Development of the ROVDrill Mk.2 Seabed Push Sampling, Rotary Coring and In Situ Testing System

摘要

The ROVDrill Mk.2 is a state-of-the-art seabed push sampling, rotary coring and in situ testing system designed for working in 2500m water depth and obtaining geotechnical data to a depth of 120m below seabed. The system has been developed as a geotechnical upgrade to two ROVDrill subsea robotic drilling systems previously utilised in rotary coring mode in deep-water for the seabed mining industry.rnThe paper considers the key design features of the current generation of subsea drill rigs and contrasts some of the key conceptual design differences between them. A brief case study looking at the evolution of the ROVDrill Mk.2 rig is presented including discussion of some of the technical upgrades and an outline of its principal specifications.rnA number of benefits of seabed drilling are highlighted, with particular regard to working in deep water and harsh environments. With the elimination of human exposure to pipe and tool handling risks, improved operational efficiency and sample quality and increased borehole depth accuracy, the development of seabed push sampling, rotary coring and in situ testing systems are attractive to the offshore site investigation market and a real alternative to traditional drill ships.