ROVAR-01 and ROVAR-20
Remotely Operated Vehicle for Asset Recovery utilising controllable buoyancy
What is ROVAR
- Patented cryogenic ‘ROVAR’ technology (“Remotely Operated Vehicle for Assets Recovery”)
- Variable Buoyancy System which exploits the properties of cryogenics for controlled subsea lifting and handling operations.
- Precise descent and ascent is achieved by vapourising liquid nitrogen to displace seawater from buoyancy caissons
- Key components
- Liquid Nitrogen dewar
- Gasification system including actuators and cryogenic valves to provide heat exchange and flow control of gas into the caissons
- Actuated relief (dump) valves to retain gas within caissons, and to release it from them
- Primary sensors – depth / pressure gauge, sonar (distance from seabed), load cells
- Advanced control system – controls flow of gas into and out of caissons which adjusts buoyancy dependent on depth, load, rate of ascent or descent required
- Data and power umbilical to control console
- In-built thrusters control lateral motion with standard or bespoke toolsets and grabs for handling
ROVAR is a fully scalable technology and can be adapted to address different lifting and handling challenges subsea. Our standard unitary systems are ROVAR-01 and ROVAR-20 which can also be deployed in multiplex modes for manoeuvring of much heavier or more complex loads requiring multiple lifting points due to shape, uneven load distribution etc.
ROVAR-01 has a 1-Tonne lift capability and can be used for debris and UXO removal from restricted areas. It has a footprint of approximately 2.7m length and 1.1m cross-section.
ROVAR-20 has a 20-Tonne lift capability and can be used for more substantial offshore handling and recovery as an underwater crane or 'seabed forklift'. It has a footprint of between 4m and 6.6m long with a cross-section of 2.7m.
ROVAR offers:
o Lift repeatability – the inherent design provides capability for repetitive tasks whilst remaining in-situ and minimising support vessel time
o Practical operating depths - down to 2,000 msw
Specification Title | Specification Description |
---|---|
Caissons
|
Open bottomed GRP buoyancy caissons (min 2 per system) which can be independently controlled
|
Liquid Nitrogen Dewar
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Pressure vessel design comprising stainless steel inner and carbon fibre outer, with insulation in between.
|
Gasification system
|
Pressure build circuit in dewar, actuated cryogenic flow valves, heat exchange piping exposed to sea water
|
Load bearing 'rings'
|
Carbon fibre load rings with load cells attached to selected grab mechanism
|
Sensors and ancillary equipment
|
Depth/pressure, sonar (distance to seabed and other obstructions, gyros, lights, cameras, navigation
|
Thrusters
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Vectored thrusters to enable neutrally buoyant system to travel in horizontal plane
|
Actuated relief valves
|
Within caisson to allow controlled retention or release of nitrogen, thereby varying buoyancy levels
|
Control system
|
Hardware and software, power and data umbilical, to remotely control lifting operations from topside console
|
Reviews
The Technology Readiness Level (TRL) indicates the maturity level of novel technologies. Learn more about the TRL scale used by us.
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