Page 52: of Marine Technology Magazine (September 2014)

W hen looking for an emergency preparedness system for the Gulf of Mexico and elsewhere,

Chevron enlisted the aid of Wachs Subsea to create an automated pipeline repair system us- ing Wachs Combination Prep Tool (CPT) as the key opera- tional component. The design parameters included a machine that was lightweight so it could be transported by air, opera- tional at depths to 3,000 meters (10,000 feet), and confi gured to perform all the pipeline machining tasks associated with installing a sleeved replacement pipe section (or spool) in a single deployment.

Wachs Subsea’s CPT-3, or Combination Prep Tool Genera- tion 3, is designed and manufactured to excel at this task. It’s a complete hydraulically powered subsea machining system, equipped with three integrated modules that “combine” to perform fi ve functions: cutting, ID and OD chamfering, weld seam removal and FBE (fusion bonded epoxy) removal. The

CPT is a multifunctional device that is easy to deploy, easy to operate and leaves nothing on the seabed at completion. In the past this usually required three different machines, multiple vendors, trained dedicated operators, multiple deployments, big ships, and lots of time and money. The CPT-3 changes all of that.

The CPT’s basic design is a robust twin clamp, open “C” framed rotary machining platform with a rotating frame travel range of 0-200 degrees from top in both directions. The CPT features a universal mounting interface for the attachment of the three operating modules, and is provisioned for the fi t- ting of an IHPU (Isolated Hydraulic Power Unit or “Dirty

Oil Pack”), which is recommended and available from Wachs

Wachs Subsea Answers the Call for Chevron

By Mark Leska

Deepsea

Pipeline

Repair

Image above: One machine. One operator. One Deployment. The CPT-3 and upcoming CPT-4 are game chang- ing machines in deepwater pipeline repair and maintenance activities from 30 to 3000 meters.

September 2014 52 MTR

MTR #7 (50-65).indd 52 8/27/2014 10:41:57 AM