Chukar Waterjet Unveils Deepwater Subsea Waterjet Cutting, Blasting System for Work Class ROVs

ROV-Attachable Subsea Waterjet Pump Lowers Acquisition Cost by x2 or More

Chukar Waterjet, Inc., a leading manufacturer of deepwater subsea ultra-high pressure waterjet technology, introduces its new SUB-JET 3000 subsea waterjet system for work class ROVs.

Operable at depths up to 3000 meters (10,000 feet), the SUB-JET 3000 cuts steel up to 250 mm thick and blasts away coatings, corrosion and marine growth at pressures up to 3900 bar. Because it is deployed with an ROV, the SUB-JET 3000 is substantially less expensive than a standalone subsea waterjet system. The requirements for an independent launch and recovery system (LARS), umbilical, and subsea hydraulic power unit (HPU) are eliminated, resulting in a system acquisition cost of about 20 to 30 percent of a standalone system.

“There is a tremendous need for ultra-high pressure waterjet technology in the offshore industries, but until now, the high acquisition costs have been a limiting factor,” said Bruce Kivisto, Chukar Waterjet general manager. “We’re excited to offer the SUB-JET 3000 as an alternative to a standalone system. It is a great solution for operators who are looking to improve the safety and efficiency of their operations with ultra-high pressure waterjet technology.”

The 100hp SUB-JET 3000 produces 7.5 liters per minute of 3900 bar ultra-high pressure water for cutting and blasting. It carries 35 liters of abrasive on the skid standard, which provides 30 and 90 minutes of cutting time.

The ROV provides hydraulic oil to power the waterjet intensifiers and operate attached tooling, 24 Vdc (300 watts) for control power, and a fiber optic data link to the topside controller. The system requires between 150 and 200 liters per minute of hydraulic oil to run at full capacity but can be operated at lower output if the auxiliary oil is not available from any given ROV. Cutting and coating removal are still effective at lower UHP output, only at slower throughout rates. The system weighs about 500 kg on the deck and is neutrally buoyant with 35 liters of abrasive.

Chukar Waterjet is the only waterjet manufacturer in the world that offers ultra-high pressure (UHP) waterjet equipment capable of operating in the deepwater subsea environment. Chukar’s subsea waterjet technology improves the safety and effectiveness of subsea operations, allowing operators to access new types of work and larger projects. Unlike conventional tools, waterjet cuts without heat, reducing the hazard of igniting trapped pockets of gas during cutting. Waterjet system tools cannot bind in the cut, jeopardizing asset integrity.