Norbar’s gearboxes, exclusively distributed in Italy by UVIT, have become the industry standard for API Class wet valve intervention tools. However, increasing demands of the subsea industry for smaller and lighter tools is driving forward development of the gearbox. Using lightweight materials, whilst maintaining durability, has been a key development area. Another is the integration of a torque transducer – traditionally a separate, bolt on item – giving a significant reduction in size and weight of the overall package.
Having gained great experience manufacturing gearboxes for intervention tools, Norbar have applied this learning to the manufacture of complete API intervention tools. The API Class 4 to 7 Adapter Gearbox is a good example of how Norbar has listened to the needs of the industry and applied them to make an innovative tool. Most API intervention tools in the world use Norbar multipliers.
Pipe clamp tools
Tools used for subsea pipe clamping are often required to deliver significantly higher torques than valve intervention tools. On a tool with a required torque output of 60,000 N•m, for example, the weight of a standard steel bodied tool becomes unacceptable. The need for pipe clamping tools used on the Langeled pipeline from the Ormen Lange gas field in Norway to have a maximum submerged weight of 60 kg led Norbar to develop a gearbox that made extensive use of lightweight alloys. The techniques learned from this has given Norbar new technology that they are able to apply to other specialist projects and improved standard products.
Special “Engineer to Order” product service
The diverse needs of the oil and gas industry, both on land and at sea, mean that Norbar’s standard product may not be ideally suited. Norbar therefore offer an Engineer to Order service that spans a range from modified reaction plates and non-standard gearbox input and output drives to completely one off tools or measurement systems.
Come and visit UVIT stand at IVS 2022 – Stand 157 Hall B – (Bergamo – ITALY, 25-26 May 2022) to find out all the details on Norbar’s Subsea Tools.
For more information about Norbar’s products, visit https://www.uvit.it/norbar.