Lack of properly assessed and defined wear limits for jacking systems can lead to significant downtimes with financial implications for jackup operations. DNV GL, supported by leading global industry players in the jackup industry, has established a joint industry project (JIP), to provide guidelines on determining relevant wear criteria for self-elevating units.
The ‘Wear acceptance criteria for jacking systems’ JIP, is expected to begin early 2016 with eleven partners already confirmed. The JIP is building on a DNV GL Recommended Practice (RP) issued last year to address maintenance and inspection challenges of a jackup system. It will document relevant design arguments, considerations and calculations to enable the industry to define acceptance criteria and develop guidance on the correct assessment of jacking systems in a RP.
"Defining maximum limits of wear across all parts of a jacking system is technically complex," says Michiel van der Geest, product manager offshore classification, DNV GL – Maritime.
"It not only involves the interaction of all elements of the system, including the different materials applied, but also relevant operational and maintenance strategy considerations.
Incorrect or unclear assessments can increase cost and also the reliability and availability of jacking systems. By creating a clear guidance this JIP will ultimately improve asset management and reduce delays and maintenance costs."
Several partners have expressed the need for this JIP: "There is a clear benefit in participating in this JIP, taking into consideration the need of users, class authorities, and OEM to have a common language when talking about jacking systems. The recommended practice which will be issued from this JIP will give the users confidence in long term predictive operation, supported by OEM diagnosis," says Philippe Gadreau, Chairman and CEO of NOV-BLM.
Another partner adds: "Allrig is delighted to extend its participation in this next phase of the JIP and continue to share its extensive knowledge of jacking systems best practice," says Mark Hannigan, CEO, Allrig Group.
"Through collaborations of this nature the offshore industry as a whole can emerge from the downturn stronger, safer and more efficient to face the challenges of the future."
David Brown Gears CEO Thomas Burley comments: "David Brown Gears has received strong support from our growing customer base in the UAE to participate in the DNV GL JIP on jacking system wear criteria. We believe that the JIP offers the right forum to define best practice for the industry."
"This new JIP on wear acceptance criteria for jacking systems is the latest offspring from our successful collaborative initiatives to improve jackup operations," adds Michiel van der Geest.
"We are constantly looking into improvements for the jackup industry."