Ball and Taper Technology

The unique, self-activating mechanism of Ballgrab tools allows rapid deployment. The tool is simply guided into position and, once engaged, cannot be released until the load has been removed. A simple disengage mechanism allows the tool to be released and recovered for re-use.

The Ballgrab works on the simple principle of a ball engaged in a taper. The ball grips the item to be held, in direct proportion to the load applied.

• Simple mechanism
• Rolling friction is less than sliding friction
• Individual multi-point grip
• All grip elements are in compression
• Grip is directly proportional to load
• Self activating and self aligning

Rapid Deployment
 

Deployment at the surface is simple, quick and efficient enabling Ballgrabs to be utilised widely in a variety of projects. It is this ball and taper mechanism that lies behind our strong, reliable Ballgrab tools.

Speed, ease of use and versatility make this technology so significant. It has been tried, tested and proven in practice in a range of applications, such as lifting, tensioning, pulling, mooring, recovery and decommissioning.

Track Record

Ballgrab tools have been deployed in locations around the world, including some of the most inhospitable or inaccessible environments, and are fast becoming the tool of choice where high integrity, fatigue resistant or rapid deployment and disengage connection are needed.

Designed and tested in accordance with certifying authority standards, Ballgrabs are available in a range of sizes up to 2500mT MBL. Used in over 250 subsea mooring installations worldwide, recent Ballgrab projects include BP's Mad Dog SPAR, Ocean Confidence Drilling Programme and Thunder Horse PLET Tie-back systems, ExxonMobil's Erha and Kizomba Drilling Programmes, Kerr McGee's Constitution, Gunnison and Red Hawk SPARs, Murphy's Kikeh and Thunder Hawk projects, Total's Dalia and Akpo projects, Nexen's Ettrick and Shell's Perdido developments, Petrobras Cascade-Chinook STP buoy, Statoil Peregrino STP buoy and buoy pull-in, BP Block 31 FPSO and Tullow Jubilee FPSO.

Ballgrab Subsea Mooring Systems

Diverless Bend Stiffener Connectors

Pipeline Recovery Tools

Autoswage

Drilling - Automated Casing Running Tool