InterMoor has completed the design, fabrication, and installation of two suction piles for the Thunder Hawk development in the Gulf of Mexico.
Offshore staff
HOUSTON -- InterMoor has completed the design, fabrication, and installation of two suction piles for the Thunder Hawk development in the Gulf of Mexico.
The two 16 x 95-ft (5 x 29-m) suction piles were designed for 550 kip holdback capacity using a “Devil’s Claw” chain ratcheting mechanism. The piles were fabricated and function tested at InterMoor’s Amelia, Louisiana facility to meet API RP 2SK standards.
The piles were used to secure the pipeline end terminals for a subsea tieback to the semisub Thunder Hawk in 5,800 ft (1,768 m) of water. The company used an A-frameless launch method in conjunction with high hip slings, providing added stability and resulting in a smooth pile launch sequence, the company says.
For the project, InterMoor also designed, tested, and used a new PS-24 Vent Cap system instead of traditional butterfly valves.