ROV's: The key is cost effectiveness
Although diver-support activities will continue to be required in terms of monitoring and assistance, low-cost, remotely operated vehicles (ROV's) will have an increasing presence in the oil industry and other fields provided there is ongoing improvement in management, preparation, and execution of work. Beyond the safety aspect, the key is cost effectiveness. It is the company's intention wherever possible, and within realistic constraints, to take the man out of the water either by direct ROV replacement of the diver or by assisting him. Shell's exploration and production operations are based in three main areas: the southern, central, and northern North Sea. These developed fields, which consist of 26 various structures (interconnected), are connected to the mainland by over 1,100 km of submarine pipeline. Maintenance and underwater engineering costs in northern operations alone exceed pounds40 million/year (about $60 million/year) where typical support is an estimated 700 ROV days/year. The utilization analysis indicates a major use in ''eyeball'' vehicles for diver monitoring, and a large percentage for pipeline survey with only a limited amount on structural work and other special applications. The ''Bondi initiative'' in the late 1970s was intended to remove the diver from the water by ROV replacement, but due to lack of development, the capability in many areas has not evolved.
- Research Organization:
- Shell U.K. Exploration and Production, Aberdeen
- OSTI ID:
- 5164650
- Journal Information:
- Oil Gas J.; (United States), Journal Name: Oil Gas J.; (United States) Vol. 84:40; ISSN OIGJA
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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ATLANTIC OCEAN
CONTROL
COST
DIVING OPERATIONS
EQUIPMENT
EXPLORATION
INDUSTRY
MAINTENANCE
MATERIALS HANDLING EQUIPMENT
MONITORING
NORTH SEA
OFFSHORE PLATFORMS
OIL WELLS
PETROLEUM INDUSTRY
PIPELINES
PRODUCTION
REMOTE CONTROL
REMOTE HANDLING EQUIPMENT
SAFETY
SEAS
SURFACE WATERS
WELLS