Large, Work Class Vehicles

This class of vehicle can be broken down by depth capability and horsepower and represents the class of ROVs being used for current deepwater operations to 8,202 feet (2,500 meters) ranging from 100-250 horsepower and having through-frame lift capabilities to 11,025 lbs (5,000 kg), the distinguishing feature between medium and large ROVs. Work class vehicles such as Perry Tritech's TRITON XL (below) range in weight (without work packages) from about 4,410-14,333 lbs (2,000-6,500 kg).

With new require-ments to perform subsea tie-in operations on deep-water installations and to carry very large diverless intervention systems, this class of ROV has become very large, powerful and capable of carrying and lifting large loads–thus the term "heavy work class vehicle" has been adopted by the industry. These vehicles may stand over 8 ft (2.4 m) tall when a tool package has been installed underneath the ROV.

A whole new generation of large work class ROVs is being developed for the oil and gas industry, with the capability to perform work tasks to 9,842 ft (3,000 m). These vehicles are retaining the power and lift capabilities of the large systems, but are being built into smaller frames while using more advanced technology aimed at keeping the umbilical size to a minimum. What distinguishes these ROVs form the "ultra-deep" systems is that, unlike the deep diving ROVs that carry only minimal power to minimize umbilical size, this new class carries between 75-100 hp aboard. This is a work class of vehicles that must have the power to perform heavy work at great depths. As exploration is being carried out in depths to 12,000 feet (3,658 meters) and production in depths of over 6,000 feet (1,829 meters), the need for new and advanced technology exists.

Only a few of these vehicles have been completed, specifically for oil field applications, and include Perry Tritech's Triton ST, Hitec's Stealth, HiROV 3000 and HiROV 3500, Stolt Comex Seaway's SCV-3000, Slingsby’s Olympian, and Oceaneering's Magnum.



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