Internal Cutting of Piles

The Internal Cutting Tool (ICT) is based on NCA’s powerful Abrasive Water Jet Cutting (AWJC) and is ideal for efficient cutting of piles from the inside. The AWJC method uses a high-energy jet of water-borne abrasive particles to cut even the hardest steel alloys quickly and safely. The ICT produces a clean, even cut, which makes it easy to lift the jacket. The cut is verified by using hydrophones. 

The modular system can be mobilized quickly and is easy to rig up and operate on-site. Each system consists of a pump, abrasive mixing unit, umbilical reel, Internal Cutting Tool (ICT) and control cabin. Because hose length between the mixing unit and cutting nozzle is essentially unlimited, the mixing unit and pump can be placed in any suitable location giving a flexible deck layout. The ICT can be deployed by a crane or by use of the NCA Pile Top Deployment System.

Applications

• Cutting of piles from the inside below the mud line
• Cutting of caissons from the inside
• Cutting of jacket legs from the inside

Features and Benefits

• Three machines can internally cut any pile sizes from 24" to 90"
• Produces a clean and even cut
• Environmentally friendly and eliminates use of explosives
• Capable of cutting multiple piles at one time
• Superior cutting speed – typically less than one hour per cut
• Cut verification by using hydrophones
• Computer based control and monitoring system