Pipeline project launches gearbox

15 July 2009

When Dong Energy developed the Nini East Field off the coast of Denmark it constructed an unmanned production platform and a seven kilometre subsea pipeline to the existing Nini platform. Rotork Gears was drafted in to provide a new valve gearbox and, in doing so, launched a new solution.

The completed double block and bleed ball valve and DS gearbox package for the Nini East Field Project
The completed double block and bleed ball valve and DS gearbox package for the Nini East Field Project


As part of the contract for the project, a UK valvemaker is supplying a Class 1500, six inch metal seated double block and bleed ball valve for a critical duty demanding zero seat leakage on liquid and gas duty.

Due to the specific constraints of the valve installation, the valvemaker’s engineers were advised that access for ROV operation could only be possible from above the valve and no access from the sides could be permitted. In addition, there were restrictions to the allowable overall dimensions of the valve and gearbox package due to the surrounding fabrication.

Working closely with the valvemaker, Rotork Gears proposed a new gearbox design that met the size restrictions without compromising the technical performance. The new gearbox design became known as the DS range.

When installed, the high pressure valve package will be operating at a depth of 58 metres. The Nini East Field development is expected to extend the life of the Nini Field for at least another ten years.


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