Bardex Restraint Systems for applications on offshore platforms are installed to stabilize and secure the drilling facilities during major seismic events or high wind loadings. These systems have been installed in seismically active areas such as Sakhalin Island, Russia, and the Caspian Sea.
A typical Bardex Restraint System includes Vertical and Horizontal (loads transverse to skid direction) Restraints and a locked Gripper Jack Assembly (load in-line with skid direction). Bardex has supplied systems to withstand simultaneous seismic loadings exceeding 1500 tonnes in all three axes.
The complete Bardex system includes a free standing control console and remote-mounted programmable logic controller.
- The Vertical Restraint shown here (See A / B) is installed by bolting to the rig footing. The hydraulic cylinder engages a wedge block between the underside of the skid flange and the Vertical Restraint side plate. Once the wedge is engaged the rig is restrained from moving in the vertical direction.
- The Horizontal Restraint (see C) is locked by engaging the wedge block between the backing structure on the footing and the edge of the skid beam flange. Once the wedge is engaged, the rig is restrained from moving in the transverse direction (perpendicular to the direction of rig skidding).
- In both the Vertical and Horizontal Restraint, the wedges, once engaged do not require hydraulic pressure to remain locked. The Restraints are released by actuating the hydraulic cylinders.
- After the rig is skidded to the appropriate location, the Gripper Jack Assembly is used to restrain horizontal motion parallel to the direction of skidding. The Gripper Jack Assembly can be equipped with either an accumulator or a mechanical device to maintain Gripper clamping force after the hydraulic pressure is released at the control station.
- In some cases, due to sea floor subsidence or structural deflections, a rig leveling system is required. Leveling Cylinders (see D) are typically mounted at each drill floor / substructure for or each skid base foot to level the drilling rig. Lifting capacities in excess of 1500 tonnes per foot have been provided by Bardex. An alternative is the Levelock Gripper jack.
- The complete Bardex system includes all controls to operate Skidding, Leveling and Restraining Systems in a safe and efficient manner. A range of controls from simple manual controls to PLC based systems can be provided based on the customer’s requirements.
Actuation cylinder on vertical restraint
For Additional System Information
If you would like to obtain information regarding the possible design and use of a Bardex Restraining and Leveling System for your project, please call us at (805) 964-7747 or Email Us.