Jet Edge Inc. and Chukar Waterjet Inc., both based in St. Michael, MN, recently played a key role in helping BP stop the oil leak in the Gulf of Mexico.

The companies provided ultra-high pressure waterjet equipment and application expertise to blast away hydrate ice crystals that had formed inside a containment cap at the spill site, clogging the containment system. Jet Edge lance blasting hydrates.

Jet Edge custom engineered a 36,000 psi waterjet intensifier pump that was dropped 5,000 ft into the Gulf to power a robot-operated waterjetting lance that blasted away the hydrates. To ensure the hydrate remediation project’s success, Jet Edge used advanced filtration and ultra-high pressure seal technology capable of withstanding the harsh undersea environment. The system was designed to blast with sea water or liquid gas.

Jet Edge intensifier skid under water

As a result, Jet Edge developed the first-known waterjet system capable of operating in water depths in excess of 5,000 ft, opening a new frontier for waterjet technology.

Chukar Waterjet provided onsite applications engineering services throughout the project, working with a subsea technology company, an offshore logistics and supply company, an offshore transportation company, BP, and an independent safety group to ensure successful completion of the project.

www.jetedge.com

www.chukarwaterjet.com