Balltec has just completed the supply and installation of 16 Permanent Subsea Mooring Connectors (SMC) for the Total Pazflor FPSO.
The facility is moored in approximately 3500 feet of water in Angola block 17. The connectors supplied by Balltec can be disconnected at any time during the design life of the facility should the need arise.
Designed with a minimum break load of 12,993kN the Balltec connectors will link the suction piles and ground chain.
The Connectors are supplied in two distinct assemblies. The receptacle assembly is attached to the pile via a short length of chain and was supplied several months ago. The male assembly is deployed on the end of the mooring line and allows a rapid, heave tolerant, top entry connection without the need for any ROV intervention.
Incorporating Balltec’s patented triple lock design the MoorLOK SMC’s offer unrivaled ease of installation and integrity of connection for permanent and temporary installations. Extensive testing of the MoorLOK connectors has conclusively proved the integrity of the system during extreme conditions including zero load and impact upon the seafloor.
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Source: Balltec, January 31, 2011; Image: Total