Oil States MCS Ltd successfully completes, remotely controlled, “fully castellated” underwater cutting operation
Oil States MCS Ltd announce the successful completion of an underwater, remotely controlled, “fully castellated” cutting operation using one out of a series of eight “new-build” External Cutting Manipulators (ECM). The cut was performed in the Oil States MCS underwater test facility and demonstrated the high performance of the machine, its operating system and its Abrasive Water Jet (AWJ) remotely controlled subsea cutting technology. OIL STATES MCS Ltd have built and tested the first in a series of tools covering a tubular range from 12” to 60” dia. The tools incorporate the latest proven remote technologies. Combined with the expertise and experience, Oil States MCS Ltd can provide a fully flexible significant solution.
The “fully castellated” cut provides an opportunity for contractors operating smaller crane vessels, to take on the decommissioning of large offshore structures. The castellation as opposed to a square cut, maintains structure integrity in two planes during the decommissioning of subsea structures, particularly when removed in sections or “piece small”. The ECM cutting nozzle follows the pre-planned profile around the leg/pile, with each step precisely controlled and monitored in real-time at the surface by an Oil States MCS operator using a laptop computer.
Key elements of the ECM fully remote/ fully castellated subsea cuts include:
P All cutting activities are conducted fully remotely by Oil States MCS operators from the deck of the crane vessel, without the need for diver intervention.
P The ECM software driven control systems are fully field proven and precise.
P Tools can perform castellated, square or angled cuts without a need for recovery.
P Verification of the cutting operation is monitored in “real-time” by the Oil States MCS operators.
Oil States MCS Ltd has a large range of remotely controlled external and internal cutting tools extending out to 120” diameter and surface equipment spreads operated by teams of qualified, trained and experienced personnel available to the worldwide offshore decommissioning industry.
