Ultra-reliable small bore systems for tomorrow's offshore operations

Advanced fluid connection and control components for process instrumentation and hydraulic systems that greatly reduce the risk of system failure, leaks and downtime will be highlighted at Offshore Europe 2013 by the instrumentation products division of Parker Hannifin.

Among the major potential problem sources that Parker's instrumentation technology combats are the reliability risks posed by corrosion, the large numbers of potential leak paths that are inherent with traditional small-bore system building techniques, and the risks posed by welding or 'hot work'. At this year's exhibition, Parker will additionally demonstrate the broadest choice of valve, manifold and tube fitting components available in the world today, following more than a decade of intense development and corporate acquisitions.

The exceptional choice that Parker offers means that instrumentation and piping engineers specifying and building small-bore tubing systems can source everything they need for projects from a single supplier, backed by the assurances that Parker's high quality manufacturing and comprehensive materials traceability programs deliver. Parker's core values of 'faster, smarter, cleaner, safer' capture the company's goal of leadership in the process instrumentation market.

In terms of product choice, Parker's range is unparalleled. In the tube fittings segment for instance, choices include advanced two ferrule connectors, cone-and-thread connectors for medium and high pressure applications, and ferrule-less connectors for permanent connections. In the valve and manifold area, options include small bore valves that meet the medium pressure requirements that oil and gas operators are now demanding, ultra low emission valves, and an exceptional selection of high-reliability and close-coupled manifolds for installing instruments and interfacing instruments to pipelines. These product choices are complemented by Parker's renowned supply chain and machining capability for special purpose alloys, such as the 6Mo material which has emerged as the preferred choice for many offshore engineering design consultants designing for corrosion resistance and longevity.

"A key focus of our engineering effort is enhancing the long term reliability of small-bore fluid instrumentation systems," says Charles Harris of Parker Hannifin's instrumentation products division. "With the aid of the new generations of instrumentation connectors and valves we have developed, engineering firms and operators now have a truly comprehensive selection of advanced system building solutions, to achieve the highest attainable levels of reliability and safety on offshore projects."

An important aspect of Parker's display this year is the company's widening range of fitting and valve products that eliminate leak-prone taper threaded connections, and with it any need for PTFE tape or anaerobic sealant - a common cause of problems in the field. Parker's products in this area include valves and manifolds with integral compression tubing ends, and threadless piping interfaces that convert a standard flange to a compression tubing connection.

A key advance in this area being highlighted for the construction of tomorrow's offshore platforms and process equipment is Parker's threadless fluid connection solution that meets the need for operating pressures in excess of the typical 6000 PSI maximum of the industry-standard two-ferrule connectors. Parker's novel Phastite connector will withstand working pressures up to 20,000 PSI and offers a high-integrity alternative to permanent connections made using welded connections - which might require a 'hot work' permit because of the fire risks and are typically not allowed on operational platforms.