RSL’s Dimensional Control Survey Services for Wilton Engineering

Background:

Wilton Engineering Services Limited (WESL), a leader in design, fabrication, and construction services for the oil and gas industry, was awarded a significant contract by ConocoPhillips, an international integrated energy company. The contract involved fabricating the Long Term Compression (LTC) module for the Britannia field, a gas condensate field located approximately 130 miles (210 kilometers) north-east of Aberdeen. The original main platform for Britannia was built at Wilton Group’s Port Clarence facility in 1995.

Project Overview:

In March 2013, the team at Wilton Engineering successfully delivered the 2,200-tonne LTC module. This module, measuring 30 meters in length, 29 meters in height, and 18 meters in width, is designed to extend the life of the Britannia gas field and enhance production from existing wells. It also houses one of the largest compressors in the North Sea.

Scope of Work:

To ensure the precision and accuracy required for the LTC module, Wilton Engineering selected RSL to undertake all dimensional control and survey work for the Britannia project. The scope of RSL's services included:

Setting out services
Grillage levelling
Structural checks
Spool surveys
Pipe work positioning checks
As-built surveys

Execution

Setting Out Services: RSL's team was responsible for accurately setting out the location of various structural elements and equipment on the LTC module. This involved precise measurements and alignment to ensure that all components were positioned correctly from the start.

Grillage Levelling: To ensure stability and proper load distribution, RSL conducted detailed grillage levelling. This process involved adjusting the support structures to create a level base for the module, which is crucial for maintaining structural integrity during transportation and installation.

Structural Checks: RSL performed comprehensive structural checks to verify that all elements of the LTC module met the required specifications and standards. This included verifying dimensions, alignment, and overall structural integrity to prevent any potential issues during operation.

Spool Surveys and Pipe Work Positioning Checks: Accurate spool surveys and pipe work positioning checks were critical for the successful integration of the module with existing infrastructure. RSL ensured that all pipe spools were fabricated to the correct dimensions and positioned accurately to facilitate seamless connections.

As-Built Surveys:Upon completion of the fabrication, RSL conducted as-built surveys to document the final state of the LTC module. These surveys provided a detailed record of the module's dimensions and positions, ensuring that any future modifications or maintenance could be carried out with precise reference data.

Outcome:

RSL's involvement in the Britannia LTC module project played a crucial role in its successful delivery. The precise dimensional control and survey work carried out by RSL ensured that all components of the module were accurately fabricated and positioned, contributing to the overall integrity and functionality of the structure. This meticulous attention to detail was instrumental in extending the life of the Britannia gas field and enhancing production from existing wells.

Conclusion:

The collaboration between Wilton Engineering and RSL on the Britannia LTC module project exemplifies the importance of precise dimensional control and survey services in large-scale fabrication projects. RSL's expertise and attention to detail ensured that the LTC module met all specifications and standards, ultimately contributing to the project's success and the continued productivity of the Britannia gas field.