Development of the Ballgrab
Technology Concept to Assist
in ROV Subsea Intervention
Stephen Dunbar
Cranfield University
Introduction
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As the depth of oil and gas field developments has increased the use
of divers for subsea intervention has become impractical.
For Ultra-deep water field developments all intervention tasks must
be carried out remotely – Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs).
In-water operational time of ROVs must be maximised to be cost
effective.
ROVs have many advantages over human divers, however a number
of challenges are still yet to be successfully overcome.
Introduction
BSW Ballgrab
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BSW Ballgrab Limited are based in Lancaster, U.K.
BSW have developed a ball and taper mechanism which provides an
excellent grip mechanism.
BSW Ballgrab’s main commercial successes have been with Subsea
Mooring Connectors, Pipeline Recovery Tools and Umbilical Repair
kits.
The company is keen to expand the uses of the Ballgrab design.
Introduction
BSW Ballgrab
Project Aims
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Review currently available Ballgrab technology based products and
the success of their use in the oil and gas industry.
Consider the development of Ballgrab technology based design
concepts for further use in Subsea Applications.
Overall Aim was to use the Ballgrab technology to Assist in ROV
Subsea Intervention tasks to reduce operating costs.
RepairAutoswage Technology
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Umbilical Intervention Connector.
Successful use in Malampaya
Umbilical Repair Project.
Prepared umbilical ends fed into
double ended Autoswage device.
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Little ROV intervention required.
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Cheaper Manufacturing Costs.
Installation Techniques
Autoswage Technology
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Minimal Subsea Intervention is
required – reduce OPEX.
Autoswage based Stab and Hinge
Layover Installation technique.
High Integrity Connection Allowing
High Pressure Fluid Flow.
Little or no ROV Intervention
Required.
ROV Tooling
Small Bore Pipeline Handling Tool
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ROV Manipulator Technology is
insufficiently developed to avoid
damage being caused to small bore
pipelines – such as hydraulic fluid
control lines.
Lack of dexterity – Force feedback
developments.
Repair tasks are very difficult to
complete without removal of the
damaged subsea unit.
ROV Tooling
Small Bore Pipeline Handling Tool
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Down hole safety valve repair kit –
Failure of this valve causes
complete system shutdown.
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Female Autoswage type connector
and Male small bore bare pipeline.
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Simple push on connection – Work
Hardens the small bore pipeline.
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Designed with low Manipulator
dexterity in mind.
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Consideration of use of repair kit as
small bore pipe handling tool –
Female Autoswage mounted on an
ROV Manipulator.
ROV Docking Technology
Current Technology
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Docking is used to provide a secure base from which subsea
operations can be carried out.
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Perry Slingsby Dual Docking Latch Approach.
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Latch Fingers are driven out hydraulically once initial docking
connection is made.
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In the case of loss of hydraulic power the fingers release via a
spring allowing recovery of the ROV back to the surface vessel.
ROV Docking Technology
Ballgrab Technology
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Single Docking Latch could be employed which is able to resist forces
transmitted from tooling operations.
Standard Ballgrab’s ability to withstand torque forces is unknown as it
has not been required to date.
Spiral Ballgrab system could be employed – Two different approaches
to create the Spiral Effect.
ROV Docking Technology
Ballgrab Technology
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Castellated Tip would resist unwanted forces with a standard Ballgrab
connection mechanism hence reducing manufacturing costs.
Fail safe and Quick Release design requirements are more complex to
achieve when using a Ballgrab technology based docking connector.
The use of a Ballgrab based ROV docking connector may at present not be a
commercially viable business opportunity for BSW Ballgrab.
AUV Docking Technology
Ballgrab Technology
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Complete Remote Sensing Projects such as the New Jersey Shelf Observation
Systems will require remote docking and recharging of AUVs.
Current designs employ arrestor hook approaches similar to that of an
Aircraft Carrier – Complex Deployment System.
Ballgrab Docking System attached to the AUV nose could be a commercially
successful solution.
Conclusion
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Use of the Autoswage as a Permanent Repair Technique.
Development of an Autoswage based Stab and Hinge Layover
Installation Method.
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Design of an ROV mounted Small Bore Pipeline Handling Tool.
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Design of ROV and AUV Docking Systems.