Product category:
Loadcells, Force Sensors and Torque Sensors
News Release from: Industrial Measurements | Subject: ROV torque tools
Edited by the Engineeringtalk Editorial
Team on 04 July 2005
Torque tools plumb the depths
IML's ROV torque tool is a reliable and successful product which can be fitted to almost any remotely operated vehicle for subsea applications.
IML's involvement in the offshore industry spans more than two decades, and since the introduction of the ROV torque tool nearly a decade ago, it has been proven to be a reliable and successful product Almost all ROVs (remotely operated vehicles) now offer a torque tool with their vessel, ie a robot arm which is capable of checking that valves and other oil pipeline equipment is operating correctly by checking the actuation torque
This article was originally published on Engineeringtalk on 14 Nov 2006 at 8.00am (UK)
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The new TLT torque transducer from Industrial Measurements is not the most accurate, not the fastest and not the cheapest in the world, but it's great value.
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The TB and TL torque transducers are designed for tool-testing applications but can be used in other situations.
Originally the torque was set by hydraulic pressure, and then an additional torque transducer was introduced into the housing between the gearbox and the nose cone.
This, though satisfactory, added more weight and extended the length of the tool and, as an additional item, added cost.
The standard IML torque tool replaces the existing housing with a strain-gauged tube.This enables designers of the ROV to change the interfaces and reduce sise.
Further reading
Torque measurement system copes with higher speeds
Retrofit torque measurement has become much more cost effective in recent years, and the latest system is designed to fit any shaft diameter from 100 to 250mm.
Portable torque analyser
IML's latest torque analyser, the DTM-1000, is the most portable unit the company have ever produced.
Each tool supplied by IML has the same basic electrical operation but the mechanics differ for each unit.
IML works closely with the major ROV suppliers to ensure that the technical performances of new designs are fully tested prior to introduction to the marketplace.
The basic unit covers the range from 100 to 4000Nm with a stated accuracy of 0.5% for most installations.
the gauges are coated with several specialist materials to withstand oil under pressure and are compensated for bend and temperature effects.
Each unit is standardised for interchangeability, and will interface with all of the major electronic intervention suppliers' equipment.
Depths in excess of 1000m have proved to be of no problem for the units.
Each transducer is works calibrated and issued with a traceable certificate, valid for either one or two years.
To complement the torque tools, TSSF deck analysers were introduced soon after the first units went into service.They are designed to fit into a bucket arrangement so that the tool can be set up before subsea use.
A simple square drive flange enables the device to be fitted to a multitude of different buckets.
The 3kNm standard unit will cover tools one through four with an accuracy of better than 1%.
A handheld meter is supplied with RS232 interface.
Other ranges are also available to cover tools 5 and 6.
Again these units come complete with a calibration certificate and are standardised to enable interchangeability.
Taking the experience from the underwater torque tool, a stainless steel subsea version of the deck analyser has been introduced.
This, with suitable undersea electronics, allows the ROV operator to set the torque levels in situ at depth and at the local temperature.
Future developments will include an analyser that can be used in even more hazardous areas and a rugged display unit for very harsh conditions.
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