ICON Engineering Launches Next Generation Coiled Tubing Lift Frames

ICON Engineering has announced the launch of the Advanced Riser Tension Protector (ARTP) Equipment Range, representing a significant advance in coiled tubing lift frames (CTLFs) for subsea well completions, well testing and well interventions.

ICON Engineering has announced the launch of the Advanced Riser Tension Protector (ARTP) Equipment Range, representing a significant advance in coiled tubing lift frames (CTLFs) for subsea well completions, well testing and well interventions.

The equipment functions as a surface tension frame, designed to support the completions/workover riser (C/WOR) or landing string in tension beneath the rig's top drive, while providing a safe work window for rig up of coiled tubing/wireline units.

Critically, an ARTP provides a safe relief mechanism with over and under tension protection and back-up emergency motion compensation, protecting the C/WOR or landing string against accidental loads during locked-to-bottom operations.

"The ARTP equipment range has been specifically designed to meet the technical demands and lead industry best practice for subsea well completions, well testing and well interventions from floating rigs, where safety is paramount," said Mr Steven Plain, ICON Business Manager.

"The range combines proven technology with innovative design to enhance overall operational efficiency and safety," he said.

ICON has been supplying both rigid and motion compensated tension lift frames for use on subsea well completions and interventions from floating rigs since the late 1990s.

"Over the past few years, the ICON engineering team has worked closely with major operators and drilling contractors in the development and supply of motion compensated coiled tubing lift frames," said Mr Plain.

"This work has culminated in the ARTP equipment range, specifically designed to provide the necessary functionality of coiled tubing lift frames, while incorporating advanced features to protect the completions/workover riser or landing string against accidental loads during critical locked-to-bottom operations, particularly accidental lock-up or stroke out of the rig's motion compensator. It is suitable for use with both in-riser and open water riser systems."

"This is an essential safety requirement of international standards including ISO 13628-7 and DNV-OS-E101," he said.

Because every subsea well completion or intervention project has differing requirements based on factors including water depth, metocean conditions, C/WOR configuration, rig interfaces, and rig motion compensation, the new ICON ARTP range consists of five different models. Each model has a varying degree of riser tension protection and passive heave compensation capacity.

Each model can be manufactured either as inline system with a separate compensator unit and tension frame, or as an integrated system with combined compensator unit and tension frame.

"ICON acts as a full service partner over the duration of the ICON ARTP supply," said Mr Plain.

"This means ICON provides all support to achieve client objectives, from initial riser analysis, risk assessment and equipment specification, right through to equipment supply, rig interface engineering, installation, operations and maintenance," he said.