Schilling Robotics, LLC, experts in subsea control systems, and Gregg
Drilling and Testing, Inc., experts in drilling and geotechnical testing
services, announced today the delivery of a new Cone Penetration Testing
(CPT) system for deep-water seabed soil testing. Gregg is commencing
in-water testing of the system today in Long Beach Harbor, California.
Once harbor testing is complete, the system will then be sent to work
offshore in June 2009.
Schilling supplied the control system and hydraulics for the
Gregg-designed CPT system. The control system consists of electrical and
communications components, subsea hydraulics, along with topside
hardware, console components, and advanced component monitoring and
diagnostic software. Gregg’s CPT is performed using a cylindrical
penetrometer with a cone tip penetrating the seabed at a constant rate.
The resulting measurement analysis reveals detailed soil conditions,
including soil type, stratigraphy, and shear strength parameters.
Typical uses of the submersible Gregg CPT unit may include pipeline lay,
seabed foundations, cable routes, ports and harbors, and environmental
surveys.
"The development of a flexible control system that can be scaled to meet
Gregg’s needs provides a key additional capability to their CPT system.
The inherent modularity of Schilling’s control system is an important
benefit to our customers in that it can be configured to meet various
component system needs and constraints, providing one sub-system that is
scalable to any size project,” commented Mike Owens, program manager for
Schilling Robotics, LLC.
"In researching control systems, we learned that Schilling provides
state-of-the-art equipment with the most advanced and reliable
technology available on the market, as well as offering proven
experience in custom-built control systems. Schilling’s worldwide
presence offers fast-responding customer service anywhere around the
globe that we may be working. There is distinct value in combining the
latest Schilling subsea technology with our team of industry
professionals to produce a competitive edge in the market,” says John
Gregg, president of Gregg Drilling & Testing, Inc.
Along with John Gregg, two industry-leading professionals have enabled
the Company to be a market leader in CPT design and operations. Ron
Boggess, marine services operations manager, and Dr. Peter Robertson,
technical manager, bring a combination of over 30 years experience
designing, building, and operating state-of-the-art CPT systems, as well
as being acknowledged authorities on in-situ testing techniques,
particularly on the electric cone penetration and seismic cone
penetration tests. Robertson has authored over 100 technical papers on
the cone, dilatometer, and pressure meter and published a manual on the
use and interpretation of cone penetration testing.
About Gregg Drilling
Since 1985, Gregg Drilling & Testing, Inc. has been widely recognized as
a leader and innovator in drilling, sampling, and subsurface
investigation, providing clients in industry and government with the
highest quality services. We’ve set the standard among drilling
companies through the pursuit of one simple goal: To provide our 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, began offering state-of-the-art cone
penetration and direct-push technologies. It’s our ability to combine
state-of-the-art equipment with advanced technologies and innovative
thinking that sets Gregg apart and allows us to provide exceptional
performance and value time after time. Gregg is headquartered in Signal
Hill, California U.S.A., and has regional offices in Martinez,
California, East Palo Alto, California, and Livingston, Texas. Further
information about Gregg can be found at http://www.greggdrilling.com/index.htm.
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 U.S.A. and has regional offices in Houston, Texas
U.S.A. and Aberdeen, Scotland. In late 2008, FMC Technologies, Inc.
acquired at 45% interest in Schilling. FMC Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:FTI)
is a leading global provider of technology solutions for the energy
industry. FMC Technologies 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 for the oil and gas industry. Further information about
Schilling Robotics can be found at www.schilling.com.
The Business Diary includes information about Schilling, the ROV
industry, and emerging technology in offshore exploration.
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