SPECIALIST WELDING
FEATURE SPONSOR
OIL & GAS EXPERTISE DELIVERS THE PERFECT SOLUTION
The experience and expertise of the oil & gas industry’s fabrication sector is proving to be a huge asset for the offshore wind sector, according to North East England-based Aquind.
Aquind’s Triton foundation structure is designed for large wind turbine generators located in over 30m water depths, which is relevant for more than 70 percent of offshore wind farms in Round 3 developments.
PRODUCTION
Production of the Triton will utilise a strong blend of automated processes and manual skills of its experienced welders.
“While a large proportion of monopile production for shallower water turbines can be automated, deeper-water tripod jackets require more intensive involvement from technicians who can deliver more complex welds,” said Alan. “This, of course, will ensure the three legged jackets meet the exacting standards of the industry and can meet the subsea environmental challenges; however, it won’t have an impact on production timescales.”
CAPABILITY AND ECONOMIES OF SCALE
Aquind will be capable of producing up to 150 Triton steel jackets per year, which will significantly reduce foundation manufacturing costs.
OFFSHORE WIND COMPONENT TECHNOLOGIES DEVELOPMENT FUND Prototype developments of the Triton foundation are being undertaken at OGN Group’s facility on the banks of the River Tyne, which have been boosted by the award of £640,250 from the Department of Energy and Climate Change’s Offshore Wind Component Technologies Development Fund.
TRITON STEEL JACKETED FOUNDATION
Part of the OGN Group, Aquind has developed the Triton steel jacketed foundation and is utilising the established welding capabilities from its sister company, OGN North Sea, which has delivered multiple and complex fabricated structures to the global oil & gas industry.
“Welding experience from the oil & gas sector is proving to be invaluable to the offshore wind sector,” says OGN Group Welding Engineer Alan Henderson.
LITTLE DIFFERENCE
“Essentially there is not a lot of difference between the welding requirements of the two sectors, except the structures for the offshore wind sector are generally smaller, lighter and need to be produced in greater volumes. The quality of the finished product has to be the same.
“The offshore wind sector has adopted the Design Codes applied to the offshore oil & gas, which is understandable as they are strict and will help the renewables sector dictate high levels of quality from its fabrication suppliers.”
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www.windenergynetwork.co.uk
The Triton jacket will also feature in another DECC-funded programme to develop new fatigue performance criteria for welded joints through testing of an online condition monitoring system.
Aquind/OGN Group Click to view more info
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