Decommissioning & Installation of Wind Energy Equipment with Synthetic Sling Solutions

Introduction

High performance synthetic sling solutions have provided many benefits to the lifting world since initial introduction to the market over a decade ago. With the known advantages of these slings, the process of installing wind energy structures has been a breeze. Not only does the technology offered by high performance synthetic slings increase loading capacity, but it also provides faster and safer rigging due to its light weight in handling.

Approach

Riggers and planners alike face similar challenges when it comes to the choice of sling types and ideal configuration to optimize use of specific fiber performance needed to perform heavy engineered lifts. Over the years, Samson engineers have perfected our engineering lifting capability in predicting accurate strength retention and tight length tolerance of heavy lifting slings fabricated with synthetic fiber ropes by taking into account the termination, bending impacts, environmental effects and numerous other factors.
This paper discusses how to identify solutions to various lifting cases following the fiber characterization process, identification of critical application requirements, and “fit-for-purpose” principles. Details from multiple field case studies from other industries will be presented to demonstrate the inherent advantages.


Main body of abstract

In today’s energy market it is understood that the days of decommissioning older wind structures are approaching. The equipment operating in these early wind turbine fields is nearing the end of its original life expectancy. Whether the owners decide that the equipment needs to be removed from the existing sites or rebuilt to incorporate modern improvements in the technology, efficient lifting solutions will be required.
High performance fibers such as High Modulus Polyethylene (HMPE) are utilized frequently for engineered critical lifts across industries. User awareness of the high strength, durability, and ease of rigging that synthetic solutions provide is becoming increasingly common. It is normal for industry experts to design around these superior benefits when installing subsea and topside structures such as Conductor pipelines, Windfarm monopoles and Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) pumping stations in the development of offshore energy systems.
The key element for helping engineers and lift planners to identify the ideal solutions to demanding rigging operations is to understand the details of intended use during the operation. Design of specific lifting solutions can vary widely based on a range of factors –frequency and number of lifts to be performed, length tolerance requirements for matched rigging, potential dynamic scenarios, as well as integration of mating hardware and equipment in the rigging system.


Conclusion

Following a discussion of the successes of traditional heavy lift slings made with synthetic fiber rope, this paper will focus on presenting the advantages provided by Samson’s newest rigging technology known as AGILE™ Lifting System. This patented technology utilizes a configuration of multiple parts of high performance fiber rope integrated into a protective cover system providing optimization in the world of lifting sling design. By providing increased loading capacities, shorter allowable lengths, access to load material for inspectors, and tightly controlled length tolerances, AGILE expands the rigging planners’ options across a wide variety of lifting requirements.


Learning objectives
This paper aims to provide the industry with a thoughtful comparison between the existing rigging technology options for supporting the installation or decommissioning of wind installations. In addition, Samson’s breakthrough AGILE Lifting System technology will be unveiled with initial trial experience and compared directly to the incumbent technologies. Following the presentation of advantages and disadvantages of the available rigging systems, attendees will have an improved understanding of how rigging equipment can be selected to optimize the speed and safety with which future projects can be completed.