Atlantis Resources Limited is pioneering the development of tidal current power as the most reliable, economic and secure form of renewable energy. The structural design manager from Atlantis recently specified Lindapter clamping systems for securing a steel platform onto a tidal turbine foundation on the MeyGen project, the world’s most high profile tidal stream project.
Atlantis Resources was commissioned to design the electrical and mechanical infrastructure needed to tie several subsea measurement instruments into one system in order to monitor the marine environment. The instruments were hard-wired to the structure and therefore had to be installed with the foundation. The engineer designed a steel platform to hold the instrumentation sleds which weighed up to 4000kg. He sought a reliable connection for attaching this underwater platform to the Tidal Support Structure (TSS). 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.
The engineer 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, the engineer 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 allowed 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.
Will joined Fastener + Fixing Magazine in 2007 and over the last 12 years has experienced every facet of the fastener sector – interviewing key figures within the industry and visiting leading companies and exhibitions around the globe. Will manages the content strategy across all platforms and is the guardian for the high editorial standards that the brand is renowned.
