Subsea Uk ROV Conference 6 th September 2013
Million Barrels of Oil Equivalent (MMBOE) What are the defining factors in the industry? Work class ROV technology well developed 200HP and 3,000m work class ROV industry standard Growth in reserves in shallow waters 45000 40000 35000 30000 25000 20000 15000 10000 5000 Changes In Oil Depth Extraction 2011-2016 0 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 Time (Years) SHALLOW (<500M) DEEP (500-1500M) ULTRADEEP (>1500M) source: oedigital.com April 2013 The focus is no longer on increasing depth capability Growth of industry and subsequent demand for personnel has diluted skill level To continue growth the demand for skilled personnel needs to be addressed To reduce skill requirement focus needs to be on ease of use
Technology evolution curve. 1976 Apple I 1,700 2010 ipad 310 New technology follows an evolutionary curve. Early products are used by early adopters. Early adaptors focus is on the application of the technology and the benefits it brings It can be complex to use, but worth it for the technology advantage As early adopters become saturated the drive is to roll out to wider marketplace This requires ease of use to ensure early majority and late majority uptake Apple I. Early Adopters, only for technically proficient, no appeal for mass market ipad. Laggards, extreme ease of use, mass market appeal
Where is ROV tooling currently in the evolution curve? Many industry standards relating to tree interfaces Limited standard interface for connecting tooling to ROV Reliant on the operator to find correct location Wide range of tools available dependent on operation Torque Tools Linear Override tools Cutters Cutters and Jetters Gasket tools
How do we move forward? Address the skills shortage by simplifying tooling operations Simplify and standardize instillation and connection of tools to ROV (Plug and Play) Straightforward operator interface (software) If the above are achieved it follows we can change tools subsea Subsea change out increases duration of subsea operations and minimizes downtime
Specific areas requiring development 2 3 1 Three areas of focus: 1. Power and communication connection (ROV to tooling) 2. Operating Software on topside 3. Physical location of Tooling (to allow for subsea interchange)
Power and communication connection (ROV to tooling) Majority of tools are hydraulically powered Hydraulic connection by hot stab is proven and reliable Most tools have built in sensors requiring electrical connection to Smart technology Current electrical connections are not subsea mate able Subsea Mate able Connectors large and expensive Developments in wireless technology would offer benefits for communications connection
Power and communication connection (ROV to tooling) Power for electrical sensors needs to be addressed Inductive couplings are available but are large and require close coupling to work effectively Batteries are available but can go flat over time and need to be in a pressure vessel Battery housings are expensive compared to battery inside Lithium Polymer cells are an option as can be compensated Widely used in hobby RC market Inductive coupling power transfer unit Battery Pack in Pressure Vessel Li-Po Battery Pack
Operating Software on topside Can be complex with multiple options requiring detail setup Use of multiple tools compounds software complexity Use of Wireless communications with allows the tool to be identified Once tool is identified software can be configured appropriately This simplifies software setup Highly Configurable software back end Custom screens only present relevant information to simplify operation
Physical location of Tooling If we can connect tools subsea then next problem is where do we store tools Often an afterthought, limited space between manipulators Skid with tooling drawer good solution Often insufficient space on vessel for stowing skid Skid has limited capacity once buoyancy added Possibility of mounting tools in tooling basket or on the TMS ROV with tooling drawer Tooling Basket
Proposed solution Topside Control Software that auto detects tool and configures GUI appropriately Tooling Package mounted on TMS Communications to the tool sensor via wireless link Hydraulic hot stab connection Electrical Sensor supply supplied by Li-Po battery, inductively charged from TMS