Enerpac Lifting Accuracy Enables Pioneering Spirit Fast Lift

Enerpac informs it has supplied the high pressure, hydraulic cylinder technology for the topsides lift system beams aboard Allseas’ massive platform installation/decommissioning and pipelay vessel, Pioneering Spirit.

 

The cylinders are an integral part of the vessel’s lift system, enabling the installation and decommissioning of complete topsides weighing up to 48,000 metric tons, Enerpac explained.

 

Pioneering Spirit’s 16 lifting beams feature 64 Enerpac CLRG-Series high tonnage double acting hydraulic cylinders arranged in groups of four. Designed specifically for heavy lifting up to 1,000 metric tons, the cylinders were delivered within three months of Enerpac signing the contract with Allseas.

 

According to Enerpac, its double-acting cylinders provide very high levels of precision and control – essential factors in successful heavy lifting. This level of lifting accuracy enables Pioneering Spirit to use the fast lift method. During installation and decommissioning, the lifting beams are extended allowing platform topsides to be lifted several meters. 

 

These special 1,000 metric ton cylinders were designed by Enerpac’s engineering team near Madrid, Spain, and produced in Hengelo, The Netherlands. 

 

To improve corrosion resistance, the Enerpac hydraulic cylinders were first subjected to NiCr80 / 20 plasma spray, then with an AlTi plasma spray. Two layers of special coating to close the pores of the steel followed this. The final baked enamel finish and plated pistons for each cylinder are compliant with the NORSOK M-501 standard for surface preparation and protective coating.

 

“Precision and control are built into everything we make,” said Jeroen Naalden, Global director, Enerpac Integrated Solutions. “Enerpac’s 1,000 metric ton hydraulic cylinders will provide Pioneering Spirit with the heavy lift capability needed for the successful offshore installation and decommissioning of complete topsides.”