Application Technology

Atlantis Resources Limited – a pioneer in the development of tidal current power – has recently specified Lindapter clamping systems for securing a steel platform onto a tidal turbine foundation on the MeyGen project.

Atlantis Resources was commissioned to design the electrical and mechanical infrastructure needed to tie several subsea measurement instruments into one system, to help monitor the marine environment. The instruments were hardwired to the structure and therefore had to be installed with the foundation. Atlantis designed a steel platform to hold the instrumentation sleds, which weighed up to 4,000kg, and sought a reliable connection for attaching the underwater platform to the Tidal Support Structure. The brief required a weld-free connection that would withstand the tidal forces and outlive the life of the instrumentation sled and platform, in order to avoid any unnecessary subsea servicing.

Atlantis evaluated several fixings for strength, longevity and reliability before deciding Lindapter’s clamping systems were the best choice for the application.
After contacting Lindapter’s technical team, Atlantis was confident that the Type AF high slip resistant clamps, in size M24, should be used to attach the steel platform back to the flange of the tidal turbine support structure. Further reassurance was provided by Lindapter’s range of independent technical approvals and over 80 years’ experience in designing and manufacturing steelwork connections.

The clamps provided lateral adjustability, which enabled the installers to quickly align the platform into position before tightening with standard hand tools. The simple installation helped the contractor to save time and reduce labour costs on the project.