Scope

NRC was initially contracted to carry out essential tank cleaning on board the Kuito FPSO offshore Angola, as part of a phased decommissioning project.

Challenge

Vacuum transfer technology was used to remove materials over 100m horizontally and 30m vertically using a typical removal rate of 8-12m³/h and a suction capacity up to 9400m³/h. Over 600 tonnes of crude oil and hydrocarbon sludge with a specific gravity (SG) of up to 3 removed from Cargo Oil Tanks and Topside Vessels.

Results

NRC used vacuum transfer systems for the bulk transfer of materials within the tanks followed by water jetting techniques and vessel entry, using full BA, to provide a comprehensive tank cleaning package. This project was completed in a controlled and professional manner without safety or environmental incident with commendations received from the client. The project duration was around 8 months and involved NRC personnel providing project management and supervision and engineers alongside local employees.

Additional Information

This project had a number of restrictions and considerations:
• Hazardous working environment
• Security restrictions, ongoing visa complications
• Complex local legislation
• Co-ordinating and scheduling of works to meet the requirements of the overall programme