large 36" pipeline ball valves at a pressure reduction station. Valve leakage was investigated as part of a proposed legal action against the valve manufacturer. The leakage was found to be due to wear and compression set of the 'O' rings used to seal the valve seats. BP Clair Engineering Assessment of Sub Sea Isolation Valve Actuator Failure. Assisted BP in the failure investigation of a SSIV actuator. Root cause of failure was the failure of a pressure relief valve leading to the actuator can being over pressurised and failing catastrophically Gearboxes Investigated failure of spherical roller PTO shaft bearings on a large marine gearbox. Failure due to a combination of the bearings being run under light load and at a speed close to their limiting speed. Limited lives of wind turbine gearboxes were investigated in conjunction with the end user and gearbox manufacturer. It was concluded that the prime cause of premature failure was an underestimation of the wind loading spectrum to which the gearbox was subject. Seals Acted as expert witness in dispute regarding oil leakage from gearboxes used on goods lifts. Lift manufacturer claimed that as the seals were leaking the gearboxes were not fit for purpose. It was demonstrated that the small leaks were within normal industry standards. Flexible Hoses / Pipes Key member of BP team to re-instate damaged Coflexip flexible pipes for Foinaven development. The outer sheath of Coflexip flexible pipes was damaged during installation flooding the wire reinforcement with sea water. Reinstatement involved patching the outer sheath using ROVs and flushing the braiding with a neutrally buoyant mixture of ethanol and glycol. Extensive testing carried out to demonstrate proof of concept and seconded to project to implement technique offshore. Expert Witness Acted as expert witness in dispute regarding oil leakage from gearboxes used on goods lifts. Lift manufacturer claimed that as the seals were leaking the gearboxes were not fit for purpose. It was demonstrated that the small leaks were within normal industry standards. Investigation of premature failure of train axlebox bearings to support impending legal action. Study suspended when rail vehicle manufacturer accepted failures as a warranty issue. Transco experienced leakage problems on large 36" pipeline ball valves at a pressure reduction station. Valve leakage was investigated as part of a proposed legal action against the valve manufacturer. Leakage was found to be due to wear and compression set of the 'O' rings used to seal the valve seats. Saipem - v - Wirth. Expert witness on $100M dispute following winch failure on a deep water drill ship leading to loss of the drill string Gave evidence in the High Court for two days as part of an eight week action. Hidrostal - v - Opperman Mastergear. Expert witness on complex dispute regarding failure of gearboxes used on sewage pumps.

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