CASE HISTORIES

Speedhead Flange Separation		Images (click on image to enlarge	****JavaScript based drop down DHTML menu generated by NavStudio. (OpenCube Inc. - http://www.opencube.com)****
Client	Woodside Energy Ltd,
Location	Perth, Australia
Project Description
Separate a speedhead flange where the 4mm flange gap was severely corroded and filled with rust .
Work Scope
The area outside the flange bolts was first cleaned by water jet, and the excess rust removed with scraping tools, air driven drill and special diamond coated files. Once cleaned, the 4mm gap allowed insertion of a ring of three ThinJacks. After energizing three rings each of 3 ThinJacks the flange gap opened to 23mm. Forces in excess of 200,000lb were generated by the ThinJacks. Once the gap had been opened sufficiently by ThinJack, it was possible to insert a pair of hydraulic flange spreaders. These allowed the gap to be safely expanded up to 40mm. Finally the flange was lifted off the bolts by a 6 tonne lift by block and chain from above. The ThinJack operation took only four hours.