4 minute read
Outfitters
Autonomous subsea valve activator development Remote piloting capability for ROVs
Webtool has developed an autonomous subsea resettable valve for installation and use with a charged hydraulic fluid store. Easily activated by a steel wire rope line, the valve activation system is designed for applications where autonomous operation is needed in the event of an emergency. The stainless steel valve activator comprises a ball valve, spring detention cartridge set to the appropriate activation force needed to allow the valve to open, and valve activating lever that also functions as a removable rod arm. Charged with hydraulic fluid, when activated the rod arm rotates through 90° causing the activator’s ball valve to rotate releasing stored hydraulic fluid, when fully open the rod arm is released. The valve activation device can be installed either left or right-handed.
i. allspeeds.co.uk
Koike Aronson Ransome has released the company’s newest waterjet cutting machine, the ShopJet. This machine will accommodate a wide range of cutting applications at an accessible cost. The ShopJet waterjet cutting machine uses the same foundational tabletop design as the ShopPro, the company’s renowned plasma/ oxy-fuel cutting machine. The ShopJet is ideal for cutting applications like stonework and countertops, ferrous and non-ferrous metals up to two inches thick, shearing of textiles, and more. The machine is built with a direct drive helical rack and pinion to provide ultimate performance. The ShopJet has a smaller footprint than other machines in its class, allowing it to fit into shops of all sizes. Additional features include FlashCut Pro Series Waterjet Software, KMT waterjet systems and an Integral Diamond Eductor cutting head. This machine can be equipped with various pump options, based on the needs of the individual customer.
i. koike.com
Forum Energy Technologies revealed it has developed and demonstrated the ability to remotely operate Work Class and Observation Class (Perry and Sub-Atlantic) ROV systems between an offshore vessel and a remote location. This new capability brings major opportunities to adapt operational practices in response to the latest industry drives as cost savings and reductions in HSE risks can be realised through reducing offshore crew sizes. Forum’s ICE & subCAN remote operations suites provide a robust means of piloting vessel or platform-based systems from an onshore control facility via a wired, 4G or satellite connection. The onshore hardware replicates the offshore HMI hardware and GUI so controls will be immediately familiar to operators. The Onshore Control Module provides a local hub for power and data connections. Existing offshore control station hardware can be upgraded to allow remote control and monitoring of power systems.
i. f-e-t.com
Ionised, cooled air to replace metalworking fluids
Expensive metalworking fluids are no longer needed to cool and lubricate workpieces and cutting tools in the machine tool industry. Instead, there is now a proven green and clean method, EcoCooling, that uses only ionised and cooled air and has none of the environmental hazards and costs related to oil-based fluids. EcoCooling is the result of long-term, interdisciplinary R&D from the same team that developed the technology behind Amazon’s ground-breaking family of front-lit Kindle devices. Now the group of scientists, engineers and experienced businesspeople from various disciplines has developed a dry, clean and environmentally friendly method to lubricate metal workpieces with ionised and cooled air without using any emulsions.
i. ecocooling.fi
Two new Gemini ROV systems
TechnipFMC successfully deployed two new Gemini ROV systems for Shell, operating on contracted deepwater rigs in the Gulf of Mexico. The Gemini ROV is the latest innovation from TechnipFMC’s ROV Services group and leverages advanced precision robotics to improve productivity and reduce rig days per well. It incorporates the next generation of force compliant manipulator technology, combined with over 30 subsea interchangeable tools and machine vision technologies to automate complex tasks. TechnipFMC simultaneously launched a suite of new ROV Services for drill rigs alongside Gemini to drive even greater efficiency.
i. technipfmc.com
New Aquajack subsea hydraulic bolt tensioners
Easily positioned in poor visibility conditions, Enerpac’s new Aquajack subsea hydraulic bolt tensioners feature a compact design and long piston stroke. The Split Nut design of these tools allows rapid application to long bolts and damaged threads, and rapid tool removal. Innovative tool design ensures maximum tool strokes can be used without overstroking the piston or oil spillage. Guaranteed to save time and increase efficiency, Aquajack subsea tensioners improve diver safety, productivity and reduce diver fatigue.
i. enerpac.com
