Houlder supplied a bespoke 72 tonne, 8 metre Telescopic Pollution Containment Unit (TPCU) to provide an enclosure around the Ensco 101’s Mobile Jack Up Unit’s Well Head. (Pictured)

Houlder designed the system to hang from the extended cantilever structure when on location and prevent any leaks discharging into the environment. Leaks are collected in integrated sumps that can be pumped out to on board holding tanks. The TPCU also provides weather-tight and safe access to the Well Head/Stack area for personnel. The 'two-stage' telescopic design allows operators to fully retract the unit within the cantilever when not in use. Compared to the previous arrangements (which required disassembling and re-assembling at sea), the Houlder TPCU provides significant rig-time savings during moves to new locations.

Access within the TPCU is achieved utilising a proprietary, quick assembly scaffold system from RMD Kwikform Ltd. Houlder worked with RMD to design an access system that could be easily installed at different heights depending on specific needs offshore. The system uses standard RMD components with a number of special assemblies to achieve this.

Following delivery of the TPCU, Houlder assisted Ensco in preparation for the installation which involved lifting it from a supply vessel into place using the rig’s top drive. During installation, a team from Houlder were present to provide on-going assistance and advice. Throughout survey and construction, IR survey techniques had been utilised to control a large number of critical interfaces between the TPCU and vessel. These interfaces (tolerances typically of 5mm or less) were realised without problem during installation. Once installed, Houlder continued to assist in the setting to work and testing of the TPCU liaising with rig crew as required. The TPCU is now fully operational with both Ensco and Maersk satisfied with the end product. The TPCU will save ‘rig time’ during rig moving operations and thus gives a significant financial benefit. From contract agreement and commencement, the TCPU was operational within 5 months.

You can see an animation of its operation below and see its fabrication illustrated here.