Clamshell Bellows Stops the Leak

The existing bellows developed a major leak through the first convolution on the downstream end.

Senior Flexonics Pathwaysupplied a complete Clamshell bellows installation kit in 48 hours.

Standoff rings were fitted to the pipe and welded using T347 “stick” electrode. The Clamshell bellows halves were then brought into position and carefully fitted together with no more than a 12 mm mismatch. The convolution welds were completed using alloy 625 filler and the “Tig” welding process.

The leak became more severe and ejectors were attached on the vent connections to evacuate the hot gas.

Finally, the completed Clamshell bellows and weldends were fitted to the standoff rings and welded using T347 “stick” electrode.

The Clamshell bellows sealed the leak and will provide the necessary flexibility for the next shutdown at which time the original bellows will be replaced. A fabricated plate “box” would not have provided sufficient flexibility.

The entire job was completed in (6) days after first notification by Shell. This included the time for engineering, hardware fabrication, crew mobilization, shipment, and site installation.

The Clamshell bellows stopped the leak without a shutdown.

For informstion, contact Senior Flexonics Pathway.