| FPSO is an acronym for a Floating, Production, | | | | continue undisturbed. It cleans surfaces to an |
| Storage and Offloading vessel it can be a custom | | | | extremely high standard, which is useful if the |
| build vessel, or as is quite common a converted oil | | | | surfaces being cleaned are to be painted or coated. |
| tanker. These vessels hold a large quantity of oil or | | | | Water jet machines have a number of uses. They |
| gas. In the case of crude oil there needs to be a | | | | can be used for industrial cleaning, for surface |
| regular cleaning programme to keep everything | | | | preparation and for cleaning pipe bores or storage |
| working at its optimum level. Water jetting is by far | | | | tank interiors. This technology can also be used with |
| the most commonly used method; fast and efficient, | | | | some adaptation for cold cutting operations. The |
| it helps to keep downtime to an absolute minimum, | | | | machines can be powered by either a diesel engine |
| which is essential in any high cost operation. | | | | or an electric motor. Water jetting can be performed |
| Like all containers in the oil and gas industry, FPSOs | | | | with hot or cold water, each has its uses and |
| need regular cleaning to remove the build up of scale | | | | advantages, but on FSPOs it is usually a cold water |
| and sludge that can interfere with the smooth | | | | operation. |
| operation of essential equipment. Water jetting is the | | | | Cleaning the storage tanks of FSPOs is necessary for |
| ideal cleaning option, it is a dust free operation that | | | | regular inspections. In order to maximise production it |
| can be performed cold and it produces highly efficient | | | | is essential to avoid dry docking and to deal with any |
| results. | | | | problem on site if at all possible. Regular inspections |
| Water jet cleaning machines deliver high pressure or | | | | can give an early warning of any problems, and can |
| ultra high pressure water jets to provide an | | | | keep tabs on areas that have already posed a |
| environmentally friendly solution to cleaning and | | | | problem. Water jet cleaning makes a quick and easy |
| de-scaling the holding tanks in FPSO vessels. It is a | | | | solution. |
| very efficient method of removing unwanted scale | | | | It isn't just the tanks of FSPOs that require periodic |
| and sludge, while being extremely safe to use in area | | | | cleaning. Pipework and other machinery on deck |
| where a possible hazard is present. | | | | require regular cleaning and coating. The use of water |
| Water Jetting has the added advantage of being | | | | jets can make this a fast, safe and easy operation, |
| free of particles of dust allowing other activities to | | | | as well as a cost effective solution. |