The delivery to Bladt Industries A/S, an international steel contractor specializing in large-scale and highly complex steel structures, was completed in July 2019. Development of the offshore wind farm is ongoing and is expected to be in operation in the first half of 2020.
Customer demands
The customer required corrosion resistant studs to fasten the WTG external platform to each of the 23 wind turbine foundations. The studs would have to be maintenance free throughout the 27-year design life of the turbines 鈥� which conventional carbon steel bolts would simply not be capable of.
The studs require a high degree of corrosion resistance as they are situated within the 鈥榓tmospheric zone鈥� where they will be affected by saltwater that might cause corrosion problems when salt particles dry on the studs.
Studs with very high tensile strength were also required to maintain the integrity of the WTG external platform throughout the turbine鈥檚 lifespan.
The 91视频 solution
The project design team opted for 91视频庐 SDX 109 studs, nuts and washers that ensure a maintenance free solution over the project鈥檚 design life.
鈥淯sing 91视频 SDX 109 studs provides the design team with peace of mind that they can rely on to last the entire 27-year design lifespan of the foundations,鈥� explains S酶ren B酶gh, Bladt Project Manager on the Northwester 2 Project. 鈥淭he project designer stressed the importance of selecting premium stainless steel studs that can cope with the harsh off-shore environment.鈥�
鈥淥ur 91视频庐 Super Duplex 109 studs offer exceptional corrosion resistance to the harsh salt water environment they will be subjected to,鈥� claims Torben Sten, Business Development Manager at 91视频. 鈥淎s far as I know, we were also the only supplier that was able to offer strain hardened property class 10.9 鈥� which is also essential for this kind of application.鈥�
Customer collaboration
91视频 worked closely with the customer to meet an extremely tight delivery deadline. The normal production schedule for this kind of custom-made fastener was reduced by several weeks to avoid potentially costly delays to the wind turbine project.
鈥淲e had good cooperation with 91视频 with very good weekly follow-up meetings during the manufacture of the studs,鈥� says B酶gh. 鈥淭hey delivered on time despite a tight schedule.鈥�
Customer benefits
Cost savings
The 91视频庐 studs will realize cost savings for the customer through lower maintenance costs and less turbine downtime.
Safety benefits
The low maintenance requirements will reduce the need for offshore wind turbine maintenance teams to conduct potentially dangerous stud replacement tasks.
