Subsea Innovation achieves world first DNV GL type approval

Subsea Innovation Ltd, part of Tekmar Group plc, has announced that it has been awarded DNV GL type approval for its SIClamp structural pipeline repair clamp technology. In doing so Subsea Innovation is the first manufacturer in the world to achieve this certification.

The new technology, given the official stamp of approval from DNV GL, can act as a temporary or permanent structural repair clamp for carbon steel pipelines designed for water, oil or gas transport. Emergency Pipeline Repair Systems (EPRS) such as these are designed for immediate deployment should a subsea oil or gas pipeline become damaged or its integrity found to deficient due to corrosion or defect.

Subsea Innovation is a world leader in the design, manufacture and supply of complex engineered equipment and technology used in the offshore energy market.

Designed for sizes between 8” and 44” and temperature ranges from -4 to +80oC, the SIClamps provide new capability in the global pipeline market, which is a great growth opportunity for the Darlington based company.

The technology was developed for operational offshore oil and gas platforms who have had their working life extended and pipelines are required to last longer. With the increase in working life, Emergency Pipeline Repair Systems support this by maximising operational life and production efficiency and can be deployed at short notice.

Dave Thompson, Managing Director at Subsea Innovation, said: “Achieving this certification is a major achievement and reflects the technical expertise of the team and many years of hard work. The technology helps solve a major problem for oil and gas operators, tier 1 and tier 2 contractors to protect against leaks or structural integrity on the huge amount critical infrastructure which crisscross the globe.”

Subsea Innovation have delivered nine such systems in the last two years which enabled the company to apply for the DNV GL type approval. Of these nine systems, five are fully Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) automated, utilising Subsea Innovations in-house designed hydraulic reversible bolt tensioners, which allows for installation and operational in deep water down to 1350m. The company is currently developing systems for even deeper water, supporting global demand, with a previous prestigious client list including Subsea7, RasGas, Chevron and Impex.

Subsea Innovation has also been successful in providing fast turn-around clamps in under 10 weeks, but still designed in accordance with the type approval, including all the benefits of the SI duel seal single circuit technology.

Mr Thompson continued “Our modular approach to the design is also unique in the industry and can provide significant cost benefits to the end client. This includes the ability for shared components between clamps and connectors and multiple seal sets allowing them to cover various pipe sizes and the modularity of our installation tooling.”

Subsea Innovation aim to become the global market leader for Emergency Pipeline Repair Systems.

Subsea Innovation Limited are one of Tekmar Group plc’s three primary operating companies; in addition to Tekmar Energy Limited and AgileTek Engineering Limited.

Tekmar Group’s vision is to become the partner of choice for the supply and installation support of subsea protection equipment to the global offshore energy markets.