Monitoring the vibration during decommission of the Brent
Oil Platform
During the
decommissioning of a section of the Brent Delta Oil Platform in Hartlepool
Vibration Monitoring Services were asked to monitor the vibration levels generated
around the drop zone to ascertain the impact vibration levels and frequencies. Four Profound Vibra+ vibration monitors were
used at locations around the site; areas of significance were an EDF Energy
Nuclear Power Station and a Chemical plant.
The Brent
Delta Platform, which was removed from the North Sea in one piece, is
equivalent to the height of the London Eye and for the last 40 years has
operated as a hotel for over 160 staff, a factory, and a processing plant. The
deck space of the platform is almost the same size as a football pitch.
At the length
of six jumbo jets, the Pioneering Spirit lifted the 24,200
tonne platform from Brent Delta in one piece. This operation took place in late
April and marks the heaviest marine lift ever undertaken at sea.
The Brent
Delta platform was transported to the Able UK Seaton Port yard in Hartlepool
where at least 97% of the material will be recycled. It is anticipated it could
take between 12-18 months to fully dismantle and recycle the platform.
The corner
section of the platform was carefully cut away ready for the drop and the
levels generated were minimal and did not cause excess vibration to the
sensitive surrounding buildings.
