THREE60 Energy designed and manufactured the industry’s largest Zap-Lok pipelay press for NOV Tuboscope, providing a faster and more efficient method of connecting carbon steel pipe for offshore pipelay operations.
Designed to accommodate pipes up to 16 inches in diameter, the system uses friction clamp technology to create weldless mechanical connections, removing the need for conventional welding and associated weld inspection.
Challenge
The customer required a Zap-Lok system capable of handling larger diameter pipes, higher-grade steels and greater wall thicknesses while maintaining the speed and efficiency of the connection process.
The solution needed to provide a reliable alternative to traditional welded connections and support rapid offshore pipeline installation.
Solution
THREE60 developed a high-capacity Zap-Lok press using friction clamp technology to connect the pre-formed bell and pin ends of the pipe.
Hardened steel pads hold the pipe securely while the connection is formed and epoxy resin applied. The system was engineered to accommodate 16-inch diameter pipe, including high-grade steel and increased wall thicknesses.
Result
The completed system enabled weldless pipe connections to be made in less than five minutes, providing a faster alternative to conventional welding and removing the requirement for weld inspection.
By combining rapid connection times with the ability to handle larger and higher-grade pipe, the system provided an efficient pipelay solution particularly suited to shallow-water and marginal-field developments.
