Rov Cuttings Transportation System

The RCTS is an ROV based cuttings transportation system that removes drill cuttings, as well as mud and cement during top-hole drilling. This is a technology that has been utilised a great deal in the past few years within Oceaneering and has evolved considerably. Today, the RCTS as a system consists of several units, is modular and entirely ROV operated subsea.  

The RCTS came into existence after the collapse in oil prices that took place in 2014 which led to a comprehensive reduction in expenditure across the petroleum sector. This cutting-edge subsea innovation was developed to expand the ROV system’s capabilities and to leverage the ROV services as an integrated part of the drilling phase. Since its launch, the RCTS system has been utilised extensively for removal of cuttings and cement during top-hole drilling, with an impressive track record of 139 wells. 

 To keep up with the subsea technology advancement, accommodate subsea operational needs and unique project specifications, several upgrades and accelerating enhancements have been carried out to maintain the competitive edge that the RCTS system provides. Today, the RCTS is even more versatile and multifaceted, thanks to continuous improvements based on lessons learned and individual customer requirements. 

Among the many significant enhancements that have been carried out are the upgrade of the High Voltage Switch, Cement Sniffer Stab, Guide Cone and the ROV handled cement removal tool. These changes have been major as these are the predominant systems within the RCTS. For instance, the High Voltage Switch, which is the heart of the RCTS skid, is designed to switch power between the RCTS and the ROV. It can handle switching while under full load, thus, facilitating reliable and continuous transfer of power from ROV to the skid. 

Standalone Ejector with Cement Sniffer Stab 

The 6” Standalone Ejector with its suction capacity for removing cuttings debris and overflowing cement has been both upgraded and enhanced to meet the growing demand of the market. The 6” Standalone Ejector is handled by ROV and is connected to the CCDS on a template structure into the female slip-on flange. The cylinder mechanism is initiated when the water is pumped into the ejector. The ejector has an integrated receptacle for a Cement Sniffer Stab to be added, moreover, the 6” Standalone Ejector also has a new quick connector which is both convenient and easy for an ROV to operate subsea. The Cement Sniffer Stab is utilised during cementing of conductors and/or surface casing excess to detect PH-values and present it on its display. This is a significant improvement during cementing operations and operations in general. The utilisation of the Cement Sniffer Stab varies from operation to operation; however, it has been in demand extensively in the past two years during operations. 

Guide Cone 

The Guide Cone was originally custom-designed and built specifically to fit Snorre Expansion well slots; however, today it is utilised profoundly in various projects. The intent with using the Guide Cone is to guide the Bottom Hole Assembly (BHA) into the well slot by ROV. The Guide Cone is utilised then again for guiding the 30” Conductor. The four legs on the Guide Cone aid in securing the correct position during installation. This has entailed that during the drilling of 26” X 36” holes, the Guide Cone stays steadfast in its position without being pulled off vertically. At the same time, the light weight in water has made it extremely manageable for the ROV to operate the Guide Cone subsea, single-handedly from the rig. 

Going forward 

Today, the RCTS modular system has simplified the topside control and rigging, in addition to, easing installation subsea. The fewer personnel needed onboard, multiple subsea configurations and the reduced deployment time have contributed to reducing both rig time and optimising rig performance. The intent with modifications within the ROV-based cuttings transportation system has been to cater to integrated and enhanced technology that will substantially consolidate further high-performance solutions with an ROV, allowing us to further leverage the ROV as an operational multipurpose platform. 
 

RCTS technical features: 

SMO Ejector – up to 8000 lpm 
Standalone Ejector – up to 6500 lpm 
Water Depths – 3000 m 

*Performance may vary depending on operation