Statoil Developing Underwater Pipeline Repair Robot

Norwegian oil giant Statoil is developing an underwater pipeline repair robot for use in depths of down to 1,000 meters. The new remotely operated welding machine will allow companies to repair damaged oil and gas distribution pipelines that are beyond the reach of divers.

Statoil commented that the robot, which is yet to undergo testing and final adjustments, will be deployed in an emergency response role later in 2007. The company is developing the robot in Haugesund north of Stavanger, where Statoil’s pipeline repair system (PRS) pool is located.

According to Statoil, the remotely operated machine cuts out the damaged pipe section before welding in a new piece. The repair work is carried out inside an enclosed habitat.

“We’re getting a lot of enquiries from international oil and gas companies,” commented Kjell Edvard Apeland, who is leading the development work. “They’re interested in using our robot for pipeline repair and field operations in such areas as the Gulf of Mexico.”

The Norwegian government requires that oil and gas distributors have underwater repair equipment available, as regulations restrict diving to a maximum water depth of 180 meters. Statoil commented that one use for the robot will be pipeline repairs on the Ormen Lange field in the Norwegian Sea, where water depths are 800-1,100 meters.