Aberdeen-based Aker has developed a new gas training module designed to limit the number of small bore tubing (SBT) failures on offshore platforms.

The company has identified SBT failure as a major cause of gas leaks and its new two-day training programme will mitigate the risks associated with a focus on developing maintenance and inspection skills.

"Some industry evidence has suggested that up to a quarter of SBT systems that are inspected or surveyed contain faults, the majority being under-tight connections, followed by assembly errors," said Deborah McBeath, vice-president of health, safety, environment and quality at Aker Solutions.

Ms McBeath added many of these faults may be rectified with best-practice maintenance and fitting.

Earlier this month, Aker also announced that it is continuing to expand in Asia with the inauguration of a new wellhead and surface tree manufacturing facility in Batam, Indonesia.

With the new facilities, regional production capacity has increased 50 per cent, the company said.

Oil and Gas Directory: Training and Development