In only a few months following introduction of its latest heavy duty work-class ROV system – the Triton XLX – Perry Slingsby Systems has supplied a number of the units for deepwater offshore operations around the world. Combined, the supply contracts are estimated to be worth in excess of $100 million with a backlog stretching into 2010.
The Triton XLX units, delivered to customers during the period from January through July 2008, are now at work assisting in diving and subsea ROV operations offshore Western Europe, and working at deepwater offshore construction sites in the Gulf of Mexico. Also, within the next six months, systems will be deployed in Australia and Southeast Asia, and supporting subsea construction and infrastructure installation projects off Brazil.
Designed during a three-year period to meet the ever-increasing demands of deepwater subsea intervention around the world, the XLX is the latest version of the company’s Triton ROV series, which saw their debut in 1986 with the Triton, followed by the XL and XLS.
With a common design for water depths to 10,000 ft (3,000 m) and upgradeable to work in up to 13,100 ft (4,000 m), the Triton XLX is equipped with increased capabilities for tooling and survey systems and offers increased overall deck space for user equipment.
The Triton XLX is currently available in 150, 200, and 250 hp versions. By standardizing on a higher-displacement main pump and auxiliary pump, the Triton XLX system can easily be configured to meet the HP requirements of the end user.
The XLX is equipped with the same, time-tested ducted Sub-Atlantic hydraulic thrusters used on the XLS. Propellers are driven by fixed-displacement hydraulic motors.
The pressure-compensated hydraulic axial piston pump directs output flow to a manifold that powers the thrusters, manipulators, pan-and-tilt video cameras, etc. By grouping hydraulic functions logically, Perry Slingsby has reduced the number of manifold assemblies to jut three – the thruster, main and auxiliary.
Depending on configuration, the payload capacity for the XLX varies from 555 lb (250 kg) to 1,320 lb (550 kg)
ICE control is key
The key driver for the new ROV was to develop a new controls system that would accommodate varying control applications. This resulted in the Integrated Controls Engine (ICE). In essence, ICE gives an architecture that relies on a real-time operating system (RTOS), distributed input/output (IO), and redundant graphical user interface (GUI) components.
The ICE package consists of four primary computer nodes: two surface human machine interface (HMI) PC nodes, a surface real-time controller node, and a subsea real-time controller node. These nodes communicate with one another through an Ethernet network integrated with a fiber-optic telemetry system.
According to the company, ICE is a proprietary all-in-one solution offering onboard processing, data communications, sensor circuitry, advanced diagnostics, and power regulation. Its subsea components operate in oil-filled containers at ambient pressures, thus eliminating the need for large, complex pressure vessel assemblies. This reduces overall weight, improves maintenance characteristics, and minimizes operational risk factors.
Touch screens, video wall
The pilot operates the XLX ROV with a combination of touch screens and hand controls. The hand switches, joystick, potentiometers, etc., are wired to Ethernet I/O devices all connected to the Ethernet switch at the control console. This allows high-speed access to each discreet I/O point in the system.
The GUI display screens provide the pilot/operator with a modern, ergonomic, real-time visual aid to operate and maintain the ROV system. Microsoft Windows XP serves as the GUI’s base operating system.
The database and associated GUI are hosted on the redundant HMI computers, which provide independent displays for both the pilot and co-pilot. Each HMI computer reflects two graphical outputs – one connected to a dedicated touch screen and the other to a multi-image display system, thus producing four unique, simultaneous displays. The XLX’s touch screen technology, used in an ROV for the first time, and its multi-image display system are step-change advancements, says the company.
The video wall is a major component of the XLX ergonomic control architecture. It allows exact control by the user of what information is displayed and where on the four independent 40-in. LCD monitors it is displayed. The multi-image display system will reflect up to six graphical and six video windows simultaneously, with a total of 24 signal inputs from which to choose.
Tooling, survey, positioning
As standard the Triton XLX system features an integrated 50 hp auxiliary hydraulic system complete with a 12 station proportional tooling manifold. The tooling manifold features multiple proportional pressure and flow circuits that exceed market requirements. These features provide the operator with real-time control over critical subsea tooling systems.
The Triton XLX also features an integrated survey package designed to interface to the most advanced survey sensors available in the market. As standard, the Triton XLX will support a multitude of sensors including Reson multibeam sonars, Edgetech sub-bottom profilers and many other non-standard sensor systems.
In addition, the Triton XLX heavy duty work-class ROV features innovative dynamic positioning technology that reduces pilot intervention and allows navigation data to direct the ROV. This, the company says, is the first time such technology, which is common to surface vessels, has been available for subsea applications.
For more detailed information on the Triton XLX, contact Perry Slingsby Systems Inc., 821 Jupiter Park Drive, Jupiter, FL 33458. Telephone 561-743-1313. Websitewww.perryslingsbysystems.com.
