Balmoral

Offshore Engineering
Buoyancy, insulation and elastomer products

Marine subsea

Surface/subsurface buoyancy
Oceanus floats
Tri-buoys
Umbilical floats
One-piece subsurface buoyancy
Mini cylindrical modular buoyancy (MCMB)
Cylindrical modular buoyancy (CMB)
Modular buoyancy
Anchor pendant buoys (APB)
Mooring buoys
Fittings
Buoyancy repair work
ROV/AUV buoyancy
Cable and flowline protection
Balmoral Subsea Test Centre

Connect with us:

www.balmoraloshore.com

Balmoral Oshore Engineering

#

Marine subsea

Balmoral Group
Balmoral Offshore Engineering is a division of Balmoral Comtec Ltd which is wholly owned by
Balmoral Group Holdings Ltd, a privately owned company headquartered in Aberdeen, UK.
Balmoral Group Holdings Ltd

Balmoral Park Ltd

Balmoral Comtec Ltd

Balmoral Tanks Ltd

Balmoral Offshore Engineering

Rotational moulding

Balmoral Subsea Test Centre

Cylindrical teel sectional tanks

Balmoral Offshore Inc (Houston)

GRP sectional tanks

Balmoral Offshore Industria de

Plasticos Ltda
Balmoral Offshore Engineering (Brazil)

The company has been providing solutions to the offshore oil and gas, seismic, renewable energy,
marine and construction industries since 1980.
Since Day 1 Balmorals reputation has been built on innovation and development. Across the Group
attention to detail, health and safety, customer communication, supply chain control and on-time
delivery of the highest quality products at the best possible price is paramount. Market
differentiation drives the company alongside a zero defect tolerance policy.
By virtue of this philosophy, Balmoral has become a strategic partner, rather than a supplier, to its
broad customer base. The Balmoral brand is recognised worldwide and is aligned with innovation,
technical excellence and exceptional customer service.

Balmoral Group Core Values

The values described below apply to employee relationships with all customers whether that is
within Balmoral Group or with the companys highly valued client base.

Customer
focus

Leading and working together as a team to deliver high quality products

on time at the best possible price with no surprises

Respect

Treating clients and colleagues as we wish to be treated ourselves,

with respect and decency

Integrity

Reliability, exibility, honesty, openness and fairness. Supporting clients

and colleagues at all times with a focus on the common end goal

Accountability

Being proactive in setting and achieving objectives. Taking responsibility

in ones role and enhancing the company reputation at all times

Change
management

A commitment to the companys philosophy of innovation, continuous

improvement and clear communication, internally and externally

Motivation

Maintaining a focus on aligning eorts and energy to achieve common

goals, ie, successful projects. Constantly seeking to add value

Steel sectional tanks

Marine subsea

Balmoral Oshore Engineering

#

Contents

Surface/subsurface buoyancy

ROV/AUV buoyancy

13

Mini cylindrical
modular buoyancy

Balmoral Offshore Engineering

HSEQ

Surface/subsurface buoyancy

Oceanus floats
Tri-buoys
Umbilical floats
One-piece subsurface buoyancy
Mini cylindrical modular buoyancy (MCMB)
Cylindrical modular buoyancy (CMB)
Modular buoyancy
Anchor pendant buoys (APB)
Mooring buoys
Fittings
Buoyancy repair work

6
7
7
7
8
9
10
11
12
12
12

ROV/AUV buoyancy

13

Cable and flowline protection

16

Balmoral Subsea Test Centre

18

Project portfolio

20

Modular buoyancy

10

Cable and flowline protection

16

Balmoral Subsea Test Centre

18

HEAD OFFICE AND FACTORIES

Balmoral Park, Loirston, Aberdeen AB12 3GY, Scotland
T +44 (0)1224 859000 | E offshore-sales@balmoral.co.uk
Balmoral Offshore Engineering. All rights reserved. This publication is protected by copyright. No part of it may be reproduced, stored
in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without
the prior written permission of the copyright owners. Balmoral Offshore Engineering believes that the information printed in this
brochure is accurate, and published for information only. No warrants, express or implied, are contained therein, nor does any legal
liability attach to Balmoral Offshore Engineering for any reason whatsoever. The companys policy is one of continuous product
improvement and it reserves the right to make alterations to its range and specification without prior notice.

www.balmoraloshore.com

Balmoral Oshore Engineering

2

Marine subsea

Balmoral Oshore Engineering

A client focused company, Balmoral Offshore Engineering is dedicated to technologically-driven composite
and polymer solutions for todays demanding global subsea and deepwater oil and gas industry
Proprietary training, laboratory, hyperbaric
and mechanical testing facilities enable
Balmoral to research, identify and develop
cost effective materials across a spectrum of
applications.
The company has invested heavily in the most
comprehensive suite of syntactic, composite
and polymer processing facilities the sector
has ever seen.
From 0-35,000ft, Balmoral products including
rigid and distributed riser buoyancy, thermal
insulation, ROV/AUV and subsurface buoyancy
through to elastomer cable protection, bend
restrictors, stiffeners, clamps and riser
protection guards are used in the deepest and
most hostile waters of the world.
Providing services from concept development through
detailed design, manufacturing and testing, the team at
Balmoral Offshore Engineering will help your project achieve
its full potential.
Engineering design, research and development
A significant differentiator at Balmoral, as a privately owned
company, is the ability to invest in continuous research and
development programmes.
This not only translates into an unrivalled range
of innovative materials but also the depth of
experience available from the companys design
engineering team.
For more than three decades the companys
experienced scientists and technologists have
provided combinations of buoyancy, insulation
and polyurethane products to assist in the
exploration and exploitation of ever deeper
waters and ever harsher environments.
The companys R&D programme has evolved to
include material innovation and, in conjunction
with process engineers and technicians, the
optimisation of production processes and control techniques
designed to improve safety, quality and productivity.
Augmented by contemporary 3D modelling, finite element
analysis, CFD, lab and testing facilities, the engineering design
department is wholly committed to a policy of continuous
innovation and improvement.
The team is encouraged to develop professional relationships
with customers to help it deliver a personalised service at all
levels and at all times.

Marine subsea

Balmoral Oshore Engineering

3

Manufacturing
Balmorals policy of continuous
improvement means that the company is
constantly developing its manufacturing
operations to retain its place at the forefront
of buoyancy, insulation and elastomer
production technology.
Now offering even more efficiency and
automation the facility has been re-designed
and laid out to provide consistently high
quality fit-for-purpose products on a
continuous basis.
Comprising thermoset syntactic, aliphatic
amine cold cure, anhydride hot cure
capabilities and an advanced polyurethane
elastomer processing facility - supported by
macrosphere tumblers, shakers, vacuum
chambers and curing ovens the advanced
facility represents a huge step forward in the
way buoyancy and elastomer products are
manufactured.

Rotational moulding
Balmoral operates a highly developed in-house rotational moulding facility at Group HQ in Aberdeen.
This facility produces the shells for many of Balmoral Offshore Engineerings products including
distributed buoyancy modules and modular buoyancy elements.
These shells are roto-moulded in medium density polyethylene providing a one piece, seamless
product with no structural welds or inherent stresses. The manufacturing process is automated
providing a high quality and consistent product.
This in-house capability affords the company total control over material selection, dimensional
tolerances and, ultimately, project scheduling.
Syntactic production and curing
The combination of hollow glass microspheres and a resin matrix, known as syntactic foam, is central
to any buoyancy manufacturing operation. Balmoral operates a fully automated system that provides
syntactic material of a consistent quality which is critical to the manufacture of high performance
buoyancy and insulation products.
By implementing hot and cold cure processing, supported by refined hardware to provide control
over temperature, duration and cool-down times, Balmoral Offshore Engineering has overcome
product failure issues such as stress, material instability and brittleness that are experienced by
traditional manufacturing operations.
This investment in production technology ensures best in class products that are exceptionally suited
to the hostile deepwater environments commonly experienced by the industry today.

Balmoral Oshore Engineering

4

Marine subsea

Project management
With extensive experience of managing the
design, manufacture and despatch of subsea
buoyancy and elastomer products, Balmoral
Offshore Engineerings project management
team works closely with clients to ensure
projects are delivered on time and on budget.
As members of the Association of Project
Management, Balmoral Offshore Engineerings
PM team operates to recognised global
competency standards from order placement
through to delivery and installation where
contracted.
Personnel development:
Balmoral Skills Academy
Balmoral has developed an in-house training
facility offering structured programmess in
multi-discipline core competencies.
The Balmoral Skills Academy is a companywide resource dedicated to supporting the
training and development requirements
across all areas of the business.
This is an exciting development which further demonstrates the
companys commitment to invest and develop its employees and to
assist them in performing to the highest standards demanded by
industry.
The target is for the Balmoral Skills Academy to be qualified by the
Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) for provision of Scottish
Vocational Qualifications (SVQs) by the end of 2013.
Operational Excellence Group (OEG)
The Operational Excellence Group implements lean manufacturing
methodologies and continuous improvement practices to drive
operational excellence; to understand value streams and how, by
improving these, it can improve the companys service to the
customer.
THE OEG takes a systematic approach to all processes in achieving world
class performance by efficiently using tools and equipment, optimising
resources and the elimination of process waste and inefficiencies.

Marine subsea

Balmoral Oshore Engineering

5

HSEQ
Balmoral acknowedges the importance of health and safety and is committed to providing a safe
and healthy working environment for its employees, subcontractors and visitors, on- or off-site.
The company is a member of the British Safety
Council, holding 4-star certification, and operates
a management system that is certified to
BS OHSAS 18001:2007.
Environmental impact
Protecting the environment from the impact of its
activities is central to all Balmoral operations.
This includes a commitment to continual
improvement in operational performance
ensuring minimal environmental impact. The
company operates a management system to the
requirements of EN ISO 14001:2004.
Quality assurance
Balmorals stated aim is to become the first choice,
best in class supplier in its sector and the company
is committed to providing products and services
that exceed customer expectations.
A key objective is the implementation and
continuous improvement of a Quality
Management System that is certified to
BS EN ISO 9001:2008 and in adherence to the
American Petroleum Institute's specification for
marine drilling riser equipment: API 16F:2004.

BRITISH SAFETY COUNCIL

Balmoral Oshore Engineering

6

Marine subsea

Surface/subsurface buoyancy
Providing a range of surface/subsurface
products including one-piece, modular, 'offthe-shelf' and ROV/AUV buoyancy, with a wide
variety of fittings and accessories, Balmoral
Offshore Engineering offers a comprehensive
range of solutions for your installation project.

Oceanus floats
Tri-buoys
Umbilical floats
One-piece subsurface buoyancy
Mini cylindrical modular buoyancy (MCMB)
Cylindrical modular buoyancy (CMB)
Modular buoyancy
Anchor pendant buoys (APB)
Navigation aids
Fenders
Mooring buoys
Fittings
Buoyancy repairs

Oceanus oats
Balmoral Offshore Engineerings design team created the Oceanus float to provide a range of
standard, readily available, buoyancy units suitable for all ocean depths.
Oceanus floats comprise a high performance low density composite foam buoyancy core,
encapsulated within a tough impact and abrasion resistant polyethylene shell and are supplied in a
variety of colours with moulded-in client graphics where required.
To simplify the handling of
Oceanus floats during deployment
and recovery, each Oceanus
features a pair of recessed lifting
holes sized to accommodate
gloved hands. The floats also
incorporate a series of flat surfaces
to assist on-board stability and
facilitate close grouping as part of
operation or storage.
The standard range of Oceanus
floats covers four uplift capacities
and six standard operating depths.

Oceanus float values

Operating
depth
msw

Weight in air kg / Nominal buoyancy kg

OF1

OF2

OF3

OF4

1000

7.5 / 8.1

11.3 / 12.8

20.1 / 24.3

41.4 / 52.8

1500

8.1 / 7.5

12.3 / 11.8

22 / 22.4

45.6 / 48.6

2000

8.9 / 6.7

13.4 / 10.6

24.2 / 20.2

50.4 / 43.8

2500

9.2 / 6.4

14 /10

25.4 / 19

53.1 / 41.1

3000

9.8 / 5.8

14.9 / 9.2

27 / 17.4

56.6 / 37.6

6000

10.6 / 5

16.2 / 7.9

29.6 / 14.8

62.3 / 31.9

Bore ID mm

19.05

38.1

38.1

38.1

Marine subsea

Balmoral Oshore Engineering

7

Tri-buoys
Tri-buoys offer a simple cost effective solution where additional buoyancy may be required as part
of an installation operation or small permanent mooring.
The tri-buoys are finished either in GRP or elastomer and are supplied with central steelwork bearing
a pad eye and swivel at either end. If required a smooth central bore can be created to enable the
use of a mooring rope.
Balmoral tri-buoys provide a buoyancy uplift of between 125-175kg with depth rating capabilities of
610-3050msw.

Umbilical oats
BOE provides a range of floats to suit most control umbilicals. These floats comprise a pair of
symmetrical half shells which are profiled to permit the line to flex within its specified bend radius.
Each float is manufactured using a low density composite foam core covered in a high performance
impact and abrasion resistant polyethylene shell.
BOEs umbilical floats are hinged
using two stainless steel latches.
The floats are designed to grip the
umbilical by means of a natural
rubber internal grommet.
Balmoral umbilical floats are
designed to suit umbilical
diameters ranging from 25mm50mm OD. Umbilical floats can be
supplied to suit larger diameter
umbilicals if required.

Umbilical float values

Operating
depth
msw

Weight in air kg

Nominal buoyancy kg

1000

14.7

15.2

1500

15.9

14.0

2000

17.3

12.6

2500

18.1

11.8

3000

19.1

10.8

One-piece subsurface buoyancy

Balmoral provides a range of one-piece subsurface buoys, suitable for service to 3000msw, which
have a proven track record on subsea projects undertaken by marine installation contractors.
These products are manufactured using a central tension member encapsulated within a syntactic
foam core of varying densities to suit the required depth rating.
External finishes include rotationally moulded polyethylene, polyurethane elastomer and glass
reinforced vinyl-ester, giving a durable, abrasion resistant surface finish. The external surface is
pigmented with a high visibility colour typically yellow, white or orange to assist with
deployment and retrieval although other colours are available on request.

Marine subsea

Balmoral Oshore Engineering

8

Modular buoyancy
Balmoral has developed its range of modular
subsurface buoyancy products to include
standardised off-the-shelf solutions.
Designed to offer a cost effective and rapid
response to immediate buoyancy
requirements, the new buoys complement the
companys existing range of products suitable
for use from 0-3000msw.
These modules incorporate flats which
provide easier handling and deck storage
whilst simultaneously improving robustness.
We believe these are the most user-friendly
subsurface buoys on the market.

Mini cylindrical modular buoys (MCMB)

MCMB Buoyancy modules
MCMB1

MCMB2

MCMB3

MCMB4

881

625

706

450

581

730

325

250

800

Weight in air (kg)

Nominal buoyancy (kg)
Surface
300msw
500msw
1000msw
1500msw
2000msw

99
130
133
135
139
145

77
46
43
38
34
28

103
144
148
150
156
164

108
67
62
56
50
43

109
167
173
175
184
195

158
101
95
87
78
67

118
199
208
322
224
238

229
149
140
129
116
102

MCMB Typical configurations

MCMB 5

MCMB 6

MCMB 7

MCMB 8

MCMB 1 + MCMB 2

MCMB 2 + MCMB 3

MCMB 1 + MCMB 4

MCMB 2 + MCMB 4

Weight in air (kg)

Nominal buoyancy (kg)
Surface
300msw
500msw
1000msw
1500msw
2000msw

115
187
195
198
208
222

202
130
122
112
101
88

126
224
235
239
254
272

Note: All buoyancy and weight in air values are nominal and subject to specic conguration.

283
185
174
160
145
127

131
242
255
259
276
297

324
212
200
184
167
147

135
256
270
274
293
315

354
233
219
202
184
161

Marine subsea

Balmoral Oshore Engineering

9

MCMB Typical configurations continued

MCMB 9

MCMB 10

MCMB 11

MCMB 3 + MCMB 4

MCMB 4 + MCMB 4

MCMB 2 + MCMB 3 + MCMB 4

Weight in air (kg)

Nominal buoyancy (kg)
Surface
300msw
500msw
1000msw
1500msw
2000msw

141
279
294
300
321
347

405
267
252
233
211
186

150
311
329
336
361
390

476
315
297
275
250
220

157
336
356
363
391
424

MCMB 12

MCMB 13

MCMB 2 + MCMB 4 + MCMB 4

MCMB 4 + MCMB 4 + MCMB 4

530
351
331
306
278
246

Weight in air (kg)

Nominal buoyancy (kg)
Surface
300msw
500msw
1000msw
1500msw
2000msw

166
368
391
399
430
467

601
399
376
348
317
280

182
423
451
460
498
542

723
481
454
421
383
339

376
972
1040
1063
1156
1265

1819
1223
1156
1094
1000
896

Cylindrical modular buoys (CMB)

CMB1 general arrangements

900

3030

900
900

900

2130

900

1230

900

1150

1250

Weight in air (kg)

Nominal buoyancy (kg)
Surface
300msw
500msw
1000msw
1500msw
2000msw

289
587
621
632
679
733

890
592
558
527
480
426

463
1357
1458
1493
1633
1796

2749
1855
1753
1660
1521
1358

Marine subsea

Balmoral Oshore Engineering

10

Designed for use from 0-3000msw these buoys are used predominantly as suspended moorings or subsea markers.
Balmoral modular buoyancy is highly adaptable and can be fitted with a comprehensive range of end fittings.
BOEs modular buoyancy utilises a range of tough, abrasion resistant core materials contained within a rotational
moulded polyethylene shell. Other external finishes are available on request.
MB17 General arrangements

Weight in air (kg)

Nominal buoyancy (kg)
Surface
300msw
500msw
1000msw
1500msw
2000msw

708
1333
1405
1422
1520
1634

1695
1070
999
912
815
701

975
2104
2233
2270
2447
2653

3279
2149
2021
1880
1703
1497

2179
5693
6094
6227
6776
7417

10597
7083
6683
6392
5813
5172

4593
12769
13731
14031
15313
16809

24841
16639
15704
14839
13557
12061

1241
2875
3061
3118
3374
3672

4863
3229
3042
2848
2592
2294

3930

530 670 670 670 530

3310

530 670 670 530

2590

530 670 530

1920

530 530

1750

1750

1507
3646
3890
3966
4301
4691

6447
4308
4064
3815
3481
3091

3249
9014
9672
9893
10794
11846

17670
11905
11247
10756
9855
8803

MB23 General arrangements

Weight in air (kg)

Nominal buoyancy (kg)
Surface
300msw
500msw
1000msw
1500msw
2000msw

6047

800 800 800 1100

1100

5247

1100 800 800 1100

4447

1100 800 1100

3647

1100
1100

2345

2345

1645
4033
4305
4394
4767
5203

7061
4673
4401
4165
3792
3356

2714
7354
7883
8060
8785
9632

14134
9494
8965
8559
7834
6987

5671
16348
17565
17962
19631
21579

32586
21909
20691
19618
17948
16001

MB30 General arrangements

7250

1400 1000 1000 1000 1400

6250

1400 1000 1000 1400

5250

1400 1000 1400

4250

1400
1400

3000

3000

Weight in air (kg)

Nominal buoyancy (kg)
Surface
300msw
500msw
1000msw
1500msw
2000msw

2980

3516
9244
9897
10099
10995
12040

17097
11369
10716
10061
9165
8120

6748
19900
21400
21893
23949
26348

Note: Thin-mid modules are available for these ranges to provide a broad range of conguration and operating parameters. Please contact BOE for further details.
All buoyancy and weight in air values are nominal and subject to specic conguration.

40331
27179
25679
24396
22340
19941

Marine subsea

Balmoral Oshore Engineering

11

MB60 modular buoys

Used predominantly as support buoys and in suspended
mooring systems BOE MB60 modular buoys are available
in sizes ranging from 100-300 tonnes.
The rotationally moulded shells are filled with a resilient
core material to provide long lasting practically
maintenance free performance.

Anchor pendant buoys (APB)

Balmoral Offshore Engineering offers a range of surface buoyancy which includes mooring buoys,
anchor pendant buoys, support buoys, chain-through buoys and pick-up buoys which are extremely
robust and suitable for the most severe environments.
These buoys are typically constructed from a rigid polyurethane foam core, cast around a central steel
tension member that is reinforced with a glass reinforced polyester skin. The buoys are clad in a resilient
polyethylene layer which is externally coated with a tough abrasion resistant polyurethane elastomer skin.
These units are suitable for deployment over the stern roller of anchor handling vessels.
APB2 | Weight 560kg | Nom buoyancy 2000kg

2220

4072

2320

3844

Note: All buoyancy and weight in air values are nominal and subject to specic conguration.

1936

3290

2226

3290

2226

3290

2226

2626

1836

3920

1920

1436

APB10 | Weight 1770kg | Nom buoyancy 10000kg

APB20 | Weight 2860kg | Nom buoyancy 20000kg

APB15 | Weight 2360kg | Nom buoyancy 15000kg

2800

2358

1750

1428

2626

1536

3200

2526

APB8 | Weight 1580kg | Nom buoyancy 8000kg

APB6 | Weight 1330kg | Nom buoyancy 6000kg

2626

1260

2750

1760

1068

1068

1268

APB4 | Weight 1160kg | Nom buoyancy 4000kg

1690

APB1 | Weight 310kg | Nom buoyancy 1000kg

Balmoral Oshore Engineering

12

Marine subsea

Mooring buoys
The BOE range is unique and was developed
and designed in house.
Two forms of standard mooring buoys are
available, ie, cylindrical and rectangular in
section.
Specials are available and are usually based
on a standard modular construction
incorporating platforms, ladders, solar
panels, electronic monitoring and lighting
equipment.

Fittings
A wide range of steelwork is available to
complement Balmoral Offshore Engineerings
surface and subsurface products.
This includes crucifix, pad eye, round bar,
swivel, double and single pin, keep plates and
through-hawse end fittings.

Lightweight pad eye

Swivel

Heavy duty pad eye

Single pin

Crucifix

Double pin

Round bar

Keep plates

Buoyancy repair work

It is vital that repair and refurbishment is carried out by fully qualified teams that understand the
materials, procedures and environments to which marine buoyancy is exposed.
Balmoral benefits from many years design, manufacture and materials experience and has dedicated
teams of experienced repair personnel travelling the world on a regular basis.

Marine subsea

Balmoral Oshore Engineering

13

ROV/AUV buoyancy
With advances in deepwater technology the need for remote intervention as part of field installation has seen
major increases in the number of deepwater remotely operated and autonomous underwater vehicles
As the complexity of these vehicles evolves
the demand for lower density, high
performance composites buoyancy systems
has increased. This is an area where Balmoral
has made significant technological advances.
The use of conventional cast composite
buoyancy packs still has many commercial
benefits for large vehicles used for trenching
of pipelines or submarine cables. However, for
deep dive work class ROVs, operating beyond
2000msw, the performance benefits of
Balmorals LDF series becomes significant.
This low density, pure foam composite
provides the operator an opportunity to
increase the uplift (buoyancy) of the vehicle
thereby resulting in increased payload
capacity. It also provides an opportunity to
reduce the size of the buoyancy modules
thereby reducing the overall weight and
dimensions of the vehicle.
Balmoral LDF buoyancy is available from stock
for operating at depths to 7000msw.
Balmoral also supplies ROV support
equipment for use on the umbilical systems
including floats and FlexLinkTM, a buoyant
umbilical bend control system.

Balmoral Oshore Engineering

Marine subsea

14

Composite foam systems

A composite buoyancy system refers to a syntactic foam comprising glass
microspheres and macrospheres held together within an epoxy resin system to
create a homogenous matrix.
Composite buoyancy systems are cast using dedicated mould tooling providing
repeatable consistent production and are therefore ideally suited in applications
such as work class ROVs - particularly on a multi-build requirement.
Each component within any given Balmoral syntactic foam is individually rated
for specific operating depths resulting in a strong, lightweight composite
formulation.
There is an overlap in the operating depth ranges which is caused by macro
efficiency changes in design operating depths. This means that more efficient,
lower density composites may generate improved uplift for a given volume as
the operating depth increases.
Composite buoyancy systems comprise an integrated shell to ensure maximum
protection of the core material in the event of accidental impact.

Pure foam systems

Pure foams offer many advantages over macrosphere composite foam systems
including robustness, ease of repair and modification in the event of damage or
design changes, and extremely low water ingress rates.
It should be noted, however, that this is a premium product and is therefore typically
selected for more demanding service conditions such as extreme operating depths
and/or service criticality such as manned service.
The ultra-low density range of pure syntactic foam is normally produced in pre-cast
blocks. These blocks may be supplied for client assembly or can be factory
assembled into finished buoyancy modules.
The buoyancy performance of Balmorals ultra-low density material is understood to
be unique amongst ROV buoyancy foams in that the buoyancy does not
progressively reduce due to hydrostatic compression as the ROV moves into deeper
water. This is because the bulk modulus - ie, the compressibility under hydrostatic
pressure of the foams is marginally less than sea water.

ROV buoyancy machining and milling

During 2013 Balmoral Offshore Engineering introduced an
in-house ROV buoyancy block milling capability.
Taking internal control of this process allows Balmoral to
create intricate ROV PFS and LDF buoyancy profiles with
virtually no size limitations using its 5-axis CAD/CAMcontrolled milling machine.

Pure foam ultra-low density range (LDF)

Typical operating
depth ft/msw

Typical core density kg/m3

3250/1000

395

6500/2000

435

9850/3000

450

13100/4000

470

16500/5000

490

23000/7000

565

32800/10000

640

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Balmoral Oshore Engineering

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ROV/AUV external nishing

Selecting a coating for buoyancy modules of any type is a critical issue. These coatings provide impact
and abrasion resistance while offering a high visibility smooth gloss finish.
The most frequently supplied ROV/AUV coating is a 3-5mm spray-applied elastomer which is applied
to all upper and external surfaces to give a very effective finish, particularly for work class vehicles.
Standard finishes are provided in high gloss yellow, orange, red or white. Other colours are available
to suit project parameters. An extremely high quality smooth finish is available for specialised
applications.
Where a quantity of modules of the same generic shape is required, in applications such as skid
module blocks or trim modules for example, Balmoral provides an alternative to PU or GRP skins by
utilising rotationally moulded polyethylene shells.
Polyethylene is a material used extensively in the offshore industry and these shells can be
manufactured for heavy duty applications with thicknesses ranging from 6-14mm.
Provision should be made within the design to accommodate the tolerances applicable to rotationally
moulded products.

FlexLink umbilical buoyancy

Flexlink was developed to meet the needs of large, tracked, trenching vehicles
that operate on the sea bed.
To prevent such vehicles damaging their control lines, FlexLink is installed at the
tether point to provide a continuous, articulate buoyant section above the
vehicle, thereby ensuring the umbilical remains out of the vehicle work zone at
all times.
FlexLink is used as a permanent installation which is designed to pass through
the sheave wheels of launch and recovery systems (LARS). It is supplied for
installation onto umbilicals ranging in size 25-75mm OD while the buoyancy can
be specified to suit project requirements.
Typical uplift ranges from 6-12kg/m in design operating depths of 0-6000msw.

Umbilical oats
BOE provides a range of floats to suit most control umbilicals. These floats comprise a pair of
symmetrical half shells which are profiled to permit the line to flex within its specified bend radius.
Each float is manufactured using a low density composite foam core covered in a high performance
impact and abrasion resistant polyethylene shell.
BOEs umbilical floats are hinged using two stainless steel latches. The floats are designed to grip the
umbilical by means of a natural rubber internal grommet.
Balmoral umbilical floats are designed to suit umbilical diameters ranging from 25-50mm OD.
Umbilical floats can be supplied to suit larger diameter umbilicals where required.

Balmoral Oshore Engineering

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Marine subsea

Cable and owline protection

Duraguard was developed for the protection of subsea cables, flexible jumpers, flexible flowlines
and riser touchdown zones although many other applications have been identified
Balmoral Duraguard provides a cost effective
localised impact and abrasion protection
system and is supplied as pairs of interlocking
half shells secured around the core product
using circumferential straps.
It is manufactured in a range of polyurethane
elastomer grades, depending on the specific
operational conditions, and can be supplied in
a wide range of diameters, thicknesses and
lengths. Typical lengths are determined by the
individual half shell weight and can vary from
500-2000mm.
Balmoral provides four differing systems:
Duraguard Standard
DuraguardPlus
As Duraguard standard but supplied as
one-piece hinged modules with integrated
banding system
Duraguard HD ballast system
Duramat

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Balmoral Oshore Engineering

17

Duraguard HD ballast system

For projects which demand cable protection with added ballast, Duraguard HD (High Density)
ballast system provides much more than straightforward abrasion and impact resistance.
Heavy filler materials are added to the Duraguard mix to increase density and overall weight. The
ballast provided gives extra on-bottom stability while the added mass improves dynamic response
thus reducing the risk of clashing.
Densities ranging from 2300-8000kg/m3 can be achieved with the Duraguard HD ballast system.

Duraguard applications
Ballast
Filler materials can be added to increase density and provide extra stability.
Buoyancy
Standard PU is practically neutrally buoyant in seawater. However, hollow microspheres can be
added to reduce density and provide uplift ranging typically from 650-800kg/m3.
Impact absorption
PU is a relatively resilient material which can absorb
moderately heavy impact. Reinforced options are
available for extreme environments.
Protection
Protects risers from abrasion/gouging at touchdown
points, over rough seabeds, coral or rock.
Stiffening
Duraguard provides added stiffness to support cable
over the seabed and/or assist in laying operations.
Thermal insulation
Lab tests have shown a significant increase in thermal insulation performance when Duraguard is
fitted.

Duraguard installation
Duraguard can be fitted during unreeling/laying or prior to reeling and is installed by placing the
two modules around the flowline and banding them into place.
Incanell or titanium bands are normally set 300mm apart. Adjacent segments with overlapping ends
are added to provide a continuous protected length.

Duramat
Moulded in marine grade polyurethane elastomer, Duramat provides dropped object impact and
abrasion protection to seabed umbilicals, flowlines and pipelines.
During manufacture, the PU is filled with barites that provide ballast and prevent tidal movement
while the grooved element design allows flexing and separation of the protected lines.
Duramat is ROV and diver installable and is generally supplied with through holes for rope
handling. Typically provided in 3000x3000x40mm sections, the mats can be custom sized to meet
project specifications.

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Balmoral Oshore Engineering

18

Balmoral Subsea Test Centre

Balmorals test house facility offers a comprehensive range of
procedures including hyperbaric, mechanical and laboratory trials
Predominantly used for in-house testing and
development work these facilities and services
are also available to external customers.
The facility provides the industry with a fully
comprehensive resource for buoyancy and PU
materials and product testing - from concept
through development and deployment.

Hyperbaric testing
Substantial investment has been made in
improving and expanding the Balmoral
Subsea Test Centre which now offers the
largest commercially available hyperbaric
vessel in Europe.
Upgraded vessels, software and procedures
are in place offering independent testing for
all types of subsea equipment to 7000msw
equivalent.
Standard tests include:
Uplift determination
Water ingress
Instrumented buoyancy loss
Hydrostatic compression and creep
Hydrostatic collapse
Bulk modulus
Buckle arrestment performance
The hyperbaric vessels use air driven liquid
pumps and can accommodate electric,
hydraulic and instrumentation connections.
Each vessel can be fitted with chart recorders,
pressure and temperature data loggers that
provide highly detailed results for analysis.
Balmoral hydrostatic testing facilities
Vessel Safe working
pressure

PV1

Internal length

Internal dia

psi

bar

ft/in

mm

in

mm

Orientation

5200

358

35 6

10825

52--

1320

Hor

PV2

10000

700

7 9

2380

19--

485

Vert

PV3

10000

700

7 9

2380

19--

485

Vert

PV4

10000

700

7 9

2380

19--

485

Vert

PV5

10000

700

1---

300

5.5

140

Vert

PV6

6000

410

29 6

9000

72--

1830

Vert

Displacement tanks are available for large scale uplift testing.

Internal dimensions of the two tanks are:
6250x2250x1300mm deep
9800x2500x2750mm deep (unfilled weight 16 tonne)

Marine subsea

Balmoral Oshore Engineering

19

Mechanical testing
A multi-purpose load rig, capable of performing axial slip loads, lateral and static loading,
three-point bending and clamp overload tests is also available.

Development laboratory
The laboratory at Balmoral Offshore Engineering is equipped with state-of-the-art
development, testing analysis and inspection apparatus.
Managed by a highly experienced and dedicated technical team the lab plays a central
role in the companys R&D programme.
As well as providing a professional in-house service, the lab is available for third party
development and testing programmes.

Balmoral Oshore Engineering

20

Marine subsea

Balmoral Offshore Engineering:

Developing global relationships

Project portfolio
Alba
Agbami
AKPO
ASAP
sgard
Azurite
BC10
Block 31
Brent
Britannia
Canapu
Dalia
Djambala

Dunbar
Ekosk
Elgin/Franklin
Foinaven
Galapagos
Gimboa
Galahad
Girassol
Green Canyon
Heidrun
Ivanhoe/Rob Roy
Janice
Jubilee

Representation
Kizomba
Kristin
Liuhua
Livorno
MA:D6
Miller
Olowi
OYO
Pazor
Pluto
Poinsettia
Pompano
Pyrenees

Ruby
Scarv
Schiehallion
Snorre
Thunder horse
Troll
Typhoon
Tyrihans
Visund
Wandoo
Xijang/Wenchang

Brazil
Brunei
Canada
India
Korea
Malaysia
Singapore

Balmoral Offshore Engineering, Aberdeen

T +44 (0)1224 859000 E offshore-sales@balmoral.co.uk
Balmoral Offshore Engineering, Manchester
T +44 (0)1706 362800 E offshore-sales@balmoral.co.uk
Balmoral Offshore Engineering, Newcastle
T +44 (0)191 206 4721 E offshore-sales@balmoral.co.uk
Balmoral Offshore Engineering, Houston
T +1 832 431 3224
E offshore-sales@balmoral.co.uk
Balmoral Offshore Industria De Plasticos Ltda, Brasil
T +55 21 2533 3435 E brasil-sales@balmoral.co.uk

www.balmoraloshore.com

Marine subsea

Balmoral Oshore Engineering

17

Marine image/illustration

Connect with us:

HEAD OFFICE AND FACTORIES

Balmoral Park, Loirston, Aberdeen AB12 3GY, Scotland

T +44 (0)1224 859000
E offshore-sales@balmoral.co.uk
BOE-MARINE-0214-RevB

www.balmoraloshore.com