EM&I ODIN access ports to be installed at the conversion stage of an FPSO
August 1st, 2018
EM&I’s ODIN access ports for valve inspections and repairs have rapidly become the preferred method of carrying out this activity. This is because divers are not required. Thus all the work can be carried out while the vessel is on station, on hire, and in operation.
The access ports – for specialised cameras and inflatable bladders – have always been retrofitted to existing assets to date. But a major FPSO operator has decided to incorporate them into the design of their FPSO bound for South America, currently being converted in Singapore.
According to Danny Constantinis, Executive Chairman of international asset integrity specialists EM&I: “This is the preferred way to incorporate ODIN into new projects as it is less costly than installing them during operations.”
Sea valves are often original equipment and could be over 25 years old with limited spares available. Thus they need to be reliable and early warning of a leaking valve is critical. That way a replacement can be made and installed. This takes considerable time and access is usually very limited, so this is a difficult operation.
The unique ODIN system of using access ports for inserting specialised cameras and inflatable bladders, allows the inspection, repair and replacement of valves to be carried out while the vessel is in operation. It does not need divers to install blanking plates over the inlet grills to sea chests, to isolate valves for dismantling for inspection and/or replacement.
ODIN is a much simpler system, and has been used with great success on many projects for FPSO and Drilling vessels worldwide. It can save over 50% of the normal costs. And around 70% of the POB requirement, and is easy to budget accurately as it is not weather dependant.
