Aubin, a leading independent supplier of specialist chemicals to the energy industry, is launching a new installation system for the renewables market at this year’s All Energy exhibition.
The new Hybrid Gel system, which can be seen in action at stand AB7 in the Aberdeen City & Shire Pavilion at All Energy 2012, evolved from the company’s ground-breaking Gel Lift System (GLS).
Aubin managing director Paddy Collins said: “The concept for the Hybrid Gel system came about as a direct result of the feedback received on GLS which was launched at last year’s All Energy event. This year we are keen to demonstrate that, when combined with compressed air in a controlled system, very little gel can create significant lift/buoyancy.”
The Hybrid Gel system uses a combination of both Aubin’s patented GLS and compressed air and is specifically designed to enable the installation and removal of large or heavy structures in shallow waters up to 100 metres.
Air is pressurised in tanks to prevent compression as it is lowered making it far more stable. When used in conjunction with buoyant gel of GLS making the system extremely safe and much easier to control when compared with using air buoyancy alone.
Mr Collins said: “By creating a hybrid system you gain all the individual benefits of using air and gel whilst avoiding any of the disadvantages. The Hybrid Gel system could be an ideal tool for installing structures like the subsea support jackets used for offshore wind turbines.
“It is estimated that installing these jackets is half of the total cost of installation so the Hybrid Gel system offers the potential for significant cost savings and risk reduction by eliminating the need for large cranes and barges.”
An interactive demonstration of the Hybrid Gel system will be on display at All Energy along with the full range of Aubin’s buoyancy products including the liquid ballast LiquiDense and DiveGel.
Aubin has been supported by Scottish Enterprise and Scottish Development International in developing and implementing its strategic growth plans over the years. The company is also supported by the Carbon Trust Entrepreneurs Fast Track, which helps create step-change growth in the UK’s best low carbon technology businesses.
Aubin was established in Ellon, Aberdeenshire, in 1987 and has a team of 20 people. It designs researches, develops, manufactures and supplies high-quality chemical technology for a wide range of energy industry applications.
The company received SMART funding to develop the GLS technology from the Scottish Government scheme providing financial assistance to individuals and SMEs to help support commercially viable projects which represent a significant technological advance.
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Offshore WIND staff, May 24, 2012; Image: thinkpr