THREE60 Energy was engaged by an integrated solutions provider in the oil and gas industry to carry out hyperbaric pressure and thermal qualification testing on a piece of subsea equipment.
The programme required simultaneous high-pressure and extreme-temperature testing, using THREE60’s specialist facilities to replicate demanding subsea operating conditions and demonstrate equipment performance across a comprehensive qualification programme.
Challenge
The equipment required pressure testing at up to 20,000 psi using nitrogen gas, while simultaneously simulating temperatures ranging from -4°C to +210°C.
Across 126 pressure and thermal cycles, maximum and minimum temperatures had to be maintained within a tolerance of just 3°C, requiring precise control of heating and cooling throughout the programme. The client was also unable to attend the testing in person, making clear communication and visibility of progress particularly important.
Solution
THREE60 used its bespoke hyperbaric test chamber and environmental testing capability to conduct the complete qualification programme within one facility.
Multiple thermocouples positioned within the hyperbaric vessel and environmental chamber allowed technicians to closely monitor temperature changes and anticipate the thermal inputs required to maintain the specified limits.
To meet the client’s required schedule, the team operated continuous day and night shifts, including weekends, while providing daily updates so the client had visibility of progress throughout the programme.
Result
THREE60 successfully completed all 126 pressure and thermal cycles within the required timeframe, with the results issued to the client’s senior engineer for review and acceptance before the test pieces were returned for final post-qualification inspection.
The team was commended by the client for the timely delivery of the programme. The project also represented the second qualification scope completed for the OEM, following a similar hyperbaric pressure and thermal testing programme the previous year.
