FoundOcean and BASF launched an integrated
material and service system for the provision of a new high strength grout,
MasterFlow 9800, in Edinburgh, UK.
The high strength grout is the result of over 3 years of joint development,
the primary purpose of which has been to deliver significant and quantifiable
improvements in productivity and safety when grouting offshore structures.
“FoundOcean recognised a need amongst
its customers for a material that could provide high early strength development
and low temperature performance, yet also offer increased efficiency, safety
and cleanliness,” comments Managing Director Jim Bell on the motivation
behind the new development. “MasterFlow 9800 will contribute to driving
down the installed cost of offshore renewable energy”.
MasterFlow 9800 is set to revolutionise
offshore grouting, by introducing a high strength grout with unrivalled
operational advantages. The material is able to be shipped and stored in
silos rather than bags, facilitating quayside storage in all weathers,
more flexibility in deck layout and no requirement for bag or container
lifting during grouting operations and dockside resupplies.
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The MasterFlow 9800 grout system uses
an upgraded version of FoundOcean’s Recirculating Jet Mixer (RJM). The
delivery rates when using an RJM are upwards of 20m³/hr and therefore faster
grouting of the annulus can be achieved, saving valuable offshore operating
days. The closed circuit between the cement silo and RJM mixer, along with
the continuous mixing process, also minimises overage, as well as reducing
dust.
“Demanding offshore challenges have
set extremely high requirements for the grout and grouting works in the
development of MasterFlow 9800. Aligning the excellent properties of the
new offshore grout with the operational advantages of FoundOcean’s continuous
mixing and pumping equipment will bring major health and safety improvements
and installation cost reductions,” says Luc Westhof, Global Key Account
Manager at BASF Construction Chemicals.
The material offers a number of superior
properties, including excellent early strength development, even at cold
temperatures, and high fatigue resistance. When combined with its operational
advantages, these properties have the potential to provide significant
cost optimisation for the foundation installation, whilst ensuring the
durability of the grouted connection.
