Large-Scale Metrology For Oil Industry Production
Large-Scale Metrology For Oil Industry Production
Introduction of dedicated metrology tools brings quality and efficiency improvements in large-scale subsea structure construction. Article by Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence.
Situated approximately 15 km south of Singapore in a free-trade-zone on Batam Island, Profab has for 20 years been building a reputation as a leading producer of large-scale parts for the global oil industry. A part of National Oilwell Varco since 2015, the company manufactures everything from subsea structures, turrets and wellhead platforms to mooring systems and pressure vessels.
This level of large-scale construction involves a host of complex industrial processes, including rolling, cutting, assembly, welding, cladding and weld overlay, post-weld heat treatment, painting and coating, loadout support, hydrostatic testing, fitting, packing and sea fastening.
Ensuring client projects are completed properly at the first attempt is a core goal at Profab, requiring the employment of the latest technology and equipment and a highly trained team. Their 27,500 square metre workshop was purpose-designed to provide the most efficient fabrication lines by minimising handling interference within the production process. Profab can handle the production of equipment weighing in at up to 4,000 tons, which can be loaded out directly onto barges via a roll-on-roll-off system using self-propelled modular transporter trailers.
Focus on Accuracy
The manufacture of pressure vessels and mooring systems are key areas where accuracy is becoming more and more critical for Profab. A key example of this was in the creation of the Sergipe floating storage regasification unit (FSRU), where precisely measuring the angles, position and length of the umbilical support structure was of great importance, with measurement essential in the reporting and positioning of adaptor plates.
The accuracy requirements for such tasks are at the submillimetre level for the machined parts, which was beyond the capabilities of the quality assurance equipment previously employed in Batam. It was clear that something more was needed to satisfy these requirements.
“We did consider a high-definition surveying system, but with accuracy at just about 2 to 3 mm, such a solution was just not workable for us,” said Rajesh Moehamad, Quality Control Manager at Profab. “Some of our customers require better accuracy than this, even for very big parts.”
After consultation with a Hexagon representative, it was clear that the Leica Absolute Tracker AT403 delivered a range of features and capabilities that perfectly aligned with Profab’s production needs in Batam.
To continue reading this article, which appeared in the April 2020 issue of Asia Pacific Metalworking Equipment News, click here!
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