Retrosled allows operators to replace cathodic protection anodes on aging pipelines.
The Retrosled is an aluminum anode sled designed for offshore pipeline life-extension projects. It's lowered onto the sea floor via crane and connected electrically to the pipeline with one or two Retroclamps.
Connected with Retroclamp
The Retroclamp is patented technology, developed at Deepwater and not available anywhere else. Two armored cables connect the Retrosled to the Retroclamp mounted on the pipeline it will protect. The clamp is diver and ROV-friendly.
The contact tip of the clamp that creates electrical contact with the pipeline can be fitted with a soft drill bit, allowing it to penetrate concrete weight coats. The floating plate on top of the clamp ensures a strong and constant connection that will not damage the pipe. Only one-third of a buried pipeline must be visible for a diver to install a Retroclamp.
In shallow-water situations, a diver can quickly attach Retroclamps to a pipeline. Buried pipelines must be partially excavated. For deep-water applications, the ROV can install Retroclamps using an alternative fishtail handle.
The expanding sled is deployed closed and is opened via crane or ROV once on the seabed. It uses the same clamps for attachment as the rigid Retrosled.
When a riser is electrically isolated from the rest of the platform, a Retrosled can be clamped to the desired section of the riser to provide protection.
The Retrosled is designed to replace aging bracelet anodes
Retrosled can be installed on the sea floor and attached to the pipeline rapidly with Retroclamps.
Retrosleds are used frequently to protect infield flowlines, where one sled can protect up to 5 km of pipe.
The engineered lift path, reliable connection and quick connection with Retroclamp make Retrosled a field favorite.
Each Retrosled comes with two Retroclamps for rapid connection to under-protected lines.
Retrosled system design life is 10 – 30 years (depending on customer requirements).
Each Retrosled is shipped with two Retroclamps; typical cables are 2 x 25 feet #4/0 AWG heavy duty flex cables. The clamp can be installed by diver or ROV on any pipeline.
One of two aluminum alloys (Deep7 and Deep10), each utilizing a chemical composition unique for performance in either tropical or cold, deep water (respectively).
| Deep 7 | Deep 10 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Iron (Fe) | 0.07 max | Iron (Fe) | 0.10 max |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.10 max | Silicon (Si) | 0.10 max |
| Copper (Cu) | 0.003 max | Copper (Cu) | 0.006 max |
| Zinc (Zn) | 4.75 - 5.25 | Zinc (Zn) | 4.75 - 5.75 |
| Indium (In) | 0.015 - 0.025 | Indium (In) | 0.010 - 0.020 |
| Titanium (Ti) | 0.025 max | Titanium (Ti) | 0.025 max |
| Others (each) | 0.02 max | Others (each) | 0.02 max |
| Aluminum (Al) | remainder | Aluminum (Al) | remainder |
