Meet the Pioneers - Olivier Schuringa
How has your journey at Trelleborg shaped your approach to design and innovation?
Working at Trelleborg has reinforced my passion for problem-solving. My background in applied physics, combined with my role as a Design Engineer, has allowed me to develop solutions that address fundamental industry challenges. Trelleborg’s collaborative and innovation-driven culture has been instrumental in refining my approach to engineering.
What do you find most rewarding about working in design technology and innovation?
The impact. Knowing that the solutions we develop solve real-world problems and contribute to the growth of sustainable energy is incredibly rewarding.
The Story Behind the IRIS
What inspired the development of the IRIS, and how did the idea evolve within the organization?
The development of the IRIS was driven by a clear need in the offshore energy market for an airtight platform seal that does not require a landing ring. Various concepts were explored within our division, but the foldable design, later known as the IRIS, emerged as the most promising solution.
What specialist skills and functions contributed to the development of the IRIS within the division?
The success of the IRIS is a testament to the diverse expertise within our division. Our in-depth understanding of the offshore energy market allowed us to pinpoint the exact challenges that needed addressing. Additionally, our technical expertise in bespoke seal design enabled us to develop an innovative and reliable solution.
Could you walk us through the key engineering and design principles behind the creation of this product?
The IRIS’s defining feature is its foldable design. This allows it to be compact during critical offshore operations and then expand to form a secure seal once in position. The challenge was to ensure that this folding mechanism did not compromise the seal’s integrity, allowing it to maintain full functionality for its required lifetime.
What was the toughest challenge during development, and how was it overcome?
The biggest challenge was balancing the stiffness of the seal. On one hand, the seal needed to be rigid enough to meet pressure and lifespan requirements. On the other, it needed to be flexible enough for easy and safe installation. We overcame this by leveraging our extensive experience in bespoke seal design, advanced modeling techniques, and in-depth material knowledge.
What makes you particularly proud of this new solution?
The IRIS addresses a challenge that has persisted in the offshore energy market for some time. The fact that Trelleborg was willing and able to develop an innovative solution that enhances safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness is something I’m incredibly proud of.
What makes you proud of the team behind it?
The unwavering belief that every problem has a solution. This mindset, combined with exceptional technical skills and creativity, was key to the successful development of the IRIS.
Are there specific offshore conditions or markets where the IRIS is expected to have the greatest impact?
This solution was specifically designed for monopile-transition piece (MP-TP) offshore wind foundations, which are a standard in the industry. As such, its impact will be most significant in this segment.
How does the IRIS compare to traditional sealing systems in terms of installation time and cost savings?
The most significant innovation of the IRIS is that it eliminates the need for a welded landing ring, a key requirement for traditional airtight platform seals. By removing this component, the IRIS simplifies monopile design, reduces fabrication complexity, and lowers associated costs such as weld inspections.
How do you envision sealing technology evolving in the offshore wind sector over the next decade?
The IRIS has the potential to be adapted for various foundation types beyond the traditional MP-TP design. If successfully integrated into foundation design processes, it could set a new industry standard for airtight platform sealing in offshore wind projects.
The IRIS represents a significant leap forward in offshore wind foundation sealing, offering a combination of innovation, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. With the ability to streamline installation processes and reduce long-term maintenance costs, this groundbreaking solution is set to redefine industry standards.
At Trelleborg Marine & Infrastructure, we remain committed to pioneering solutions that drive the future of offshore energy. The success of the IRIS is a testament to the expertise, dedication, and problem-solving mindset of our team. As we continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible, we look forward to delivering cutting-edge solutions that enhance operational safety, efficiency, and sustainability in the offshore sector.