Repair of deep water pipelines by new remote welding technology By Jan Olav Berge
In 2015 for the first time welding robots
of a new pipeline repair technology using
could repair subsea pipelines down to
a welding robot as the primary method for
1,300 metres water depth.
repair of subsea pipelines larger than 30”
Statoil and Gassco have, after years of technology development, proven that a new remote-controlled pipeline repair system
and in water depths currently verified down to 1,300 metres. The new remote welding system
could repair subsea pipelines by using a
comprises three main modules that perform
welding robot. A qualification programme
the subsea pipeline joining process:
was completed with a deep water test
◆ Remote welding habitat
proving that all the new equipment works
◆ Remote welding power and control
down to 1,300 metres. This link contains a video animation showing the pipeline repair operation: www.statoil.com/no/
(POCO), and ◆ Remote welding tool The remote welding habitat provides a
TechnologyInnovation/Features/Pages/
dry, gas-filled habitat for the welding oper
RemoteControlledWelding.aspx
ation. A claw system supports and secures
Emergency repair of subsea pipelines
the pipes in order to achieve good alignment
is essential for all major pipeline operators,
and no relative movements between the
and after several years of technology
pipe ends during the first phase of the
development, Statoil and Gassco completed
welding operation. The remote welding
the development and qualification process
habitat contains a pipe sealing door at each
v An illustration of the remote welding system in operation.
96 R e p a i r o f d e e p w a t e r p i p e l i n e s b y n e w r e m o t e w e l d i n g t e c h n o l o g y
