PROJECT BACKGROUND

The client maintains contingency pipeline repair equipment
to protect operational continuity. For this scope, the operator
selected MORGRIP® to support new and ongoing requirements,
despite being a long-standing customer of another vendor. The
project therefore needed to build confidence quickly through
technical alignment, documentation quality and predictable
execution.

CSS’s partner in Thailand, PAPS, supported both the commercial
process and practical readiness, including personnel training so
local support would be available for installation, inspection and
maintenance while the assets are held in storage.

03 // CSS MORGRIP® Collet Connector assembly.

02 // CSS MORGRIP® Collet Connectors prepared for packing.

SCOPE

• Equipment:
  12 off MORGRIP® Collet Connectors supplied as EPRS contingency stock, plus 12 off matching misalignment flanges.
  
• Sizes and Ratings:
  6, 8, 10, 16, 20 and 24″ across ASME B16.5 600 to 1500# .
  
• Interfaces:
  Flange adaptor configuration to suit client tie-in requirements, including ASME B16.5 RTJ weld neck flanges where specified.
  
• Functional Requirements:
  Length compensation and independent grip and seal activation for controlled installation and verification.
  
• Materials and Assurance:
  Mild sour service readiness with SSC-tested wetted materials; third-party inspection and certification by DNV .
  
• Regional Support:
  Partner support through PAPS Thailand, including trained personnel for installation, inspection and maintenance while in storage.

CHALLENGES

• Client-Specific Technical Requirements: Specific
  requirements for connector functionality, activation
  method and approved materials of construction.
  
• First-Time Engineering Collaboration: CSS worked
  closely with the client’s engineering team for the first
  time, ensuring technical alignment within a demanding
  schedule.
  
• High-Volume Workshop Flow: Managing 12 off
  connectors through build and testing without
  bottlenecks, while maintaining CSS procedures and
  MORGRIP® product quality.

SOLUTION AND APPROACH

CSS proposed a compact collet connector design that met
the client’s requirements while remaining cost optimised
for contingency stock. From the outset, the focus was on
delivering exactly to specification, at a competitive price,
and within the agreed timeframe to support the operator’s
confidence in appointing CSS as a new vendor.

To strengthen regional readiness, CSS worked with its
Thailand partner, PAPS, to support execution and ensure
trained personnel are available to assist with installation,
inspection and maintenance when required.

OUTCOME

The 12 off MORGRIP® Collet Connectors were built, tested
and delivered within the agreed schedule, providing the client
with contingency pipeline repair stock for its operations in the
Gulf of Thailand. Some units have since been deployed for
pipeline repair work, with CSS supplying replacement units to
help maintain the client’s repair readiness. The client has since
purchased additional MORGRIP® connectors for planned repair
scopes, reinforcing its continued confidence in CSS and the
regional support available through PAPS.

MOBILISATION AND EXECUTION

CSS managed the build and test programme through our
Wednesbury, UK, workshop, maintaining steady throughput
and minimising rework. To reduce workshop time without
compromising verification, connectors were hydrostatically
tested in pairs. Each unit passed the required test programme,
witnessed by a third-party inspector from Bureau Veritas.
The full package was delivered within the scheduled timeframe,
including associated misalignment flanges. Total project duration
was eight months for the complete 12 off connector scope.

06 // CSS MORGRIP® Collet Connector packed for shipment.