The company’s founder and Manager Ronnie Milne and Operations Manager Keith Howlett established RROS in 2000, specialising in weld testers, flange testers, pipe plugs and complementary services.

The company, achieving success in the western states, has opened a branch in Melbourne to supply weld testers and joint testers to its expanding customer base. Clients include Phillips Petroleum, Santos, Woodside, BP, Shell and Mobil.

Tools of the trade

Mr Milne said “RROS thrives on the ability to make and package pigging and plugging solutions for projects on and offshore. The packaging is a one-stop shop where tools are designed, manufactured, supplied and then set using RROS technicians and pumping equipment.”

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The company believes in local service, 24-hour a day back-up, seven days a week, accepting that the industry does not stop. RROS’ aim is to inspire the trust and confidence to develop the business through word of mouth and referrals.

Flange weld testers

Flanged test tools enable localised pressure testing of new flange welds to confirm the pressure integrity and structural strength of the joint, eliminating the need for a full system test. The tools are inserted into the flange connection and fastened. The tool is then set and the annulus between the seal and the flange is filled/vented with the test medium and pressurised to the flange rating. The company said that use of the tool minimises the test system limits and reduces the time required to undertake the maintenance or modification work.

The tools are designed with a single seal and flange configuration and are available in a range of sizes compatible with common pipe schedules and flange types and sizes. The company’s tools may also be specially engineered and designed for specific applications.

When the tool is set, the seal is expanded radially against the pipe bore mechanically (up to 4 inches) or hydraulically (6 inches and above) to seal off the area to be tested. The annulus created is then filled and vented with the test medium and pressurised up to the required test pressure, which can be up to ANSI 1500 depending on the flange rating. The tools can be set in both horizontal and vertical piping or inclining if required. The company said that testing is achieved in a fraction of the time and cost of a full system test.

Pipe Plugs

RROS’ high pressure pipe plugs are designed for hydraulic pressure testing of pipe where there is no flange available. The company said that they can also be used to prevent the outflow of product and to provide a safe barrier whilst performing an offsite weld. The plugs can also be used for an emergency isolation so repairs can be carried out.

The plugs are made from high strength carbon steel and incorporate a special polyurethane seal, which has excellent sealing capabilities. All plugs are tested prior to dispatch and come complete with full operating instructions.

The plug is offered into the pipe section that requires testing. The plug is then set either mechanically or hydraulically depending on size. During the setting sequence, the vice rings radially expand out until they grip into the pipe wall; this forces the seal to compress against the pipe wall creating the seal. Because of its wedge on wedge design, the higher the test pressure the greater the gripping force. All plugs include a bypass port to allow the filling/venting of the pipe work.

RROS looks ahead

As the company expands into the eastern states, product design and manufacture will continue to be located in Perth. RROS personnel will mobilise as the business demands.

Mr Milne said that RROS “supplies new technologies with old fashioned values. There is no replacement for laying jobs out in the workshop and function testing before mobilisation to a project. Each job is treated as if it is unique and the customer buys attention to detail.”