ABERDEEN, Scotland–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Weir Oil & Gas today announced that industry-first field testing conducted in conjunction with an internationally recognized, independent testing facility in the United States confirms that Weir’s SPM® Flow Line Safety Restraint (FSR) system outperforms the restraint systems of other industry leaders. Test results were revealed at the SPE Offshore Europe Conference & Exhibition held in Aberdeen, Scotland.
Restraint systems are designed to help contain high-pressure piping and other components in the event of a rupture or excessive impulse during hydraulic fracturing and other operations involving high-pressure fluids. Without such restraints, a ruptured flow line can whipsaw, causing potentially fatal injuries and extensive damage to equipment.
Weir invested nearly US$500,000 in industry-first comparative field testing, which used shape charges and load failing bolts to simulate ruptures in pressurized flow lines secured by Weir safety restraint methods and materials and those of other leading suppliers. The systems evaluated are rated to handle pressures up to 15,000 pounds per square inch (psi), but were tested at 22,500 psi.
Weir’s SPM® FSR system was undamaged by the rupture tests, which used water as the pressurized fluid. Competing systems all experienced minor to significant damage, which would magnify the danger to personnel and equipment when energized fluids typical to oil and gas operations are involved.
The testing also compared times required to assemble, disassemble and replace components connected to various assembly styles of restraint systems, including the Half-Hitch, the Half-Hitch with Pin, and the Shackle-at-Every-Rib method. Weir outperformed the other methods in two of three cost-critical metrics: Assembly of the SPM® FSR system was 16 percent to 44 percent faster than competing methods and component replacement times were 22 percent to 86 percent faster than the competition.
Weir Oil & Gas
Weir Oil & Gas, a division of The Weir Group PLC, is the leading supplier of pressure pumping equipment to the North American upstream oil and gas market. The division also provides superior products and service solutions to Oil & Gas customers in production, transportation, refining and related industries. Upstream products include pressure pumping equipment & services from SPM, Mesa and Novatech. Seaboard and Mathena provide pressure control products & rental services. Downstream products include API 610 pumps & spare parts for refining and petrochemical industries from Gabbioneta. Engineered mechanical and rotating equipment repairs & upgrades, oilfield and drilling equipment repair and certification, spare parts including asset management & field services are delivered globally by Weir Oil & Gas Services. The Weir Oil & Gas division is headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas. Find out more at weirinaction.com.
The Weir Group is one of the world’s largest engineering companies employing more than 15,000 people and operating in 70 countries. It serves oil and gas, minerals and power end markets. Founded in 1871, Weir has more than 200 manufacturing and service facilities globally. At the heart of the Group’s strategy is a commitment to innovation, collaboration, value chain excellence and global capability. Weir’s mission is to be wherever and whenever our global energy and resource customers need us, delivering innovative products and services and becoming their trusted partner of choice.