Case Studies and Videos

The Challenge

Kvaerner Oilfield Products is a leading, worldwide supplier of subsea and surface oilfield production systems, risers, control systems, and umbilicals. Our design team wanted to shorten development time, eliminate design errors, and reduce material costs. To achieve these goals, we needed to design, develop, and rapidly enhance products in a 3D environment. We were using both AutoCAD and Pro/ENGINEER, but needed software that provided interference detection and a 3D product interface, both of which are critical factors when designing 15,000 P.S.I. working-pressure equipment. In addition, the software needed to be accepted and supported internationally to allow multiple engineering groups to interface their equipment with overall field solutions.

The Solution

We evaluated Solid Edge and Mechanical Desktop but chose SolidWorks® CAD software because it offers the most advanced features while providing the greatest ease of use. The sketching functionality and compatibility with third-party analysis software were also key reasons for choosing SolidWorks® CAD software. The software is cost-effective, includes excellent support, and provides outstanding multidirectional detailing capabilities. We also rely heavily on the parametric capability between models and drawings. As a result of using SolidWorks® CAD software, we have reduced our design cycle by 50 percent, accelerated the sales proposal process, increased component accuracy, and reduced manufacturing problems.