Category: Riser Services

Get Your Risers Ready for the Rebound

Posted on January 24, 2020 by - Deep Water Riser, Riser Services

Due to the increase of market rise, there has never been a better time to make sure your equipment is ready to perform.

While rigs are out of service across the country, risers are being stored and regular maintenance is being oftentimes deferred. Several drillers are only performing necessary maintenance when work levels increase; however, without proper planning, we caution operators could face delays getting their risers back up to par. 

Here are some of the things to consider when planning and budgeting for riser maintenance.

Planning now will save time and prevent unnecessary delays later.

Many factors, without proper planning, can result in cost increases and delays. We see a growth in demand for riser inspections as rigs go back to work. Our customers are encouraged to communicate with us about planned work so that we can anticipate and prepare for the upcoming workload. Recertification is required for risers that have not been inspected in over five years. The recertification process can take up to thirty (30) days to complete. In most cases, parts and pieces will need to be ordered and may not be in stock, which can result in additional delays getting your riser back in service. 

As your riser service provider, together, we can plan and budget for these inspections now and mitigate delays.

The first step is knowing the condition of your riser.

Riser issues may include damage to riser or flanges, pins, boxes, main tube, the auxiliary lines or floatation modules.

It’s imperative to ensure your riser auxiliary line retainers and nuts are maintained properly by making sure they have been removed, lubed and reset to the proper line gap. The nuts can become seized with corrosion due to the saltwater environment if these components are not properly maintained. This can lead to issues when they must be removed for routine repairs or completely disassembled for 10-year inspections. Stuck nuts on risers call for subcontractors using special tools to remove them, or at worst, they will need to be cut off, which can lead to more significant expenses.

 

Qualified personnel who inspect risers can usually identify potential issues during a visual inspection. These visual inspections offer the ability to budget for upcoming maintenance ahead of time and schedule accordingly. 

 

How can you be sure you properly budgeted for riser maintenance?

The riser is a key component to your operations. A failure at the riser can result to catastrophic effects. At no cost to our clients, we will look at your riser condition and evaluate potential exposure. We will send a Level II Inspector to your rig or storage facility to provide a basic visual condition assessment. Our inspector will observe the risers to determine the level at which they have been maintained. We have the ability to offer you an expert opinion of your equipment and then work with you to approach any needed repairs from the most efficient and economical standpoint. We can also help you build your budget for the next year. 

The riser is a key component to operations and failure at the riser can lead to catastrophic effects. Preparing for riser maintenance is not something that should wait until the last minute. Getting ahead of the curve can be particularly cost-effective. We can certainly assure that your investment and forward planning will pay off in the future.

DRILLING RISERS: ASK THE RIGHT QUESTIONS TO PROTECT YOUR INVESTMENT

Posted on June 24, 2019 by - Riser Services

They are the most expensive equipment on your rig – requiring proper storage,  inspection and maintenance to ensure their functionality and lifespan. You most likely aren’t getting the level of service or protection that you could be if you’re using a drilling riser storage company that is in an exposed location or uses improper handling and storage practices. One could even be charging you for their convenience. Having the knowledge of what to consider when selecting a riser maintenance and storage provider will help protect your investment.

1. Where are you located?

Access from coastal areas is often the primary consideration when choosing a riser storage facility. The convenience provided by shorefront storage is obvious, but it carries increased risk than areas that are further inland.

  • Natural disasters such as hurricanes or extreme weather can produce flooding and high waters, placing your most precious assets in harm’s way.
  • The corrosive effect of the salty air can weaken the components and damage your drilling risers.

When these concerns are accounted for, storing risers “on the beach” carries a much greater risk than storing them further inland.

Although initial costs to transport risers further inland may be higher, there are offsetting values to consider over the long-term:

  • As long as the facility has waterfront access, the option exists for risers to be transported by barge, avoiding the higher cost of truck transport.
  • The land is more affordable and available as you move inland, reducing storage costs.
  • The air is less salty and corrosive further inland.
  • Hurricane exposure and storm risks are lower in more protected inland areas.

A good recommendation is to look for a riser facility at least 20 miles from the coast to ensure ease of transportation and accessibility while also reducing environmental risks.

2. Where and how are risers organized in storage?”

The proper storage of risers often takes additional time and resources. But when it comes to your investments, why settle for less?

Some riser facilities store risers at their own convenience – in the place and manner that is easiest for them. This can often result in many customers’ risers being stacked together or stored in multiple locations throughout the yard. Furthermore, they can often charge you for the time and expense of moving your risers in their yard. Companies such as this are passing on the cost of their own inefficiency and poor organization to you.

Instead, look for a facility that will take care of your risers the way you would – with a careful method of planning.

  • Ask about hidden or unexpected fees, such as costs associated with relocating your riser on site.
  • Ask if your risers will be segregated and stored separately from other customers’ risers.

You can be rest assured that your risers are in good hands by choosing a riser facility that puts your convenience first, you can feel.

3. How do your testing, maintenance, and repair programs compare?

Deepwater riser repair companies should be able to perform the full range of tests, inspections and preventive maintenance to ensure your equipment’s longevity. Make sure to ask what intervals are available and whether they include full teardown, blasting, painting and reassembly.

  • What technology do you employ to preserve the risers?
  • How do they handle traceability?
  • Can they conduct offshore inspections?

Don’t settle for a riser storage and maintenance company that provides only some of what will be needed. Look for one that offers maintenance, robust monitoring and repair process possible.

  • Look for a facility that has earned ISO 9001:2008 and API Q1 registrations for its quality management system (QMS). These certifications demonstrate that the facility’s QMS meets the relevant industry standards and can be trusted by customers.
  • Consider the company’s safety record.
  • What level of quality control and NDT inspectors do they employ? (Level II and III Inspectors eliminate the need for third-party inspection after installation and trained quality control / quality assurance personnel give confidence that the proper checks and balances are in place and adhered to before delivery.)
  • Is the facility OEM-certified or an approved repair and maintenance vendor for your brand of riser? 
  • Are they certified to perform OEM repairs on your riser? By choosing a facility that has been qualified to meet OEM requirements, you can be confident that the work done on your riser will meet or exceed industry standards, now and in the future.
4. Can I inspect my risers and make sure they are being handled properly?

Assurances of company representatives are good to have, but how do you know your risers are being properly handled? Surprisingly, many facilities don’t allow you to visit and inspect the status of your risers. Look for a yard that is clean, well-organized and transparent in their services. If they are taking proper care of your risers, they will be glad to have you visit and see for yourself.

Schedule a consultation soon to find out why Deepwater Riser Services is the right choice for all your drilling riser needs. 

Deepwater Riser Services and OEM partner on Riser Project

Posted on November 16, 2016 by - Deep Water Riser, OEM, Riser Services

Deepwater Riser Services recently completed a complex deepwater riser maintenance project by collaborating with the Original Equipment Manufacturer. Morrisons’ Deepwater Riser Services division performed maintenance for an offshore drilling rig that included reassembly of 57 risers, entire disassembly, blast and paint.

Partnering with the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) on the project allowed the two companies to maximize their respective resources and areas of expertise for the overall benefit of the client and project. Deepwater Riser Services was able to deliver key services that allowed for an OEM-recertification on the risers. By working together and taking advantage of our available shop space and labor capacity, the OEM was able to provide the rig owner with a turn-key solution at a competitive price. 

“We see this as a great example of how Morrison is able to work effectively with other partners to deliver custom solutions for clients,” said John DeBlieux, vice president of Deepwater Riser Services. “It’s also important to note this project was delivered two weeks ahead of schedule. By combining resources, we were able to offer enhanced value that saved time and money.”

WESLEY BARNETT, the OEM project lead, stated, “as the OEM, we were very pleased with the overall attention to detail, product knowledge and quality that was displayed during the entirety of the project.”

Deepwater Riser Services also assisted the OEM with auxiliary line pin and box repairs, repaired 15 floatation modules, successfully removed stuck set screws from 22 lifting lugs and conducted hydro/pressure testing of all completed lines. Another responsibility for Deepwater Riser Services included the teardown and reassembly of the risers.

Deepwater Riser Services performs comprehensive services throughout the life cycle of the riser, including inspections or repairs that traditionally require manufacturer support, along with superior safe-harbor storage and maintenance facilities at multiple locations with convenient access to the Gulf. Contact Us to learn more.