Hydraulic Energy Australia designed, manufactured, assembled, and tested a subsea ROV-operated hydraulic control panel for use with an existing subsea intervention tool. The project required a practical engineering solution to meet specific operational constraints within a defined schedule.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
A key design challenge on this project was the requirement to operate paired hydraulic isolation functions through a single ROV paddle operation. With only single isolation ROV ball valves available within the required schedule, HEA developed a mechanical linkage solution rather than redesigning the hydraulic circuit or compromising the operation sequence.
Each pair of ROV ball valves was mechanically linked using paired gear-driven valve operators, allowing a single ROV paddle to turn both valves simultaneously through a controlled 90° operation. The arrangement also incorporates mechanical stops, position indication, and operator protection to support reliable ROV operation throughout the campaign.
Key Features
- Mechanical Linkage Solution: Paired gear-driven valve operators mechanically linked to enable simultaneous dual valve operation through a single ROV paddle, developed in response to component availability constraints.
- Controlled Operation: Each valve pair operates through a precise 90° rotation with mechanical stops and position indication built into the arrangement.
- Operator Protection: Design incorporates protection features to support reliable and repeatable ROV operation during the subsea campaign.
- Hydraulic System Integrity: Scope included pressure relief valve setting and testing, hydraulic flushing, and cleanliness verification to confirm system readiness prior to dispatch.
- Functional and Pressure Testing: Full functional and pressure testing completed as part of the factory acceptance test prior to dispatch.
- Full Documentation: Complete MDR documentation package prepared and delivered with the unit.
This project reflects HEA’s ability to develop practical, fit-for-purpose engineering solutions when standard off-the-shelf options do not fully meet the operational requirement. From concept through to completed FAT and dispatch, the HEA engineering, workshop, and QA teams delivered a solution that met both the technical and schedule demands of the project. Contact our team to discuss your next subsea or hydraulic controls requirement.
