RBG has launched its new ‘iBolt’ flange integrity management software that improves the safety, efficiency and cost-effectiveness of bolting operations.
The easy to use, web-based system provides a complete auditable record of all activity carried out on flange management workscopes from topside to subsea. Maintaining a historical database and tracking an asset’s activity means trends, such as corrosion or erosion, can be identified early and preventive maintenance can be delivered. This helps ensure a safe operating environment and no loss of containment that requires costly shutdowns and repairs.
An iBolt calculator application, available for Apple/Windows/Android devices, is incorporated in the system and delivers on-the-job safety benefits by calculating the correct torque and tension loads when using various lubricants. The friction coefficient of lubricants can vary greatly and the incorrect application of the lubricants to the threads of the bolts and the nut load bearing face can lead to over torquing levels that can potentially yield the bolts, over compress the gasket and distort the flange joint, all of which can lead to a loss of integrity that can endanger the operative or result in a hydrocarbon release.
RBG’s mechanical services team in the UKCS is already utilising iBolt and the system will be rolled out with training across the company’s global operations in Q1 2012.
Pete Sheves, General Manager for RBG , said: “ The iBolt software brings a number of significant benefits to our operations. We can now immediately access data on any flange in-situ worldwide, from the Caspian to Trinidad and Tobago and identify potential integrity issues before they occur. Our customers can accurately control flange maintenance processes in real time giving them confidence that the integrity of the systems are maintained the highest standard.
“The system also gives greater control over the flange tightening process and thereby reduces the potential for joint failure. The user-friendly flange tagging system enables errors that could potentially cause joint failure to be quickly identified and rectified before the system is released for testing. This helps us in our aim of achieving 100% leak free results with no requirements for re-work or re-test.”
[mappress] Source: RBG, November 11, 2011