Enerpac has announced a remote hose disconnector designed to eliminate the release of hydraulic cylinder fluid into the sea during transition piece installation on offshore wind farms. Hydraulic cylinders are a key tool in the installation of the transition piece on the monopile. Up to six fixation cylinders are used to hold the transition piece in position during grouting.
They have to remain pressurized, via a hydraulic manifold, during the grouting and the subsequent curing time, which can take several days. At the end of this period, the cylinders and hoses need to be recovered. Until now, cutters have been used to cut the hose to depressurize the cylinders, releasing hydraulic fluid into the sea. An Enerpac remote hose disconnector is fitted directly onto each fixation cylinder. It comprises two, non-interchangeable, hose connections: one connector ensures oil flow to the fixation cylinder, the second one operates the disconnector itself. After the grouting has cured, an Enerpac pump is connected via the same manifold with the second set of hoses. Operating the pump recovers all hydraulic oil and ensures full retraction of the plungers, the complete hose disconnector is then released from the fixation cylinder and ready to be re-used to install a new foundation. During the disconnection, no fluid is spilled into the sea. Potential residual oil in the cylinders is sealed from making contact with seawater. The Enerpac remote hose disconnector is tested and certified by Lloyds to 100 meter subsea and can be reused.