Topside Operated LAOT
Project
Topside Operated LAOT
Location
North Sea
Water Depth
100m
Project Type
IRM
Project at a glance
Topside control of valves can be lost on ageing assets due to a variety of reasons. Linear Actuator Override Tools (LAOTs) can be utilised to temporary override the valves; however this requires divers or ROVs onsite to function the valve as necessary.
Solution
Subsea 7 looked to modify their existing tools in order to:
- Become suitable for semi-permanent deployment
- Be suitable for repeated stroking / unstroking operations without the risk of undocking from the asset
- Connect to a Subsea Control Module (SCM) by means of a hydraulic flying lead, thus re-establishing topside control of subsea asset
- Incorporate a modular interface to the LAOT to allow flexibility between assets
Scope of Work
Re-designing of a Linear Actuator Override Tool (LAOT) to account for:
- Long term submersion
- Locking on to asset
- Topside control via SCM
- Interchangeable ISO interfaces
Production and testing of multiple units and necessary documentation
Project Milestones
The modified LAOTs:
- Removed need to recover the asset to surface for refurbishment, avoiding the significant costs associated with doing so
- Re-established control of the asset without the need for further diver or ROV intervention
- Provided a “one system fits most” in preparation for further asset failures
Collaboration
Collaborated closely with the client, listening to the pitfalls the client had experienced in previous systems and combining this with our extensive subsea intervention knowledge. This resulted in a fully versatile unit suitable for a range of current and future applications.
