Pipe Clamping Mattresses
Step-change in arresting pipeline walking
Developed by Subcon in cooperation with Shell Global Solutions (Shell), the engineered 'pipe clamping mattress' (PCM) is used to mitigate pipeline-walking.
With rock-dumping the vast majority of load is passed straight to the seabed, but with PCMs 100% of the load is effective in mobilizing axial resistance.
The technique was first developed on Shell's Malampaya Project; as an alternative to traditional rock dumping. Shell presented a technical paper on the Malampaya PCM’s at the Houston OTC available here
Specification Title | Specification Description |
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Accuracy
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Clamping tolerance ~1mm (client issued pipeline to make the mould).
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Areas of Application
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Pipeline Walking Mitigation or Rectification.
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Installation
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PCMs can be installed as a pair (with the log mat) thus halving the installation time.
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Lifespan
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50 years
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Material
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Fibre reinforced concrete with neoprene lining.
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Modular design
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PCMs are deployed in banks determined by total restraining capacity.
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Patents
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Shell has a US patent pending for the PCM, but has now released the PCM option to the market via a global licensing agreement with Subcon.
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Response time
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PCMs can be designed, fabricated and installed in circa 4 months (thereby suitable for a wait-and-see approached where pipeline walking is reacted to).
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Reviews
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[9/9]
Relative Business Impact

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