Pipe Clamping Mattresses

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Step-change in arresting pipeline walking

Page last modified
August 4 2023

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

Pro/con

Rock Dumping Alternative - Addressing pipeline-walking with PCMs rather than rock-dumping also eliminates the need for fall-pipe vessel and competent rock
Eliminates Suction Pile – using a ‘wait-and-see’ philosophy for pipeline walking, eliminates suction pile fabrication and installation | As pipeline-walking is an uncommon and slow process, remediation can be achieved using post-installed PCMs
Design Efficiency - 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
Intellectual Property - 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

Specification

Accuracy Clamping tolerance ~1mm (client issued pipeline to make the mould).
Areas of Application Pipeline Walking Mitigation or Rectification.
Installation PCMs can be installed as a pair (with the log mat) thus halving the installation time.
Lifespan 50 years
Material Fibre reinforced concrete with neoprene lining.
Modular design PCMs are deployed in banks determined by total restraining capacity.
Patents 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. 
Response time 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).

Relative Business Impact

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Technology Readiness Level

[9/9]

Development Technology demonstration Mature / Proven
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Subcon is a global leader in subsea stabilisation and marine foundations.  We have also pioneered Engineered Integrated Reefs which have recently been used in Oil & Gas for a ‘Rigs to Reefs’ Decommissioning solution.

 With offices in the Netherlands, Belgium, Singapore, Australia and China we provide a local service backed by our international expertise.

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