An award-winning technology developed in the east of England has been presented as a cost-saving solution for North Sea decommissioning at a major industry conference in Scotland.
Tyre Mats Crucial to Scour Prevention Systems’ Success
Scour Prevention Systems showcased how its patented scour prevention mats using end-of-life tyres offer alternative effective protection for decommissioning oil and gas pipelines to delegates at the Decommissioning: Technology Innovation Platform event hosted by Decom North Sea and the Oil and Gas Innovation Centre.
The company, based at OrbisEnergy, Lowestoft, is one of 10 companies chosen to present technology that has the potential to help companies achieve the 35 per cent decommissioning cost reduction targeted by the Oil and Gas Authority (OGA).
Scour Prevention Systems’ John Best and Alistair Punt explained to delegates the potential savings of tyre mats compared to traditional methods such as concrete mattresses or rock armour.
They take less time to install, have no threat of pipeline damage and need no direct remedial works.
Furthermore, with an increasing number of cables of offshore wind being installed, the mats provide an effective crossing bridge at an interface with a decommissioned pipeline, they will tell delegates.
“Our aim is to raise awareness that our product is out there as a proven, market-ready and cost effective solution to be considered when people planning decommissioning are evaluating solutions,” said Best.
“Our technology of matrices of recycled vehicle tyres has proved to be very successful and is something we believe potential users need to be made aware of so they have a wider choice.”
“When pipelines are being decommissioned, our mats’ design helps to reinstate seabed cover and leave the pipeline secure and protected in a non-obtrusive manner.”
“The product effectively stablises the seabed over pipelines forming a secure protective layer, protecting the pipeline from exposure and damage, providing a cost effective and easy-to-install solution to pipeline decommissioning.
