Aluminum alloys in the application of offshore helicopter platforms
Steel is commonly used as the primary structural material in offshore oil drilling platforms due to its high strength. However, it faces issues such as corrosion and a relatively short lifespan when exposed to the marine environment. In the infrastructure for offshore oil and gas resource development, helicopter landing decks play a crucial role in facilitating helicopter takeoff and landing, serving as a vital link to the mainland. Aluminum-made helicopter deck modules are widely employed because they are lightweight, possess excellent strength and rigidity, and meet the necessary performance requirements.
Aluminum alloy helicopter platforms consist of a frame and a deck made up of assembled aluminum alloy profiles with a cross-sectional shape similar to the letter “H,” with ribbed plate cavities located between the upper and lower deck plates. By utilizing the principles of mechanics and the bending strength of aluminum alloy profiles, the platform meets performance requirements while reducing its own weight. Additionally, in the marine environment, aluminum alloy helicopter platforms are easy to maintain, have good corrosion resistance, and, thanks to their assembled profile design, do not require welding. This absence of welding eliminates the heat-affected zone associated with welding, prolonging the platform’s lifespan and preventing failure.
Application of aluminum alloys in LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) cargo ships
As offshore oil and gas resources continue to be developed, many major natural gas supply and demand regions are located far apart and often separated by vast oceans. Therefore, the primary mode of transporting liquefied natural gas is by ocean-going vessels. The design of LNG ship storage tanks requires a metal with excellent low-temperature performance, as well as adequate strength and toughness. Aluminum alloy materials exhibit higher strength at low temperatures compared to room temperature, and their lightweight properties make them ideal for use in marine atmospheres, where they are resistant to corrosion.
In the manufacturing of LNG vessels and LNG storage tanks, 5083 aluminum alloy is widely used, especially in Japan, one of the largest importers of liquefied natural gas. Japan has built a series of LNG tanks and transport ships since the 1950s and 1960s, with main body structures entirely made of 5083 aluminum alloy. Most aluminum alloys, due to their lightweight and corrosion-resistant properties, have become important materials for the top structures of these tanks. Currently, only a few companies worldwide can produce low-temperature aluminum materials for LNG transport ship storage tanks. Japan’s 5083 aluminum alloy, with a thickness of 160mm, exhibits excellent low-temperature toughness and fatigue resistance.
Application of aluminum alloys in shipyard equipment
Shipyard equipment such as gangways, floating bridges, and walkways are fabricated from 6005A or 6060 aluminum alloy profiles through welding. Floating docks are constructed from welded 5754 aluminum alloy plates and require no painting or chemical treatment due to their watertight construction.
Aluminum alloy drill pipes
Aluminum alloy drill pipes are favored for their low density, lightweight, high strength-to-weight ratio, low required torque, strong impact resistance, good corrosion resistance, and low frictional resistance against well walls. When the drilling machine’s capabilities permit, the use of aluminum alloy drill pipes can achieve well depths that steel drill pipes cannot. Aluminum alloy drill pipes have been successfully utilized in petroleum exploration since the 1960s, with extensive applications in the former Soviet Union, where they reached depths of 70% to 75% of the total depth. Combining the advantages of high-performance aluminum alloys and resistance to seawater corrosion, aluminum alloy drill pipes have significant potential applications in marine engineering on offshore drilling platforms.
Edited by May Jiang from MAT Aluminum
Post time: May-07-2024
