02.06.2010

Hiab crane and access rig

Cargotec has delivered five specialised oil field service vehicles, each equipped with two special Hiab cranes - one for lifting and one with a work platform, to Dutch based energy company, Nederlandse Aardolie Maatschappij (NAM).

NAM is the largest gas producer in the Netherlands, has purchased the cranes through its NAM Well Service division in order to the improve safety, speed and efficiency of its servicing operations.

The principle role of the division is to ensure that all of its oil and gas wells are always functional. This can involve regular maintenance or emergency repairs and both require a process called wire line well intervention. The basic principle used to service wells has remained unchanged for around 100 years. The technique involves a steel wire being inserted to depths of up to four kilometres to clean, repair or replace the damaged part.

During the servicing or repair process gas can be emitted so any equipment needs to be fully spark proofed.

The service vehicles that assist with the wire line operation are traditionally fitted with an extended boom to support and control the wire line as it is inserted into the well. Since 1994 NAM Well Service has used seven DAF trucks fitted with Hiab cranes. While working at height is carried out from a scaffold tower.

Looking to replace and upgrade these 16 year old vehicles NAM contacted Cargotec to develop a new more efficient vehicle. After extensive development work Cargotec designed, built and delivered the new twin craned vehicles.
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One of the rigs in transport mode

The final solution comprises a DAF truck with load platform to which two Hiab cranes and a Rotzler winch are mounted. The first crane is a 477 T5 stiff boom model which extends to 21.3 metres, needed to feed the wire line through the top of the lubricator assembly. The second is a 055 DS variant fitted with a work platform with a height of 7.5 metres. Outriggers are equipped with large pads that stow automatically in order to further speed set up.

The units are also certified to ATEX zone 1, achieved by ensuring that all electrical power can be removed from both booms and vehicle chassis when operating. Hiab says that the trucks are truly unique and offer a tailor-made solution which could potentially revolutionise wire line well servicing worldwide.

Jan Kuipers, Team Leader Wire-Line at NAM Well Service, said: "We originally used service trucks from another supplier but the performance, service and spare parts ability were all sub-standard. In 1994, Hiab developed a new truck-mountable crane perfect for use in the oil and gas industries due to its long boom and they have served us well.”
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The rig in action the crane supports the wire while the platfrom provides a safe work station at the top of the well

"However, the latest order, the result of ongoing and successful co-operation between NAM and Cargotec, takes our servicing capability to new levels in terms of the speed with which we can respond and the safety for those working at the well.”

"The two companies worked closely together throughout the development stage, the result means that when required, a radius of up to 7.5 metres from the well is entirely free of electrical current. The safety benefits of this ATEX zone 1 certified solution are crucial for our potentially explosive working environment.”

"And with the MEWP and the stiff boom cranes on the same vehicle there is no need for scaffolding alongside the well. Suppliers no longer need to be contacted and coordinated as one vehicle can now travel instantly to the well and resolve the situation, allowing us to be entirely self sufficient. We have dramatically reduced response times for emergency repairs and can be far more flexible when scheduling for routine maintenance."