Due to the extreme nature of the ocean environment, undertaking projects presents formidable challenges. Constructing subsea pipelines and platform foundations, for example, demands not only technological sophistication but also intricate logistical planning. Such endeavours are rigorous, requiring strict adherence to completion deadlines and to the highest safety standards.

The Pitfalls of Conventional Lifting in Subsea Environments

Accurate lifting and positioning of pipes and foundations are critical in these projects. However, factors such as poor visibility, strong waves, unexpected currents, difficult terrain, high water pressure, and buoyancy can significantly impede safe underwater load movement. Using conventional hooks in these conditions is risky because they are not designed for such extreme environments. Their attachment and detachment by Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) become complex and time-consuming.

Moreover, conventional hooks are susceptible to load snagging and shedding. Contact with underwater objects can cause them to get stuck or even open unintentionally. This not only interrupts load movement but, if the hook opens, can result in the catastrophic loss of the load at sea.

Minimising Process Risks with the ROV-HOOK

To mitigate these substantial process risks, there is a high demand for lifting hooks that ROVs can manage efficiently. The ROV-HOOK, developed by RUD in collaboration with British pipeline specialist Subsea7, offers an ideal solution. Subsea7, a global leader in delivering offshore projects and services for the energy industry, partnered with RUD to address the rigging issues it faced with conventional ROV hooks.

The ROV-HOOK's design facilitates easy and quick attachment and detachment by ROVs, virtually eliminating load snagging and shedding. Its smooth, rounded profile, free from protruding parts, significantly reduces the risk of catching and prevents accidental opening. The safety latch securely locks in the closed position and only opens outwards, preventing inward pressure even under immense force. A double safety catch on the lever side stops the locking mechanism from being unintentionally unlocked by accidental contact. The ROV-HOOK can only be unlocked by simultaneously squeezing two opposing release levers, either manually or using an ROV manipulator. When the levers are released, the safety latch automatically closes.

Safety-Friendly Design for Optimal Performance

The RUD ROV-HOOK is engineered for optimal grip and is compatible with all standard ROV manipulators, including the 'grabber'. This minimises the time required for subsea attachment and detachment. It operates without restriction at depths of several thousand metres and is available in two versions with a maximum Working Load Limit (WLL) of 10 or 25 tonnes.

The ROV-HOOK boasts a fourfold safety margin against damage, tolerating four times its official maximum load in extreme circumstances. Each ROV-HOOK is also equipped with an RFID transponder featuring a unique identification number, allowing users to conveniently read vital information, such as the WLL, on location. This provides a high-quality, state-of-the-art hook solution that ensures safe lifting and positioning, including rapid attachment and detachment. It is already being used for subsea pipeline construction, platform foundation installation, and other subsea structures, including by its co-developer, Subsea7.

For more details, visit the ROV-HOOK product page.

Credit: Oil and Gas Engineer - www.engineerlive.com 

Copyright to RUD: This information is accurate at the time of publication, and RUD Australia takes no responsibility for any errors, inadvertent or otherwise.