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Safe cutting of steel in explosive environments

RGL provides a mobile abrasive water jet cutting service which is regularly deployed in hazardous atmospheres as no heat or sparks are generated. RGL have applied this technology very successfully in a range of situations across an array of industries particularly petrochemical, oil, gas, and offshore energy.

The principle is based on introducing an inert natural mineral abrasive into an Ultra High Pressure Water stream and remotely guiding the resultant Abrasive Water Jet to where the cutting is required. RGL thrive on designing and building hydraulically powered water jet cutting carriers which facilitate the cutting process being controlled remotely, thus keeping jetting personnel a safe distance away from the cutting nozzle.

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A bespoke solution

Each abrasive cold cutting job is different. At RGL, we believe that early dialogue with our customers is essential to ensure we offer the most efficient and appropriate solution. This early dialogue allows us to plan and engineer custom tooling specific to our customer’s requirements.

The RGL equipment including the water jetting pumps are “refinery ready” and fitted with “Chalwyn” valves, spark arrestors and bolt on earth connections. Furthermore, all the pumps are equipped with certified lifting eyes which allows them to be safely lifted into position if the need arises.

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Safety and environmental advantages

  • Cuts are performed using remote control equipment. Operatives operate the equipment from a safe distance from the jet.
  • The cutting medium is water plus an inert natural mineral abrasive which presents no environmental hazard.
  • Wastewater can normally be disposed of through plant drainage systems.
  • UHP abrasive water jet cutting minimizes the amount of water requiring disposal
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Applications of abrasive water jet cutting

Abrasive water jet cutting is fast becoming one of the preferred methods of cutting steel on decommissioning projects. Using only Ultra High Pressure Water and a small amount of inert grit, the technology is able to cut through most materials, and does it without creating heat or sparks making it safe to deploy in potentially explosive atmospheres.

Typical off the shelf applications:

  • Cutting into live tanks and vessels without the risk igniting any residual product or gas
  • Cutting into gas storage vessels (Gasometers) for venting, access and/or complete decommissioning.
  • Pipe cutting – The RGL rigs can cut pipework of almost any diameter or thickness without the need for prior cleaning. Furthermore, the cutting nozzle can be angled to cut the “weld prep” during the same operation as the pipe cutting.
  • Cutting oil tank floors (particularly when product has leaked under the floor and conventional methods pose a fire risk) into sections that can be removed from the tank via manways.
  • Steel pile cutting – under water from “inside out” below bed level without the need for diving teams.

Each project is different and RGL pride themselves on providing solutions by designing, producing and deploying the interface between abrasive jet cutting technology and the job to be done.

RGL are the UK’s leading interface between water jetting technology and the job to be done.

Call us on 02380 817 172 or request a call back

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