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T H E M A G A Z I N E F O R T H E U K O F F S H O R E O I L A N D G A S I N D U S T R Y
wide variety of vital tasks on subsea
infrastructure, frompipeline repairs
and construction support, to large-scale
subsea tie-ins. Powered electrically and
hydraulically, work-class ROVs lift and
operate tools amid often complex subsea
oil and gas developments.
In a mature basin like the UKCS, where
fields are smaller, more complex, and
often in deeper and harsher conditions,
subsea technology will play an even greater
role in expanding the UKCS’ productive
life.Work class ROVs have a water depth
limit of about 4,000metres. This is in fact
beyond the needs of the UKCS and so is not a
constraining factor.
Packing a punch
From the outside, work class ROVs
appear to have changed relatively little over
the years. Inside, however, the technology
has been transformed.
“Today’s version is much more powerful
with lighter and smaller components. This
process of miniaturisation is at the heart
of its evolution. Twenty-five years ago, we
would have had a pretty large hydraulic pump
delivering 100 horsepower; now you have up
to 200 horsepower and the pump is a quarter
of the size. ROVs have become more energy
efficient, with greater processing power and
capacity in smaller packages.”
Remote control
Martin is among the senior industry figures
that recognise the need for training to keep
pace with the technology.
He explains: “ROV systems in the last five to
eight years have becomemuchmore complex
technically. One of our challenges is that we
have some very experienced people, with
20 to 25 years in the industry, but the ROV
systems they trained on 25 years ago are
long obsolete.
“
”
The deeper the
water, the further
you are away from
the operation, so the
need for precision in
command and control
systems becomes all the
more acute.
From the outside, work class remotely
operated vehicles appear to have
changed relatively little over the years.
Inside, however, the technology has been
transformed from basic command and
control features to high powered digitally
controlled systems
“If you look at today’s ROV compared with
one from25 years ago, it doesn’t look that
much different; but it’s a lot smarter,” says
Martin Anderson, director of Technip’s
Remote Intervention and Equipment Services
in Aberdeen.