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RISER CONNECTOR INNOVATION LEADS TO NEW SANDVIK COMPANY
To market, promote and sell riser systems which incorporate the connector, Sandvik AB has formed a new company, Sandvik Gram A/S, based in Norway. International exposure to the product has already yielded considerable interest both from operators and contractors - and the first order has already been delivered. A 7 1/6 in. connector, produced in super duplex stainless steel grade Sandvik SAF 2507, has been proven for topside service by several operators on the Norwegian shelf and is currently being tested for both sour and standard subsea use in accordance with ISO 13628-7. It is designed for service at 15000 PSI (1035 Bar) and high temperature (356° F) (180°C) and is seen as having particular advantages for deep and ultra deepwater operations worldwide. It is currently also being evaluated for subsea pipeline repair applications. The easy hook-up of the connector enables subsea use with ROV. The Gram Connector™ is a bayonet type, stab-in, self centering coupling so there is no rotation of the riser during make-up. Seal is guaranteed when locked and its re-usable metal to metal seal allows for multiple make/break use. Its key feature is the extremely fast running speeds that can be achieved. Sandvik maintains that the fast hook-up capability, with no bolts involved, means that the Gram Connector™ surpasses all other design/operational systems in the market. It is expected to run with approximately 25-30 joints per hour compared with 4-5 joints per hour for conventional riser connectors. The Gram Connector™ does not require make-up with a rig tong and since it has no loose parts, the risks and potential safety hazards of falling objects are eliminated. For a 1500 meter water depth riser, it is estimated that running time is reduced from 30 hours to 5 hours.
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