Diamond wire cutting machine for underwater applications.

Description

1 / 7 Diamond wire cutting machine for underwater applications. Technical sector

[001] The present invention relates to equipment designed to operate underwater, operated by a remotely operated vehicle, providing cuts of structures using diamond bead wire, to operate in complex scenarios and at multiple working angles. State of the art

[002] Cutting machines currently known are used in terrestrial environments, typically for cutting rocks, have a combustion engine and are not suitable for underwater operations.

[003] The offshore exploration sector is highly complex and requires constant adaptations and engineering solutions to various problems and challenges. The man-hour and machine-hour costs in this sector are extremely high, which increases the need for continuous improvement of operational processes and the development of new tooling concepts.

[004] Patent document GB2394694 describes an electric saw for underwater use comprising cutting means in the form of a continuous flexible blade; guiding means for causing said cutting means to move along a continuous path; and drive means for driving said cutting means around said path; wherein said path includes first and second substantially linear portions arranged substantially parallel to each other and separated by a distance less than the diameter of a smaller circle partially defined by the narrower curve of said path. Novelty and purpose of the invention

[005] Thus, the machine that is the subject of this patent aims to operate in a submerged environment, its design being developed with total reliability, operational safety and environmental protection in mind. Its interface has zero leakage of contaminating fluids, both liquid and gaseous. Its Petition 870240016508, dated 27 / 02 / 2024, page 8 / 26 The 2 / 7 structure was developed with highly corrosion-resistant materials, allowing its use in saline waters without compromising its durability and functionality.

[006] The invention in question is of paramount importance for the mobilization and demobilization operations of structures and equipment essential for underwater exploration, cutting to complete line laying operations via vessels, removal of accessories, cutting of metal structures with concrete coating, cuts for stress relief between equipment, lines and coupled structures; which are of high relevance in the production process and its handling and ease of use allow for considerable savings in time and operating costs.

[007] The invention allows for gains in mobility, cost, logistics, maintenance, inventory, and time; which gives it high intellectual and functional value for the markets it is intended for, which are oil and gas, and subsea operations. These markets have excessively high man-hour and machine-hour costs, therefore the invention will be of great value and appreciation to the target audience. Advantages of the invention

[008] The diamond wire cutting machine for underwater operations consists of equipment strategically developed to allow operation via a remotely operated vehicle so that it can be used at depths beyond the feasibility of direct human intervention. List of attached drawings

[009] The invention will now be described in greater detail with the aid of examples of embodiments shown in Figures. Figure 1 - Exploded perspective view of the cutting machine; Figure 2 - Perspective view of the machine in cross-section of a rigid duct. Description of the invention

[010] The machine's operation consists of launching it into the marine environment via vessel or platform, subsequently being Petition 870240016508, dated 27 / 02 / 2024, page 9 / 26 3 / 7 directed via a remotely operated vehicle to the object to be cut. After the tool is fixed, the cutting carriage (01) moves towards the object to be cut with the diamond wire (19) already rotating, until the object is completely cut. All movement of the cutting machine is carried out remotely by the operator of a remotely operated vehicle via hydraulic drives, which can also be pneumatic or electric. The machine has the capacity to remain in a submerged environment for long periods of operation.

[011] The structure (13) is made of material resistant to mechanical intervention and corrosion, and has holes that allow equalization between internal and external pressures, in order to reduce thrust and prevent the structure from collapsing. This structure has an elaborate design focused on ease of operation of the remotely operated vehicle, and allows the docking of two vehicle claws for greater safety and precision in operation.

[012] In order to accommodate a wide range of sizes and geometries of objects to be cut, the machine has a gripper system (10) that allows the object to be gripped and fixed for subsequent cutting. The contact area with the object to be cut has grooved plates (11) in order to significantly increase its grip, enabling perfect fixation of metallic, synthetic, polymeric objects, both rigid and flexible, etc. The actuation of the grippers (10) is carried out by means of actuators (09) that exert sufficient force for complete fixation of the object to be cut, and can even withstand the tensioning forces of flexible pipes and tidal movements.

[013] To complement the fixation performed by the action of the grippers (10), the machine has inserts (08) equipped with grooved plates (11) that assist in the accommodation and fixation of the object to be cut. Each insert (08) is ideal for a range of sizes, and can be easily replaced before operation, if necessary, providing a wide range of applications.

[014] After the object to be cut is fixed, the rotation of the Petition 870240016508, dated 27 / 02 / 2024, page 10 / 26 4 / 7 diamond wire (19) and the feed of the cutting carriage (01), which moves towards the object to be cut at a predetermined safety speed according to the maximum tension of the wire, which varies between 30 and 50 kgf, and is driven by a spindle (14) connected to a set of gears, crown, chain and feed motor (16). The linear displacement of the cutting carriage (01) is given by its mounting in a movement bearing (03), which has guide holes (3a) and a movement hole (3b). The spindle (14) converts its rotation into linear motion when mounted in the movement hole (3b). During the displacement of the cutting carriage (01), the movement is assisted by linear guides (06) inserted in the guide holes (3a), which are parallel to the spindle (14).After the cutting process is complete, the rotation of the diamond wire (19) is stopped, the cutting carriage (01) is returned to its initial position using a quick return function, and the jaws (10) are opened to release the object to be cut.

[015] The diamond cutting wire (19) is essential to the project because it is a flexible element, easy to handle and store, has a superior cost-benefit ratio compared to cutting discs, and allows a high material removal rate, which makes the cutting operation much faster. Diamond is the hardest natural material currently known, which makes it suitable for cutting all types of materials used in underwater and land operations around the world.

[016] Aiming for flexibility and strength, the ends of the wires are joined using an articulated cardan shaft made of titanium, preventing breakage due to equipment or external forces. The material of this item may vary according to the specific needs of each operation.

[017] The equipment was developed in such a way that the diamond wire (19) is located in pulleys (02) that serve as guides and allow its rotation with a low level of friction, as they are coupled to shielded bearings. The assembly has a movable pulley (2a) mounted on a tensioned support (04) and pulled by a spring (2b) that is used to tension the wire during its adjustment, assembly and disassembly. Petition 870240016508, dated 27 / 02 / 2024, page 11 / 26 5 / 7

[018] The assembly with the diamond wire (19) described above is moved using a rotary motor (17) with high torque and rotation capacity, which allows the wire to reach sufficient linear speed for precise cutting and low wear rate.

[019] The cutting machine has a visual wire tension system (18), containing minimum, average and maximum tension indicators, which aims to assist the ROV operator regarding the forces applied to the diamond cutting wire.

[020] In addition to having this tension indicator (18), the machine has a set of valves and sensors that stop the cutting carriage from advancing if the maximum wire tension is reached. This safety item was included to anticipate operations when the indicator is not visible, and a possible malfunction or distraction of the operator; and it is essential to avoid damage to the equipment and the cutting wire, which would result in the total interruption of the entire process.

[021] Machines used in land-based environments have their moving parts lubricated using standard oils and greases. Due to its use in a submarine environment, the cutting machine uses materials in metal-to-metal contact areas whose mechanical properties eliminate the need for lubrication due to their low friction, thus preventing the contamination of seawater by mineral or synthetic oils.

[022] All the operation of the equipment presentation model is carried out through a hydraulic system, which can also be pneumatic or electric. It has two high torque capacity motors (16 and 17), one for moving the cutting carriage (01) and the other for rotating the diamond wire (19). The actuating fluid is received through a connection center (12) which has eight actuation connections (12a), namely: • Increased pressure from the cutting motor; • Return of the cutting motor; • Cutting motor drain; Petition 870240016508, dated 27 / 02 / 2024, page 12 / 26 6 / 7 • Opening of the claws; • Closing the claws; • Cutting carriage advance; • Return of the cutting machine; • Bypass the cutting carriage feed for faster approach.

[023] The system may contain more actuation connections (12a) according to the operational requirement.

[024] The connection center (12) is coupled to the hot stab precisely using guides to ensure there are no connection failures. The hot stab, in turn, is connected to the remotely operated vehicle's hydraulic system which will generate all actuation through its hydraulic power unit.

[025] After receiving the actuating fluid, a set of valves comes into action on demand according to the operator's action. Among them we can mention the following functions: • Limit switch for forward and return movement of the carriage; • Synchronization of claw opening; • Opening and closing of the cylinder; • Cutting carriage advance; • Return of the cutting motor; • Drain from the pressure limiter; • Bypass of the car's forward movement.

[026] To enable the use of the machine in multiple cutting positions, the assembly has engagement eyelets (15), allowing upper horizontal, vertical, lower horizontal and angled cutting.

[027] In the example of presentation form according to Figure 1, a cutting machine is foreseen that is designed to operate on structures in the range of 4 to 26 inches in diameter, with fully hydraulic drive with interfaces, piping and connections with zero fluid leakage.

[028] Its handles allow the docking of a remotely operated vehicle so that it can operate at depths and in spaces unsuitable for human operation. Petition 870240016508, dated 27 / 02 / 2024, page 13 / 26 7 / 7 direct.

[029] Its main components are made of stainless steel and duralumin, which give the machine good mechanical strength and corrosion resistance. Petition 870240016508, dated 27 / 02 / 2024, page 14 / 26

Claims

1 / 1 CLAIMS 1 - DIAMOND WIRE CUTTING MACHINE FOR SUBMARINE OPERATIONS comprising a structure (13) with engagement eyelets (15), mounted on a main body (07) equipped with claws (10) with opening and closing movement given by actuators (09) and a spindle (14) supported by spindle bearings (05) and rotated by a feed motor (16), characterized in that the claws (10) of the main body (07) are equipped with inserts (08) and grooved plates (11); said main body (07) being equipped with a cutting carriage (01) with feed given by a movement bearing (03) with a movement hole (3b) mounted on the spindle (14) and guide holes (3a) mounted on linear guides (06) parallel to the spindle (14); to be equipped with a connection center (12) with actuation connections (12a) for control by means of a remotely operated vehicle hydraulic system; the cutting carriage (01) being equipped with a diamond cutting wire (19) mounted on pulleys (02), and rotated by a rotation motor (17). 2 - DIAMOND WIRE CUTTING MACHINE FOR UNDERWATER OPERATIONS, according to claim 1, characterized in that the cutting carriage (01) is equipped with a tension indicator (18). 3 - DIAMOND WIRE CUTTING MACHINE FOR UNDERWATER OPERATIONS, according to claim 1, characterized in that the cutting carriage (01) is equipped with at least one movable pulley (2a) mounted on a tensioned support (04) pulled by a spring (2b). Petition 870260052530, dated 01 / 06 / 2026, pp. 18 / 21

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