Chela crane offers drilling efficiency gains on jackups
Offshore staff
SCHIEDAM, the Netherlands – GustoMSC has introduced Chela, the latest version of its smart crane for lifting and wireline operations under the drilling cantilever.
Chela, named after the Greek word for a crab’s claw, is said to provide an ‘extra hand’ in operations.
With its crablike motions, it can reach below the cantilever as well as elevating toward the main deck, providing crane access to an area traditionally blocked by the cantilever when drilling.
GustoMSC worked on three main elements to enhance efficiency of the drilling jackup using this piece of equipment: providing a large lifting envelope and wireline operation capabilities below the cantilever; easing material handling to the platform; and increased safety for lifting over live wells.
Besides leading to reduced human involvement on the drill floor, Chela is said to provide a fully redundant main hoisting system, an important feature when working over live wells.
As a consequence, no single failure, including failure of a hoisting rope, will lead to a high-risk situation, the company claimed.
The new design will also keep the load steady after rope failure, it added. A snag load absorption system prevents excessive loads on the lifting ropes and structural parts of the crane.
Chela allows various activities to be performed at the same time on a wellhead platform, i.e. preparatory work on one well while drilling is performed on another well.
This leads to significant savings in rig days for development drilling or P&A operations – up to around 10%, the company claimed.
03/23/2018
