Samson M-8: A Major Contributor to Successful Installation of Delmar's New Anchor System
Samson engineers, working with Delmar Systems, Inc., have developed a new rope construction for use as a mooring line and anchor retrieval line on Delmar’s new OMNI-MaxTM gravity-installed VLA anchor system. Recently, the OmniMax anchor system was successfully installed on its first project at Eni’s Green Canyon 385 (Pegasus) location. Both the OmniMaxTM anchor and Samson’s M-8 are innovative solutions to critical offshore situations. M-8 is an 8-strand plaited rope using 3-strand subcores made with Dyneema® fiber that are wrapped with a filter barrier. Additional protection is achieved with a tough, braided cover of 100% Dyneema® fiber. This construction provides ultra-high strength with superior cut and abrasion resistance. The bright orange color identifies the line while the anchor is retrieved. The newly developed M-8 rope is at least as strong as the wire it replaces, but is neutrally buoyant and easily handled by installation crews.
During initial testing of the new Delmar OMNI-MaxTM anchor system, it became apparent that the weight of traditional chain/wire anchor retrieval lines would affect the trajectory of the anchor during deployment, preventing the anchor from performing as designed. Samson developed a completely new rope construction to maximize strength and durability, while taking full advantage of lightweight Dyneema® fiber. Samson engineers designed and manufactured the new lines without compromising the testing schedule. They were also on hand for the testing and initial deployment of the system. From testing through the recent installation of eight OMNI-MaxTM anchors at Eni’s Pegasus in approximately 3,600 feet of water, Samson M-8 provided the security of knowing that the anchors would deploy and embed as designed, and be ready for retrieval whenever necessary.
“The OMNI-MaxTM system is working great and we are seeing some real cost savings. Installation times so far have confirmed our expectations that the OMNI-Max–M-8 combination is a more efficient anchor system to install,” says Brady Como, executive vice president, Delmar Systems, Inc.
The development of M-8 illustrates Samson’s commitment to providing custom-engineered solutions to critical offshore problems. The level of involvement from design through installation has made Samson the hallmark of commitment to the offshore industry, which includes the most advanced research and development organization in the industry working with companies like Delmar Systems, Inc. M-8’s unique design is well suited for other applications as well; most recently, it has been successfully used for heavy lifting slings. Samson also manufactures a complete line of high-performance synthetic ropes for the offshore, commercial marine, industrial, and utility markets.
