Development of the Ballgrab Technology Concept to Assist in ROV Subsea Intervention

1. Development of the Ballgrab Technology Concept to Assist in ROV Subsea Intervention Stephen Dunbar Cranfield University

2. Introduction • 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.

3. Introduction BSW Ballgrab • 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.

4. Introduction BSW Ballgrab

5. Project Aims • 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.

6. Repair Autoswage Technology • Umbilical Intervention Connector. • Successful use in Malampaya Umbilical Repair Project. • Prepared umbilical ends fed into double ended Autoswage device. • Little ROV intervention required. • Cheaper Manufacturing Costs.

7. Installation Techniques Autoswage Technology • 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.

8. ROV Tooling Small Bore Pipeline Handling Tool • 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.

9. ROV Tooling Small Bore Pipeline Handling Tool • Down hole safety valve repair kit – Failure of this valve causes complete system shutdown. • Female Autoswage type connector and Male small bore bare pipeline. • Simple push on connection – Work Hardens the small bore pipeline. • Designed with low Manipulator dexterity in mind. • Consideration of use of repair kit as small bore pipe handling tool – Female Autoswage mounted on an ROV Manipulator.

10. ROV Docking Technology Current Technology • Docking is used to provide a secure base from which subsea operations can be carried out. • Perry Slingsby Dual Docking Latch Approach. • Latch Fingers are driven out hydraulically once initial docking connection is made. • In the case of loss of hydraulic power the fingers release via a spring allowing recovery of the ROV back to the surface vessel.

11. ROV Docking Technology Ballgrab Technology • 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.

12. ROV Docking Technology Ballgrab Technology • 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.

13. AUV Docking Technology Ballgrab Technology • 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.

14. Conclusion • Use of the Autoswage as a Permanent Repair Technique. • Development of an Autoswage based Stab and Hinge Layover Installation Method. • Design of an ROV mounted Small Bore Pipeline Handling Tool. • Design of ROV and AUV Docking Systems.