Dimensional Control Improves Field-Machining Results

An energy company’s offshore oil rigs typically experience temperature swings of 30 degrees or more during the day. This can cause thermal expansion of the metal in the oil rig platform, which can warp the footing surfaces and reduce oil-drilling efficiency. The material in the platforms’ pre-machined pads can become distorted when welded to the skid.

Dimensional Engineering has developed a process for minimizing the effects of thermal expansion on oil rig platforms. First we create a coordinate system of the entire skid. Then, at the oil rig itself, we monitor and measure thermal expansion, analyze the effects on the computer, and determine the design modifications needed to keep the footing surface level.

In this way, Dimensional Engineering uses both pre- and post-machining to help maintain the dimensional integrity of the oil rig platform. The result is continuously efficient operations.