Objective
The project covers the first phase of a complete program referred to as the MARS PROJECT which aims to produce a remotely operated submersible vehicle system to be used for subsea inspection, maintenance and repair work in situations where to employ a diver would be either too dangerous or uneconomical.
Phase one of the MARS project was concerned with the collection of data regarding market requirements, research into critical technical areas which could later require special attention during further development, preliminary design and testing of new conceptual ideas and techniques, feasibility considerations and operational trials in actual offshore conditions.
FIRST OFFSHORE TRIALS
Using an existing vehicle, an offshore trial was arranged firstly to establish operational factors involved in working an ROV offshore, secondly to study behaviour and reliability aspects of an ROV and thirdly to define critical areas which would have to be specially considered in the specification and design of the final MARS system.
The first offshore trial took place on the MSV Stadive with the assistance of Shell U.K. Exploration and Production, Aberdeen.
The operational factors were concerned with : influence of deck space requirements, problems of launch and recovery, requirements in terms of knowledge and experience of the operating crew, need for a pre-defined work program and procedures, special requirements for equipment to be suitable for mobilisation offshore.
The system behaviour aspects were concerned with: system performance during subsea operation, general system reliability, difficulties involved in carrying out system service and repair offshore.The critical areas defined for special attention were :
. Overall efficiency with regard to system power input and thruster output.
. Thruster design and layout on vehicle.
. Vehicle frame design with regard to vehicle weight and service.
. Buoyancy material arrangement to allow for trim change according to
work module.
. Umbilical specification and Termination.
. Docking device for universal use.
. Hydraulic system with regard to efficiency, reliability and service.
. Handling system suitable for use in severe weather and sea conditions
. Umbilical winch with regard to deck space requirements
. Available tools and tool modules.
PRELIMINARY NEW DESIGN AND FEASIBILITY TESTING
Based on the results of the above trials, new solutions for the points referred to were investigated. Certain components were produced and subjected to initial workshop.
Testing. In order to assess the value of new designs and techniques, the resulting concepts and designs were integrated into an existing vehicle design which was then introduced into the planning for a further offshore evaluation trial with BP Petroleum Development Limited, Aberdeen. The system was planned into the annual inspection programme for the BP-Magnus platform during 1986 for which preparation was carried out.
SPECIFICATION
As a result of the above activity it was possible to prepare the required specification related to the market situation and also to establish operational factors, design concepts and technology for further progress into MARS phase II.
The information and knowledge needed in order to prepare the specification required for continuation into the second phase of the project was obtained by the following activities :
MARKET RESEARCH AND DEFINITION OF WORK TASKS :
Data was obtained by establishing and maintaining worldwide contact with oil companies, diving companies, ROV operating companies, classification organisations and possible competitors. The contact was made by personal visits to companies and also attendance at conferences, symposiums and exhibitions. The information collected was concerned with :
Oil industry policy with regard to inspection, maintenance and repair activities.
Industrial experience with relevant equipment and technology already in use.
Projected developments for future requirements considering also requirements by government authorities and classification organisations.
Political factors which could influence the market situation, e.g. oil price fluctuations.
PRELIMINARY TECHNICAL RESEARCH
Certain research work was necessary in order to ensure that offshore operational aspects such as launching, recovery, navigation, docking at work sites, tool operation etc. were fully understood, and also that solutions to the technical problems involved in achieving the final specification were reliable in practice.
Functional testing of components using pressure chamber techniques was supplemented by actual offshore trials using existing vehicles as carrier systems for new conceptual ideas and techniques.
PRELIMINARY DESIGN WORK
Considerable and detailed preliminary design work including hardware for testing regarding reliability and feasibility was concern mainly with :
- Vehicle main frame concept
- Truster configuration (layout, drive system)
- Buogancy material arrangement
- Umbilical and termination
- Docking claw arrangement
- Hydraulic system concept
- Manipulator joint development
- Navigational and control system
- Tool modules (water jetting, mud pumping)
- Handling system (crane, depressor)
- Compact umbilical winch.
Programme(s)
Call for proposal
Data not availableFunding Scheme
DEM - Demonstration contractsCoordinator
FELLBACH
Germany