Overboarding Chute
Subco Engineering were engaged by a client to deliver the engineering design for a modification to an existing material handling chute system. The scope centred on the replacement of an existing 4.0 m chute insert with a revised 4.4 m insert, required to suit updated operational requirements while minimising impact on the surrounding structure and fabrication. The project was delivered on a fast‑track basis, with a strong emphasis on constructability, ease of installation, and alignment with existing verified designs.
Overboarding Chute
Subco Engineering were engaged by a client [CR1] to deliver the engineering design for a modification to an existing umbilical overboarding chute. The scope centred on the replacement of an existing 4.0 m plated chute section with a 4.4 m version. Required to suit updated operational requirements while minimising impact on the surrounding structure and fabrication. The project was delivered on a fast‑track basis, with a strong emphasis on constructability, ease of installation, and alignment with existing verified designs.
Overview
Subco Engineering completed the design and verification for retrofitting a larger radius chute on an existing asset. Deliverables included all generated CAD data including approved manufacturing drawings in the clients in house style and templates as well as an engineering report.
The project was delivered on a fast‑track basis, with a strong emphasis on constructability, ease of installation, and alignment with existing verified designs.
The Challenge
The key challenge was to implement the revised chute geometry within tight programme constraints, while ensuring compatibility with the existing exit chute and support structure. The client required confidence that the proposed change represented a minor modification and would not trigger wider re‑verification of the overall system. Additional considerations included:
- Working within an established design envelope
- Minimising fabrication and installation complexity
- Providing clear engineering justification to support the modification without the need for extensive analysis
Our Approach
Subco developed two design options to support the Clients decision‑making:
Option 1 – Like‑for‑like welded insert. A direct replacement of the existing insert with a 4.4 m radius chute, welded into the exit chute. This option focused on speed of delivery and minimising change, supported by an engineering note justifying that no additional structural assessment was required beyond historic verification
Option 2 – Bolted chute insert. An alternative concept introducing a bolted interface between the chute insert and the exit chute support structure. This option provided improved future flexibility and maintainability, supported by targeted structural verification of the modified interfaces.
The client ultimately proceeded with the like‑for‑like option, enabling rapid delivery against a compressed programme.
Deliverables
- Detailed fabrication drawings for the 4.4 m overboarding chute assembly
- Updated CAD models issued in native format
- Engineering assessment note supporting the proposed modification
- Mark‑up responses and final issued construction documentation
Outcome
The project was delivered ahead of the planned schedule, with first deliverables submitted within days of PO receipt. The fast turn around project was executed within days, with minimal comments received during review and quick turnaround on final approval. Internal checks and a simplified parametric CAD setup enabled efficient late‑stage updates following client mark‑ups, reducing rework and maintaining project certainty.
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