Operators can enjoy optimum joint integrity and maximum efficiency, including time and cost savings, under a healthcare package being offered by Vector International, the connection and sealing technology specialist, covering all piping and vessel sealing and connection requirements. The package is already in successful operation on the Britannia platform in the North Sea.

Under the healthcare package, Vector takes responsibility for all connectors, flanges, gaskets, bolting, seal rings, and all aspects of piping and vessel connection - high and low pressure, from subsea pipelines to topside applications.
Identifying the requirements, supplying the products and providing full technical support, including inspection and certification, all come under the terms of the healthcare agreement. Vector also takes responsibility for stock management and storage, including on-line catalogue management. Operator technician training is also provided, serving to raise product and joint integrity awareness. And where additional services such as in-situ machining, bolt tensioning, leak sealing and so on may be required, Vector is responsible for sourcing third party services as required, and managing the delivery and quality of these services.

In offering this service, Vector deploys fully trained technicians plus its specialist, purpose-developed equipment. This includes the EasiLift lifting frame (a new device designed to enable safe lifting and mounting of blind hubs and clamp fittings, while minimising assembly time), the Torque Tensioner (a twin torque gun for fast, controlled tightening of two bolts simultaneously for optimum and equal tension), and Reverse Integrity Test (RIT) rings - developed to allow individual joints to be tested and verified as they're installed, saving time and money in the testing process.

The company also offers its engineering expertise to design and build bespoke solutions where required to meet specific connection needs - another advantage of working in partnership with the operator. These opportunities extend to identifying needs and advising on how best to meet these, for example, manufacturing nitrogen quads (a device to hold nitrogen canisters) and the frames that hold the quads themselves for Britannia.

"We use Vector's services to provide us with a healthcare package on the Britannia platform, and find it an extremely efficient means of operating, with tremendous benefits," comments Britannia materials co-ordinator Paul Milne. "Not only do we have fewer contracts, lower costs, and reduced administration and storage requirements, but we have the advantage of Vector's expertise on-hand to answer queries or assist with any special requirements. Rapid reaction is often important, and Vector provides an efficient and fast-response service. We've come to think of them as part of the team."

In addition to the benefits of the healthcare package service, Vector's compact sealing solutions themselves offer substantial size and weight savings (typically 65-70 per cent) over traditional ANSI flanges. Incorporating Vector's proven self-energising metal to metal sealing technology, the high performance, low-weight Techlok clamp connector and FlangeLok compact flange meet today's sealing requirements efficiently and effectively, with a proven track record. Reduced bolting requirements, and built-in protection from sealing fatigue and corrosion are further key benefits.

"For clients who are serious about joint integrity, there's nobody better qualified or motivated to ensure connections that seal first time every time," says Vector sales and marketing director Ian Robinson. "As designers and manufacturers of connection and sealing technology ourselves we're able to provide a level of specialist expertise that will ensure optimum performance and maximum efficiency. And by working on an on-going basis in partnership with our client we can identify needs and apply the solutions - developing bespoke solutions where required."