Wanja Galewsky & Ramiz Selimbasic discuss a flexible piping system that offers operators an alternative to in-house solutions
Go it alone or get help from outside? This question arises very early when processing complex on- and offshore projects. It makes a lot of sense to look more closely at the service portfolios of potential suppliers.
Part by part comparison of price and performance is essential for making choices later. But the question also arises of whether the products under consideration are compatible with each other. On this point Parker offers a comprehensive product range, from the soft sealing EO-2 and O-Lok connections through to the F37 Parflange and high performance flange systems (HPF), with which most design jobs can be resolved.
Every built-in component receives its own identity through the Parker Tracking System (PTS) so that spare part procurement, in cases of repair or maintenance, is significantly speeded up and simplified.
Whilst the assembly of standard fittings may be straightforward, end users processing large-bored tubes up to 273mm are often not in possession of the required machinery. Here the Parker Complete Piping Solution (CPS) system is a useful alternative. This concept offers users freedom of choice to use (according to their needs) a meaningful proportion of this modularly designed system, from the design and engineering of the tube and flange system, through to their manufacture and installation at the assembly point.
The system has several service centres worldwide in which tubes up to an outside diameter of 273mm and, depending on requirements, bending radius of 2xD to 3xD, can be produced (cold bending) on the most up-to-date CNC bending machines.
Parker onsite containers are an interesting solution for manufacturing on site. They contain all the assembly machines that are needed for tubes from 6mm to 60mm diameter and, on request, up to 273mm. All the fittings and connectors available from Parker can be processed on these high-precision machines. This bending, cutting and cleaning machinery is supplemented by an equipment package that is essential for installation on site. From a business point of view on-site containers can be purchased or rented.
In the preparation and assembly of complex tube and flange systems, cleanliness is the highest priority after safety. Residues in a system can have fatal results. Parker hot oil flushing units are an additional service for cleaning tubing systems before they are connected to the main consumer. They increase the safety of the complete system and contribute to a reduction of maintenance costs. The flushing medium is mineral hydraulic oil, which is pumped through the lines with a flow rate of 3,000 l/min at a pressure of 75 bar (adjustable). The flushing units can also be used for pressure testing up to 630 bar and have a tank capacity of 6,000 litres. When the work is completed, the cleanness of the tubing system is documented by a Parker service technician on site.
Processing and assembly by “piping partners” offers a further alternative. The user has the advantage that they will be helped with procurement, processing and assembly anywhere on the planet by this close network of piping partners. These suppliers are certified by Parker so that the customer has the assurance that a competent and reliable supplier is standing alongside.
This service segment is rounded off by the Parker Maritime Service offering. At first glance they are very scientific - but in practice, exciting - tasks with which the team supports its customers. Measurements under the surface, sub-sea metrology, are carried out with the help of photogrammetry. The experts create photos and precision mapping images with special cameras, that enable the spatial location of the three-dimensional form of an object to be determined. This technology is used amongst others for the salvaging of wrecks.
For on-board technology, complementing the global GNSS navigation satellite system, Parker offers a special 3D reference system with which ships can at all times be held exactly on course. The coordinates system of this technology is based on the centre-line of the ship, the rudder-post and the reference plane arranged on the main deck. The experts are also on site when it is a question of precise mapping of the sea bottom. This procedure is an important prerequisite when choosing locations for wind turbines (monopiles) and connection components, including their installation.
The PMS position monitoring system is an important tool. For the offshore loading of oil this technology supports safe, trouble-free media transportation from ship to ship.
All in all, with its many worldwide service centres, components precisely matched to each other and systems from a single supplier, and with its experience in developing tailored, customer-specific solutions, the Parker service programme constitutes an attractive alternative to in-house solutions.
Wanja Galewsky & Ramiz Selimbasic are with Paker Hannifin
