On-site machining is a process where machining is performed on site with mobile equipment, rather than the components being disassembled and sent to an external workshop.
The process is used across a range of industries, including industrial, construction, shipyards, shipping and offshore. Typical applications include flange machining, pipe cutting and jointing, foundation surface leveling, keyway and shaft machining, and boring out stuck bolts.
Why does the need for machining arise during a shutdown?
No matter how thoroughly a shutdown or maintenance outage is planned, unforeseen things almost always arise when the plant is opened for inspection.
- Flanges or damage to sealing surfaces
- Shafts and components with wear
- Broken or sheared bolts
- Construction errors that only become visible when equipment is dismantled
When such deviations are detected, it is these moments that determine whether a shutdown stays on schedule, or if it starts to slip.
How does mobile machining solve the problem?
Because large industrial components are often too demanding or heavy to move, TS Site Services specializes in field machining. We bring mobile equipment directly to the location of the problem, offering precise solutions for critical contact surfaces affected by wear or unforeseen damage.
By performing the work where the equipment is located, you avoid:
- Time-consuming disassembly of large, heavy and complex components.
- Logistics and expensive transport to external workshops.
- Unnecessary bottlenecks that extend downtime.
The result is reduced costs, shorter interruptions and the facility can resume normal operations more quickly.
How the process works
- Assessment and clamping: The mobile equipment is clamped either directly on or at the component to be machined. The equipment can be fixed in several ways – for example, using internal/external clamps/jaws, spot welding, screwed adapters and magnets. The equipment can be pneumatically, hydraulically or electrically operated.
- Machining: Chip-separating processing such as turning, cutting, milling or drilling is carried out with the same accuracy as in a workshop.
- Check: Ensure that dimensions and surface finish are in accordance with applicable tolerances and that the equipment is thus ready for assembly and operation again.
An investment in predictability and time savings
Being able to resolve issues directly on site provides an operational alternative when schedules tighten during a shutdown. By avoiding lengthy disassembly, mobile machining helps operators and operations teams maintain progress and get the plant back up and running faster.
Do you need assistance with maintenance?
TS Site Services delivers specialized on-site maintenance solutions to the on- and offshore, refining and petrochemical industries, as well as a number of other sectors in Norway and abroad. Our experienced technicians are always ready to mobilize.
We offer, among other things, leak sealing during operation, on-site machining, corrosion monitoring, hot tap and line stop, as well as controlled bolt pre-tensioning - performed efficiently and with high precision.
