Survitec Gauntlet: Protecting Offshore Crews & Assets from Valve Actuator Failure

As offshore oil and gas infrastructure ages and the ever-present risk posed by equipment failure looms, new solutions are required to help keep crews and assets clear of harm’s way. One of these solutions is Survitec’s Gauntlet, an innovative safety containment system designed to mitigate the risks associated with valve actuator failures in offshore environments.

Paul Gwynne, Sales and Contracts Manager (Energy), Survitec, describes the Gauntlet as a cutting-edge system that provides comprehensive 360-degree protection in the event of a catastrophic valve actuator failure. Utilizing advanced para-aramid materials with a yield strength 10 times that of steel, the Gauntlet can withstand tremendous forces to ensure that in the event of an actuator failure high-velocity projectiles are contained and dissipated harmlessly—similar to a bulletproof vest.

The technology, originally adapted from aerospace applications, can be designed to accommodate and be compatible with any valve actuator, and represents a significant leap forward in safety protocols for offshore facilities, Gwynne said.

The Gauntlet’s inventor, Andrew Mackay, CEO, Infinity Oilfield Services Ltd, explained that the system’s origins are rooted in a clear industry need. "There was a definite demand from clients in the North Sea, particularly Total and Shell," Mackay said, recalling incidents and near-misses that highlighted the vulnerabilities of existing safety measures. Traditional methods like steel clamps or scaffolding boards proved inadequate in containing the potential hazards posed by actuator failures, necessitating a more robust solution, he said.

The issue of valve actuator failures, predominantly caused by internal corrosion in aging equipment, poses a significant challenge, Mackay emphasized. “We've encountered hundreds of actuators in a degraded state,” he said, noting internal corrosion can be nearly impossible to detect without dismantling the actuators. With offshore assets often exceeding three decades in service, the prevalence of degraded actuators underscores the critical need for proactive safety measures like the Gauntlet.

“It's very hard to predict when [a failure’s] going to happen and how quickly it's going to happen. [The Gauntlet] adds a layer of safety, particularly for personnel that are not aware, working in the area, working on other items,” Mackay said.

Gwynne elaborated on the current safety protocols and the Gauntlet's impact on industry standards. He said safety protocols over these particular issues are ambiguous, noting that authorities have advised duty holders and operators to take responsibility to make their work areas safe. "The Gauntlet offers a step change in safety controls," Gwynne emphasized, highlighting its certification and rigorous testing in collaboration with Lloyd's Register. This approval ensures that operators now have a reliable solution to effectively manage and mitigate the risks associated with actuator failures.

Since its introduction, the Gauntlet has received positive feedback and adoption by major and supermajor operators across the U.K. and North Sea. Gwynne noted, “There's been significant implementation of the Gauntlet system, which has overnight provided immediate resolution to what would be a considerable hazard and risk to personnel and plant.” This widespread acceptance underscores its role as a critical component in safeguarding offshore operations.

David Montgomery, Head of Sales UK, Survitec, underscored how the Gauntlet aligns with the company’s broader strategy for safety enhancement. Survitec’s existing lineup of safety solutions includes lifeboats, life rafts, marine evacuation systems, fire systems, life jackets, immersion suits, etc.

“Survitec has been providing safety solutions to protect lives and reduce risk for well over 100 years. We've always been at the forefront of safety innovation, and take immense pride in being a global leader for critical safety equipment and survival solutions,” Montgomery said. “It is crucial that the working environment is as safe and risk-free as humanly possible, and the Gauntlet supports Survitec striving towards this goal.”

As assets continue to age and risks escalate, the Gauntlet represents not just a solution but a pivotal advancement in ensuring safer working environments offshore.

“The risk of activator failure will increase as assets age, increasing the risk to lives and equipment. Currently, the Gauntlet is the only approved safety solution to address the risk. And as such, forms a key part of our strategy for safety enhancement in the industry,” Montgomery said.