The Pioneering Spirit, owned by the Dutch-Swiss offshore company Allseas, was built among other things to dismantle, install and transport drilling platforms complete. The 16 lifting beams (TLS beams) belonging to the hoisting system lift and support the drilling platform during these operations. Depending on the size of the platform, an extra load is exerted on the inner bearing structures (Inboard Support) of the beams. In order to compensate for these forces, Allseas ordered 52 customer-specific cylinders, each with a capacity of 280 tons and fitted with unique adjustable SS saddles.
Durable under extreme conditions
In consultation with Allseas engineers, the Holmatro Industrial Solutions team came up with a unique, fully customer-specific design. All cylinders are supplied with offshore-grade surface treatments. A C5M paint coating on the cylinder mantle makes them resistant to various different environmental influences. The HVOF treatment, applied to the pistons, also offers optimum resistance to wear and corrosion. High-grade composite bearings have also been included in the design, in order to prevent metal to metal contact in the cylinders, thus increasing durability. The cylinders have been classified by Lloyd's Register, including full traceability of all components. All this has resulted in extremely high-grade quality hydraulic cylinders, suitable for use in the most extreme conditions.
