Cylinders integral to Pioneering Spirit lifting system

June 11, 2015
Enerpac has supplied high-pressure, hydraulic cylinders for the topsides lift system beams on Allseas’ new Pioneering Spirit vessel. 

Offshore staff

HENGELO, the Netherlands – Enerpac has supplied high-pressure, hydraulic cylinders for the topsides lift system beams on Allseas’ new Pioneering Spirit vessel.

The lift system is designed for installation and decommissioning of complete topsides weighing up to 48,000 metric tons (52,911 tons).

Pioneering Spirit’s 16 lifting beams feature 64 Enerpac CLRG-Series high tonnage double acting hydraulic cylinders arranged in groups of four. They were designed specifically for heavy lifting up to 1,000 metric tons (1,102 tons).

The double-acting cylinders are said to provide high levels of precision and control, enabling the vessel to use the fast lift method. During installation/ decommissioning operations, the lifting beams are extended allowing platform topsides to be lifted several meters.

To ensure trouble-free operation offshore for many years, the cylinders have been designed with higher than normal levels of corrosion resistance, with components first undergoing NiCr80 / 20 plasma spray, followed by an AlTi plasma spray and two layers of a special coating to close the pores of the steel.

The final baked enamel finish and plated pistons for each cylinder are compliant with the NORSOK M-501 standard for surface preparation and protective coating, Enerpac adds.

06/11/2015