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Fixing Methods

Aquasign^® can be fixed onto subsea assets in a variety of ways:

1. Adhesive
2. Bolted
3. Flexible strapping and Q-band
4. Cable-ties
5. Slip-form
6. Retro-fit
7. Shield
8. Protective covers

The choice of fixing is usually determined by the substrate and/or application. Champion Environ has significant experience in selecting the most appropriate fixings as well as providing training and advice where necessary.

Adhesive

Aquasign^® markers can be supplied with our:

1. Biohesive®225 - Single component silicone adhesive (application patent pending)
2. Aquahesive™ 5836 - Two part component polyurethane adhesive

A comparison document is available from the download library evaluating the properties of both of these materials.

Champion Environ will be pleased to offer advice, in particular on compatibility with substrates and on preparation of surfaces. A summarised comparison document is available from our download library for further reference. We are also able to provide training to ensure effective use of the adhesive.

Fully illustrated installation guides as well as MSDS and product datasheets are available from our download library.

Bolted

Bolted Aquasign^® markers are supplied pre-bonded rigid backing plates complete with drilled bolt-holes. Champion Environ can offer a wide variety of backing plates to suit specific applications, the most common options are;

• 5mm ABS
• 3mm Nylon
• 1mm 316SS

All backing plates are machined in-house to the client's specification, ensuring quick and accurate fixing. Fully illustrated installation guides as well as product datasheets are available from our download library.

 

Strapping

Strapped Aquasign^® markers are supplied pre-bonded to a PVC/TPU coated fabric. This tough, flexible construction can then be affixed to structures using the proprietary Q-band strapping/clip system, or conventional cable-ties.

This fixing option can also be retro-fitted by a ROV or diver if required.

Strapped markers are commonly used on tubular sections like steel jackets as well as on cylindrical elements such as risers, umbilicals, power cables and jumpers.

Strapped markers can also be provided complete with a rigid PVC stand-off adhered to the back of the strapping; this allows water to freely flow underneath the marker, thus eliminating dead-spots.

Fully illustrated installation guides as well as product datasheets are available from our download library.

Cable Ties

Cable-ties offer a secure fixing for applications where the above mentioned options are simply not suitable, i.e. small objects or uneven surfaces.

Aquasign^® marker will be supplied adhesively bonded to a suitable backing materials and supplied complete with cable-ties. Typical options include:

Tags - these can then be attached to valve stems or levers by means of a cable-tie to provide a loose tag.

Plates - this option provides ease of installation on grated surfaces, allowing the plate to affixed using cable-ties removing the requirement to fabricate a steel backing panel.

Product datasheets are available from our download library.

Slip Form

Aquasign^® markers are adhesively bonded to a rigid backing plate fitted with an interlocking matrix which is embedded in concrete by securing to reinforced bars prior to slip forming. The inner surface of the clip then ensures no slippage of the marker.

Product datasheets are available from our download library.

Retrofit

The most cost effective method of Aquasign^® installation is prior to deployment. We can however provide retrofit options that allow the markers to be installed by divers or ROV's;

1. Spring Clip Marker
   The Aquasign^® marker is adhesively bonded to a polyurethane spring-clip, which has been designed to allow retro-fit installation by ROV or diver onto a variety of tubular components such as pipes & flow-lines, risers, umbilicals, power cables and jumpers. The clip is pushed over the pipe and the neoprene liner gently grips the substrate, ensuring no radial movement.
   Product datasheets are available from our download library.
   
2. Magnetic Marker
   The Aquasign^® marker is adhesively bonded to a magnetic backing which has been designed for subsea use. These markers can be installed prior to deployment or subsea by either diver or ROV onto a metallic surface.
   Product datasheets are available from our download library.
   
3. Subsea Adhesive
   The adhesive required for this application is supplied by a third party specialist - Chemco International.
   The marker is cleaned and prepared using a primer compound. The mixed adhesive is then applied to the back of the marker prior to going subsea. The marker is then taken down either by ROV or diver, and held in place for approximately 15-30 minutes whilst the adhesive cures.
   The open-time of the adhesive is ˜2 hours depending on water temperature, and so consideration should be given to the depth of structures to which the marker is to be attached.
   MSDS and product datasheets are available from our download library.
   

Shield^™ - Patent Pending

Champion Environ is launching a fixing range offering the following benefits;

• Damage tolerance - made from high density polyethylene that surrounds the subsea marker offering superb protection against accidental ROV/diver or jet washing damage.
• Easy Installation - each component is made to our customer's specification and comes preassembled.
• Improved anti-fouling protection - polyethylene has a proven subsea track record and is known to offer a better anti-fouling performance than other alternative materials. The use as a frame reduces the likelihood of the marker becoming obscured by overhanging marine growth.
• Installation Protection - each component will come with a built-in protective cover that can be easily removed after installation for Solis^® or prior to deployment for Altus^™. No more need for tape.
• Cost effective - our high technology based manufacturing equipment enables us to produce bespoke components cost effectively.

Our first accessory 'The Frame' is designed to be bolted onto a flat substrate and is now available!! Contact our customer services team for more information on (+44) 01224 897060 or info@champion-environ.com.

Protective Covers

Aquasign^® Altus^™ markers contain fluorescent dyes which fade in UV light, necessitating the use of protective covers which should remain in place until the structure is deployed.

Whilst Aquasign^® Solis^® markers will not fade during storage, transportation etc., protective covers are supplied to keep the surface of the marker clean. These can be removed at any time prior to deployment.

There are two options available:

• Yellow film - protects the surface of the marker from UV light, which causes fading. This protective cover has a slight tack and will stick to the face of the marker.
• Black PVC - as well as protecting against UV light it protects against dust, grit, weld splatter and mechanical damage.

For further Information please referred to the installation guide in our download library.