The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Snake-arm ‘reduces danger’
Science: Inspection system to be trialled at Chevron
A robot “snake-arm” could reduce offshore workers exposure to North Sea hazards, according to developers.
OC Robotics are exploring the feasibility of using the P100 snake-arm robotic inspection system on offshore oil and gas pressure vessels.
Delegates at the ITF Technology Showcase, taking place this week, will be given a closer look at the technology ahead of its first trial with Chevron.
Snake-arm robots are driven by wire ropes and controlled by OC Robotics’ proprietary software.
The Bristol-based company say they are especially suited to working in confined and hazardous spaces.
Only the arm itself is deployed into the workspace as the main drive motors, electronics and control systems are located away from the inspection area.
The project is being funded by Innovate UK’s ‘Energy Game Changer’ programme. OC Robotics and Chevron are exhibiting on Innovate UK’s stand, along with a number of companies that secured funding through the competition last year.
Rebecca Smith, project manager at OC Robotics said: “Our project is innovative in the deployment of robotic technology in harsh environments, such as the North Sea.
“There is real potential to improve inspection outputs and extend asset life by characterising vessels and assessing fitness for service without human entry into dangerous spaces. We are at an exciting stage with the P100 and we look forward to telling our story to a like-minded audience at the showcase."
Meanwhile, the potential role of 3D printing for manufacturing in the oil and gas industry will be the focus of an event next month.
The seminar, organised by the Oil & Gas Innovation Centre (OGIC), will be held in Aberdeen and will feature industrial case studies and presentations on design, materials and process development, component manufacture, validation techniques and certification routes.
The seminar will take place on Tuesday, March 21 at Aker Solutions from 8:30am to 12:30pm.