Schilling Robotics, LLC, experts in subsea control systems, announced
today that it has been awarded a contract for a new seafloor-based deep
sea drill system from Gregg Drilling and Testing, Inc., experts in
drilling and geotechnical testing services. Schilling will engineer
and manufacture the state-of-the-art coring and drilling system
containing custom power, hydraulics, and topside control systems to be
interfaced with a third-party drill structure. The contract is valued at
approximately $2 million, with system delivery scheduled for late 2009.
The advanced deep sea drill system will have a depth rating of 3,000
meters. The control system consists of Schilling’s proprietary Digital
Telemetry System™ (DTS™), subsea hydraulics, along with topside
hardware, console components, and advanced component monitoring and
diagnostic software. The steel and aluminum drill structure will utilize
a patented wire-line drill apparatus provided under license from Williamson
and Associates of Seattle, Washington. Additionally, the system will
be outfitted with a Schilling TITAN 4 manipulator to support drill bit
and core handling during operations.
This system introduces an innovative method for deep sea drilling to
obtain high quality, undisturbed soil samples and soil cores from depths
extending down to 150 meters below the sea floor. The drilling methods
employed include wire-line rotary and push sampling with 85mm sized
tooling. The drill can be deployed with numerous interchangeable
foundation options, depending on seabed conditions.
"We are pleased that Gregg has chosen our flexible DTS control system as
the "brain” of their subsea system. This is our second controls project
with Gregg, and we are excited about the distinct value we have created
for them by employing the latest Schilling subsea control technologies,"
said Phil
Otto, President and Chief Executive Officer of Schilling Robotics,
LLC.
"Schilling’s state-of-the-art equipment and innovative technology make
Gregg’s product offerings distinctive in the market. We will now be able
to allow the entire system to be controlled remotely from the surface
thanks to the flexible DTS™ controls unit,” says John
Gregg, President of Gregg Drilling & Testing, Inc.
About Gregg Drilling & Testing, Inc.
Since 1985, Gregg Drilling & Testing has been widely recognized as a
leader and innovator in drilling, sampling, and subsurface
investigation, providing industry and government clients with the
highest quality services. Gregg has set the standard among drilling
companies through the pursuit of one simple goal: To provide its clients
with high-quality, innovative services performed in a timely and
cost-effective manner.
Gregg was formed to meet the increasing demand for quality drilling and
sampling services, and in 1992 it began offering state-of-the-art cone
penetration and direct-push technologies. Gregg’s ability to combine
state-of-the-art equipment with advanced technologies and innovative
thinking sets them apart and allows them to provide exceptional
performance and value. Gregg is headquartered in Signal Hill, California
U.S.A. and has regional offices in Martinez, California, Palo Alto,
California, and Livingston, Texas. Further information about Gregg can
be found at www.greggdrilling.com.
About Schilling Robotics, LLC
Schilling
Robotics is a leading global, deep-ocean robotics company founded in
1985. Its customers include offshore oilfield equipment and service
providers such as Acergy UK Ltd, Bourbon Subsea Services, Expro North
Sea Ltd, and Oceaneering International. Schilling is headquartered in
Davis, California and has regional offices in Houston, Texas and
Aberdeen, U.K. Further information about Schilling can be found at www.schilling.com.
In late 2008, FMC Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:FTI) acquired a 45% interest
in Schilling. FMC
is a leading global provider of technology solutions for the energy
industry. FMC designs, manufactures, and services technologically
sophisticated systems and products, such as subsea production and
processing systems, surface wellhead systems, high pressure fluid
control equipment, measurement solutions, and marine loading systems.
