Tekla improves offshore efficiency at NPCC

Tekla improves offshore efficiency at NPCCNPCC Engineering Ltd. (NEL), one of the leading offshore companies and a joint venture of NPCC (Abu Dhabi) and Arcadia Shipping (Mumbai), is carrying out design and engineering activities for oil and gas upstream industry. NEL’s Quality Management System (ISO 9001:2008) is certified by BUREAU VERITAS, and it has carried out several design and engineering projects of new well-head platforms, subsea pipelines and topsides modifications on well-head and process platform.NEL had a task to create well-head platforms at WO-16 and SB-14 cluster field located at south east of SH Process Complex of Mumbai High Field in water depth of 75 m to 80m. The project scope consists of five new well-head platforms and two major deck extension on process complexes. NEL was already equipped with high-end software needed for oil and gas upstream projects such as PDS, PDMS, STAAD, Sacs, Caesar etc.There was need to have 3D software to handle their all structural needs — start from concepts to engineering/detailing/fabrication to erection. After extensive evaluation and anticipating upcoming challenges, NEL decided to switch from traditional 2D-based platform to 3D BIM-based process and technology. Their obvious choice was Tekla and they decided implemented Tekla in this fast track greenfield well-head platform project.WO-16 cluster and SB-14 well-head platforms projectThis project is a new well-head platform which is supported on four-legged fixed jacket structure with two legs having single batter and other two legs have double batter. Jacket is made of tubular sections, welded together and anchored in seabed with main/skirt piles. Jackets have spider deck at top level and diagonal bracing in all faces connecting horizontal framing levels. It also includes boat landing, buoyancy tank, anodes, riser, skirt pile guide and lifting/upending trunnion. Maximum jacket weight is 2,100 tonnes. The platform top side consists of sub-cellar deck, cellar deck, main deck and aluminium helideck. Top side also includes building module, vent boom, crane pedestal, solar panel supporting platform, well head access platform, walkways, stairways, ladders and railings. Maximum topside weight is 1,900 tonnes.Interoperability contributed toward successThe design and modelling of the structure was done with Tekla software right from the early stage. Modelling began with the main steel and secondary steel structure as soon as the calculations were completed with SACS. The model is completed later with all the tertiary elements such as the connecting plates, equipment supports, access platforms, padeyes, stiffeners, node plates, cut outs and penetrations as the vendor information was made available. The robustness of the software in dealing with the changes was beneficial in the overall smooth execution of the project.Complexity handled with easeNEL structural design team worked based on the requirements of client and came up with relevant technical and design issues to be developed and incorporated in the Tekla model. Tekla technical support team and NEL design team worked together during development and customised few tools as per the project requirement. Although, the project had time constraint, NEL managed to achieve defined results in relatively short period with the help of versatile Tekla software and the excellent implementation support provided by the Tekla team. In project execution, Tekla local support team got valuable feedback on few small requirement of offshore industry upon incorporation of which will further fine-tune Tekla offerings to all offshore players.NEL received the following benefits. Generating detailed structural material take off list very quickly and accurately during design phase of job. Monitoring weight of the structure and the position of the deck structures COG during the design phase. Direct output of 2D drawings to present to the users/clients and the relevant authorities for approval/certification purposes, thus reducing manual errors and checking time drastically. The software allows user-friendly interface with piping/E&I models in PDS for reviews and complete clash-free structural model. Import of main steel frame directly from analysis software SACS. Using Tekla 3D structural model for regular design review kept it fully coordinated from any conflicts with the equipment, piping, cable trays, access routes etc.Other features of Tekla Structures. Easy to learn and implement. Tekla Structures allows simultaneous access by multiple users to the same model. Web-link facility allows engineers to review the model simultaneously as it is getting developed. Tekla Structures users can streamline the design/fabrication processes, ultimately ensuring the highest level of quality in project deliverable. Free tools Tekla BIMsight for every NEL team member involved in projects to communicate collaborate with otherWith an ambition to multiply its customers’ potential to think and achieve big, Tekla provides a BIM (Building Information Modelling) software environment that can be shared by contractors, structural engineers, steel detailers and fabricators, as well as concrete detailers and manufacturers.The highly detailed as-built 3D models created, combined and distributed with Tekla software enable the highest level of constructability and production control. Centralising building information into the model allows for more collaborative and integrated project management and delivery. This translates into increased productivity and elimination of waste, thus making construction and buildings more sustainable.With its software, Tekla Corporation drives the evolution of digital information models and provides more and more competitive advantage to the construction and infrastructure industries.