Extremely high structural integrity and high levels of control can be achieved when conductors are driven into place with a hydraulic hammer. Selecting the right hammer for the application, however, is crucial. Not only do you need to choose a model that is powerful enough to drive the conductor to the desired penetration, but its weight must also be within the rig’s crane limits. Selecting an inadequate hammer can cause extremely expensive project delays. There are other key considerations too, such as reliability and environmental performance.
About the technology
The S-90 and S-150 hammers combine a solid one-piece ram with a fully enclosed hammer housing. The modular structure protects the working parts from the elements and reduces the risk of breakdowns. In addition, the hammers have an extremely wide operating window, from –20 to 50°C, which enables them to be used in most climates. They are also environmentally friendly: there are no waste gases or oil splashes, and the oil-lubricated bearings have a long service life. The hammers are serviced by qualifi ed mechanics either at our base in Great Yarmouth, UK, or on location. This is possible because over 50% of CIS’s offshore supervisors and technicians are fully qualifi ed mechanics. Operating data are shown overleaf.
Adding value
Operators place a premium on the ability of their service providers to adapt to oilfield situations as they emerge; experience is paramount in conductor installation projects. CIS has a highly skilled and experienced onshore team that can provide further support and guidance if project plans need to be adjusted before or during the execution phase. Moreover, where appropriate, we can also take full project management responsibility for the process of installing conductors. This can include performing engineering studies; recommending and then manufacturing the drive shoes; supervising the shoe welding; and supplying all the conductor handling equipment along with the hammer equipment. Once the driving is finished, we can also complete the project by cutting and bevelling the conductor ready for the wellhead to be fitted.
Project profile
A project offshore Trinidad required four 26-in. diameter, 1-in. wall thickness conductors to be batch driven to a prescribed penetration below the seabed. Using an S-150 hammer, CIS completed the operation in textbook fashion with lower than normal levels of vibration, a feature that the client particularly valued.