Maintenance Advisory
Tightening the center pole is the correct method of tensioning the cables on the X 904's. Every X 904 that leaves the factory or refurbish facility is clearly marked on the threaded receiver with the number of turns required on the center pole during assembly to achieve the proper tension on the cables. As the net is used these cables can stretch as much as 5%. This loosening due to stretching of the cables or a slightly bent frame can be corrected by turning the center pole counterclockwise to lengthen, which should create a near equal amount of tension on each cable. The force necessary to achieve acceptable tension is obtained by using the handles on the center portion (coupling) of the pole and turning as much as possible by hand and/or using the provided tightening boards with the X904.
Do not use any other tools to perform this function as it can damage the threads and handles. Be aware that the cables nearer the center pole will be tighter than the cables on the outer parameter of the basket. If, after tightening the pole, there are some loose cables then only tighten the loose cables with a torque wrench. The correct torque for the cables is 20 ft/lbs. on the center (inner) cables and 10 ft./lbs. for the outer cables.
Over the course of Shell’s Perdido’s hookup and commissioning phase, there were more than 47,300 cumulative personnel transfers using Billy Pugh Company’s X-904 between the work boats and the spar.
Billy Pugh Company is developing a new Push/Pull Tag Line with the help of major operators and contractors. Tag line should be ready to market very soon.
BP now uses the X-904 on all of their platforms throughout the Gulf of Mexico.
Billy Pugh Co. has successfully obtained Type Approval with ABS for the X-904; they can now be ordered with this option.
