Proserv: New Subsea Sampling Cylinder Reduces Risks

Proserv has released a new subsea sampling cylinder that is designed to improve the quality of results and reduce risks normally associated with sample transfer, a press release stated.

Based on existing technology, the Proserv Subsea Sampling Cylinder (SSC) is the world’s first fully qualified and certified “for shipping” sample cylinder to be deployed in a subsea environment. The system accurately captures well properties throughout the lifetime of a field.

Subsea cylinders allow operators to take representative production samples from a subsea system for direct transfer to a laboratory. Proserv’s SSC eliminates the risks associated with handling and transferring samples on the surface, reducing the risk of containment loss and exposure to H₂S / CO₂.

Impact Subsea Launches Underwater System

Impact Subsea has released ISM3D, an underwater attitude and heating reference system that uses high grade microelectromechanical system-based accelerometers, angular rate gyroscopes and magnetometers, which feeds into a dual core microprocessor-driven advanced fusion engine driven, the company said.

“Utilizing extremely high grade MEMS sensors have enabled the creation of a high accuracy underwater sensor in a very compact housing,” said Ben Grant, managing director for Impact Subsea.

The company added that the system, housed in titanium, is depth rated to 6,000 m (19,685 ft) with a length of 65 mm. After being installed on an under platform, such as an ROV or AUV, a hard and soft iron calibration can be performed. “In areas where a large amount of steel of other magnetic disturber is present, the unit can be switched to operate using the angular rate gyroscopes and accelerometers, without input from the magnetometer,” the company said.

Webtool Adds New Tool To Subsea Toolbox

Webtool has added to its toolkit a gripping and lifting tool for recovering subsea umbilical and cable during decommissioning. It’s called the Cable Retrieval Tool (CRT200).

Developers say the tool is a “quicker and safer method of retrieval and improved handling,” compared to the time-consuming and costly tasks that typically involve trenching the seabed around the cable or umbilical to allow a double choke sling to be attached using an ROV.

“Working in consultation with DNVGL, we’ve designed the CRT200 gripper to provide offshore contractors with a highly effective way of recovering umbilical and cable from any water depth, said Keith Elliot, engineering director for Allspeeds Ltd., which designs and manufactures the tool. “By gripping the end of the cable, it is easier to handle once onboard the vessel.”

The tool, fabricated from corrosion-resistant material, is capable of recovery cable and umbilical up to 203 mm (8 in.) in diameter. As explained by Webtool, the mechanically-locking gripper is guided by an ROV and lowered onto the end of the cable. It has a lifting capacity of 20 tonnes and can be used at any water depth, the company said.

Sevan Marine Secures Framework Agreement With ExxonMobil

Sevan Marine has entered a long-term framework agreement with ExxonMobil Corp. for the use of Sevan Marine’s cylindrical hull technology and services.

The value of the framework agreement is subject to the calling off of individual orders, Sevan Marine said in a news release. The first order under this agreement, involving the continuation of engineering and floating LNG design work, was expected to be called off in late February.

The two companies have worked together since 2015. Projects have included a feasibility study exploring the use of Sevan Marine’s cylindrical hull for a FLNG development. A follow-up study centered on the hull and marine aspects of Sevan Marine’s unique cylindrical design is currently underway, the company said.

—Staff Reports

Offshore