The Nautilus Robotic Solution: A Single Robot that Integrates Inspection + Maintenance + Repair Capabilities for Subsea Pipelines and Tubulars

Abstract

Abstract The Pipeline Inspection, Maintenance and Repair robot, "Nautilus", can deliver full pipeline Inspection, Maintenance and Repair (IMR) service with less time, less resources, and less risk. Delivering all tasks in a single robot represents a major achievement, and a significant reduction in CO2 emissions since all the IMR activities are performed in a single trip of a vessel and with a single crew. By performing all repairs in a closed habitat, all debris from the repair is brought back to the surface for disposal. In the Oil and Gas industry, subsea pipelines are the vital part of installed subsea infrastructures. As these pipelines age, they are subjected to different forms of degradation, including internal corrosion. In the worst cases, this degradation eventually leads to through-wall defects, leaks and production shutdown. Currently, underwater pipeline repairs are conducted by saturation divers to stop or prevent product leakage. Nautilus is an integrated robot that can deliver full pipeline services for spot repair including Inspection, Repair and Maintenance. Subsea interventions can be performed with less time, resources and risks. Combining all the pipeline repair tasks into a single robot represents a major achievement for the industry. The Nautilus technology is capable to repair all pipeline diameters. The current robot covers all sizes from 8" – 20" in.