Balmoral HexDefence
Technical development

Preliminary work on Balmoral HexDefence was based on an existing VIV suppression product used widely by the oil and gas sector. Research considered a scaled variant to investigate scour evaluation on downstream flow and the effect of accelerated currents around the monopile. Final prototype testing was completed at a national hydrodynamic laboratory.

Initial analysis

Videos show turbulent velocity (Pa/s) while the plots indicate significantly reduced turbulence locally and downstream of the protection system. This data was used as an indicative assessment of potential scour reduction.

Analysis performance of accelerated flow

The analysis of 'accelerated flow performance' demonstrates a significant 60% reduction in accelerated flow, which indicates a potential reduction in CPS loads.

The image of the plain cylinder (left), which is representative of a typical monopile, demonstrates how the flow concentrates around its base. This flow pattern contributes significantly to the scouring of the seabed downstream of a monopile, leading to predictable erosion of the surrounding seabed over time.

In contrast, Balmoral’s HexDefence disrupts this flow pattern by introducing a consistently powerful upward current that draws energy away from the seabed and significantly reduces the scouring effect. As a result, Balmoral’s HexDefence system provides a solution to mitigate the logistical and material commitments that are currently inherent in alternative scour protection methods.

Component design

  • Lightweight advanced composites construction
  • Panel sized to suit monopile diameters and lengths around 10m
  • Interlocking geometry for ease of installation
  • Externally profiled flanging to aid rigidity and component connection
  • Integrated lifting and access points
  • Antifouling coatings optional
  • Estimated part mass = 2800kg in air
  • Estimated part mass = 925kg in water
Balmoral HexDefence scour protection flow velocity analysis
Get in touch with us today to learn more about Balmoral HexDefence and how it can improve your offshore wind farm's installation, management, and maintenance.

Balmoral Comtec Ltd
Balmoral Park, Loirston, Aberdeen AB12 3GY | +44 (0)1224 859000 | surety@balmoral.co.uk
Registered number SC301819

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