Balltec delivers reliable and efficient solutions for offshore oil, gas, and renewable energy projects, including mooring, pipeline recovery, heavy lifting, and subsea cable protection. As part of one such project, Balltec collaborated with applied acoustics to support the development of a remote-release mooring system.
Engineering Collaboration
Balltec required a remote release solution for its RigLOK subsea mooring connector, developed to reduce the cost of mooring offshore drilling rigs and platforms. The system needed to perform reliably across varying environmental conditions and water depths.
After evaluating several potential suppliers, Balltec identified an acoustic solution as the most suitable and chose applied acoustics based on its initial response and proven track record in the offshore energy and defence sectors.
Tailored Acoustic System
applied acoustics was quick to propose a system that met Balltec’s key requirements: compact form factor, extended battery life, and effective signal range. Once the initial concept was agreed upon, the two companies continued to work together to refine the system and enhance the RigLOK connector’s performance.
The RigLOK connector enables drill rig mooring lines to be disconnected remotely via acoustic signal, helping to reduce both the time and vessel support typically needed during mooring operations.
Although the demand for offshore oil and gas is expected to decline with the growing shift to renewable energy, Balltec foresees continued pressure on the offshore drilling industry to lower costs, especially in light of the relatively low oil prices experienced in 2020.
By using RigLOK alongside applied acoustics’ acoustic system, the time required to disconnect a drill rig’s mooring lines can be cut by at least 50%, representing significant cost savings for drilling contractors and oil field operators.
Rob Barber, Sales Manager at Balltec, commented, “Throughout the initial engineering development and subsequent product supply, applied acoustics has been extremely helpful and quick to respond. The company has provided technical support when requested, as well as trained personnel to assist with both workshop and offshore testing. applied acoustics’ solution has proven extremely reliable and efficient, and Balltec is looking forward to continuing its working relationship with applied acoustics in the future.”
