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Tanks hold ‘mud’ for lubrication
Cookson & Zinn (CZ), the specialist tank and vessel manufacturers, has experienced a surge in demand for mud tanks for the oil exploration sector. The specially designed tanks hold ‘mud’ used for lubrication and flushing drilling bits for offshore exploration.
Geoff Lee, CZ’s managing director, said: “Despite the decline in North Sea oil exploration in recent years, the dramatic rise in the cost of crude oil has brought about an increase in drilling activity, which has been mirrored by a rise in demand for our tanks.” The company has recently supplied customers in Norway as well as the traditional UK markets of Aberdeen and Great Yarmouth.
The tanks, which are up to 4m in diameter, require specialist manufacturing equipment and skills, which CZ have developed over the years.
The tanks are at the extreme end of what can be manufactured within a factory and then transported in one piece. If they were any larger, assembly would have to take place on site. While the tanks are large they use relatively thin steel and hence need special manufacturing techniques and careful handling.
They have a large diameter ring installed inside with carefully positioned holes through which fluid is pumped under pressure in order to stir the mud. Manufactured from carbon steel, they are supplied with exterior paintwork to suit customers' individual requirements. The inside of the tanks can be left bare or coated in a special epoxy lining material to suit the application.
For more information, visit www.czltd.com
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