Innovative SealWelding™ technology reduces FPSO downtime

Utilizing Trelleborg’s well-established seal materials, our technology can massively reduce the downtime and associated costs that come from maintaining an FPSO swivel stack. Currently, swivel stack maintenance requires a vessel to travel back to shore so that components can be completely disassembled and seals replaced. Through optimized billet welding, Trelleborg’s SealWelding™ technology means a replacement seal can be welded in-situ in approved materials.

Offshore, on board the FPSO, the seal is unpacked and installed onto the swivel by personnel from Trelleborg’s service team; our skilled engineers install it in the Weld Head Enclosure (part of the welding system) which, certified to ATEX zone 1, is then pressurized so that the welding can take place. Fully enclosed, production on other swivel stacks can continue without risk.

Intervention required following end of swivel stack seal service life

The original seal is removed on-site and a new split Turcon® Variseal® is inserted inside the swivel.

Turcon® Variseal® is welded to correct diameter using the Trelleborg Sealing Solutions proprietary SealWelding™ process.

SealWelding™ process is complete, equipment is removed and the Turcon® Variseal® is successfully welded together and ready for service.