Development of an unmanned deepwater pipeline repair system

TLDR: A pipeline repair system has been designed for performing all tasks required to locate, assess, and repair damage to pipelines in water depths beyond diver capability as discussed by the authors, which is also applicable for water depths within diver capability.

Abstract: A pipeline repair system has been designed for performing all tasks required to locate, assess, and repair damage to pipelines in water depths beyond diver capability. Trade-off studies indicate that the system is also applicable for water depths within diver capability. A cooperative industry development program sponsored both the detailed preliminary design for the entire system and detailed fabrication level design of critical components. Critical components have or will undergo model and prototype testing. The system is designed to be able to perform such activities as soil excavation, pipe-coating removal, pipe cutting, end preparation, and transport and positioning of replacement sections. The technology to implement these activities constitutes a significant advance in offshore pipeline repair technology when combined into a single system.