Chevron Wheatstone Project

The Chevron Wheatstone Project stands as one of Australia’s most significant resource developments, featuring an offshore platform that processes natural gas from the Wheatstone and Iago fields. A critical phase of this project involved the load-out of a massive topside structure weighing 45,500 tonnes, which included an 8,500-tonne deck support frame. This monumental task was accomplished using Beldam Crossley’s Crossflon® Skidway System.

Crossflon® Skidway System: Ensuring Smooth Operations

Beldam Crossley’s Crossflon® Skidway System is engineered to facilitate the skidding of heavy structures such as topsides and jackets. The system utilises Crossflon® skidway plates, typically comprising a 2.5mm thick dimpled Crossflon® XF225 sheet bonded to a 3mm thick carbon steel plate. The dimples on the Crossflon® XF225 surface are designed to retain the Crossflon® XF500 lubricant, thereby reducing both static and dynamic friction during load-out operations.

Key Advantages of Crossflon® Skidway Systems:

• Low Coefficient of Friction: Crossflon® PTFE offers one of the lowest coefficients of friction among solid engineered materials, minimising resistance during skidding operations.
• Durability: Crossflon® XF225 is highly resistant to chemicals and weather conditions, ensuring longevity and reliability in various environments.
• Ease of Installation: The skidway plates are designed for straightforward installation, often tack-welded to skid beams in an offset configuration to distribute pressure evenly during load-out or launch operations.

Successful Implementation in the Wheatstone Project

The application of the Crossflon® Skidway System was pivotal in the successful load-out of the 45,500-tonne topside for the Wheatstone Project. The system’s efficiency and reliability contributed significantly to the project’s progress, underscoring Beldam Crossley’s commitment to delivering high-performance solutions for complex engineering challenges.

Check out this video from Chevron, showing the process from start to finish:

Beldam Crossley

Beldam Crossley have been an innovator in the industry for over a century (since 1876). We have a solid track record of providing industrial sealing technology that protects lives, investments, and environments. Hence, we have always been, and always will be, committed to research and development to move our technologies forward. We continue to innovate for clean power generation and work across many Renewable Energy sectors.

At Beldam Crossley Ltd, we are very proud of our rich heritage. It is important for us to ensure our customers are properly looked after. Hence if you have any problems, questions, or queries, feel free to contact us!