Flexible pipe and umbilicals require the use of distributed buoyancy modules to reduce topside or tension loads or to help achieve particular configurations such as ‘Lazy wave’, ‘Steep wave’ or ‘W wave’.

Going larger
Larger modules, increased loads, tighter tolerances, deeper operating depths and higher temperatures have all added to the demands on distributed buoyancy for flexible risers, umbilical’s and mitigation of buckling on steel flowlines.

Balmoral’s ability to meet these operational parameters has ensured a substantial share of the market supplying many thousands of buoys to prestigious projects offshore India, West Africa, Norway, Brazil, GOM and Australia.

On many of these projects the buoy sizes exceeded one tonne and operated in water depths ranging from 80-2000msw.

Clamping system
The clamping system used on distributed buoyancy is one of the most critical components of this product. The clamp’s main purpose is to maintain the buoyancy at the correct location throughout its design life.

In the case of flexible risers and umbilicals, the clamp is required to transmit the load through the outer layers to the armour layer. Balmoral has a number of proven patented systems which have been successfully used in a number of global projects where large loads and ease of installation were key criterion.

Ancillary products
Balmoral manufactures related products including: cable and flowline protection; bend restrictors and stiffeners; clamps, saddles, centralisers and spacers.

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