Author Archive

IK Group’s AOGV Business Area Continues to Develop Butterfly Valve AOGVs

Posted on: October 24th, 2022 by Amanda Eden 2 Comments

In a stride toward innovation, IK Group’s AOGV Business Area is currently immersed in an exhilarating endeavor: developing an 18” 150# Butterfly Valve AOGV. 

The recent DNV verification of the butterfly valve AOGV at our IK Norway in-house workshop, nestled in Forus, Stavanger, marks a significant milestone. Scheduled for execution on the Norwegian Continental Shelf in December 2022, this project holds immense promise.

Erlend Halvorsen, the Project Manager, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “This project holds significant excitement for us as it entails the development of a new generation of butterfly AOGVs for a prominent oil supermajor.“

Press Release: IK Group Reports Global Subsea Success

Posted on: April 28th, 2022 by Amanda Eden 2 Comments

IK Group, a supplier of specialist products and services for pipelines, subsea, and topside, has reported a robust start to 2022 for its Subsea service, which secured multiple contract awards during Q1. In what is shaping up to be a hugely busy year, the business has won new projects in the UK, Norwegian, African, and Brazilian subsea markets.  

Work scopes include repair and maintenance using IK’s Compact Sealing Clamp, Coating Removal Tool, and Emergency Pipeline Repair System (EPRS). In addition, the business’s impact upon the decommissioning sector is growing through the use of its suite of subsea Lifting Tools. All awards include project management, engineering, and procurement to be delivered from IK’s headquarters in Stavanger, Norway.

IK’s Subsea Business Development Director, Roddy Brown, said: “By using tried and tested solutions based on 35 years of brilliant engineering experience, this fast-paced first quarter has seen the team utilise not only the traditional equipment that IK has come to be known for but also to provide complex problem-solving solutions. Beyond subsea clamps, pigging solutions and lifting tools, we are now developing bespoke project solutions for major operators and contractors. We relish the challenge of these unique projects, solving the previously unsolvable and delivering measurable value to our clients.”

The year’s successful start has also seen several strategic partnerships formed as IK Group continues to build its capabilities within new markets. This includes a recently signed MOU with Brazilian company 4Pipe Hidropig.

Brown added, “We are excited by the collaboration with 4Pipe Hidropig—a business that has been known to IK Group for a number of years. This business brings a wealth of complementary skills in pigging and pipeline engineering to our own capabilities. Brazil represents a significant growth region for us, and we look forward to realising the potential this partnership will deliver.”

As a result of these awards, the company is currently undergoing a recruitment drive to support ongoing and future projects.

AOGV – Disruptive Maintenance Technology Enters North America

Posted on: December 17th, 2021 by Amanda Eden No Comments

The patented AOGV mechanical isolation tool is a revolutionary technology.  It’s designed for ease of use, allowing you to isolate a pipe segment while the rest of the facility continues to run smoothly – maintenance without cashflow shutdown is totally achievable!  This week, the AOGV team are in North America showcasing the new technology to plant and facility operators, contractors and service companies.

Whenever process plant equipment or systems are required to be taken out of service for major maintenance, repair, or modification, positive mechanical isolations are provided between them and any potential hazardous energy source.

The AOGV installs an isolation spade, a pipe blind or blanks, on a live flanged connection. It can also close or open a spectacle blind or replace a spacer with a line blind while the system is still pressurized. This field-proven technology reduces downtime, removes the need for drainage, venting, purging, and flushing, and increases maintenance flexibility.

The AOGV creates a zero-energy zone where inspection and maintenance work can be performed safely and efficiently, ensuring no lasting impact on the process plant. Once the operation is complete, the flange pair is returned to its original pipe spec state with a new gasket, bolts, and nuts.

The AOGV is versatile – typical AOGV applications include:

  • Repair and modifications of parts of process facilities
  • Retrospective installation of equipment
  • Installation, repair, or replacement of valves

Norwegian and Australian Offshore Innovators Join Forces for Emergency Pipeline Repair, Intervention, and Decommissioning

Posted on: July 5th, 2021 by Amanda Eden No Comments

IK Group and ICON Engineering have unveiled a strategic alliance to strengthen Operators’ upstream and downstream intervention, repair, and decommissioning capabilities.

Representing a cumulative five decades of innovation and groundbreaking achievements, this partnership integrates IK Group’s emergency engineering prowess and diverse product range with ICON Engineering’s extensive track record in offshore execution.

Adrian Gamman, COO of IK Group, emphasized the alliance’s potential to deliver IK’s specialized products and services for Pipe and Pipelines, Subsea, and Topsides to the Australasian offshore market through ICON. “These are exhilarating times, and we eagerly anticipate nurturing this relationship in the years ahead,” he stated.

The origin of this alliance lies in the shared commitment to providing tailored solutions to offshore engineering challenges. “With ICON’s local presence and IK’s track record, we believe this agreement will suit the Australian market very well,” commented Mr Gamman, highlighting the benefits of ICON’s Perth-based headquarters for swift responses and deeper market understanding.

David Field, Managing Director of ICON Engineering, underscored the alignment between the companies’ innovative cultures and complementary product lines. “At our respective company cores are very capable Technical and Management Teams, experienced with execution in the field, and the proven ability to respond quickly,” he remarked.

The collaboration between IK Group, with over 30 years of expertise in fast-tracked emergency repairs to offshore subsea equipment and pipelines, and ICON Engineering, renowned for its rig, vessel, and platform modifications, promises an unparalleled synergy.

About ICON Engineering:

ICON Engineering is an Australian oil and gas services company that specializes in practical solutions for onshore and offshore field developments. Notable achievements include pioneering installation techniques for offshore platforms and innovative approaches to drilling operations.

About IK Group:

IK Group boasts a 30-plus-year legacy as a trailblazing supplier of specialist products and services for Pipelines, both Subsea and Topside. Their focus on maintaining customer cash flow while delivering maintenance and intervention solutions underscores their commitment to excellence.

This collaboration represents a convergence of expertise, innovation, and a shared vision for advancing offshore engineering solutions. As IK Group and ICON Engineering join forces, the industry can anticipate groundbreaking developments and enhanced emergency pipeline repair, intervention, and decommissioning capabilities.

IK Group Launch State of the Art Subsea Product

Posted on: May 12th, 2021 by Amanda Eden No Comments

IK Group is proud to present a state-of-the-art product that pushes the limits of engineering yet meets the requirements set by governing standards and rules.

The Emergency Pipeline Repair System (EPRS) covers 16″, 18″, and 24″ pipeline sizes and guarantees the sealing and structural integrity of these pipelines in case of emergency. It has a 20-year lifetime expectancy and a maximum operating pressure of 431bar.