Underwater pipeline drill uses PBC Linear slides

Deep under water in the Gulf of Mexico, PBC Linear is providing smooth and precise linear motion for submarine oil pipeline maintenance and repair.

Using its Linear Slide Technology (LST), which implements PBC Linear self-lubricating Simplicity products and Frelon J liner for long-lasting wear life, an engineering company has used PBC Linear's control and guidance to craft a drill.

This new underwater drill allows accurate and targeted repair of submarine oil pipelines that funnel fuels to the US.

Submarine oil pipelines lie on the bed of lakes, rivers and gulfs.

They transport fuels such as natural gas, kerosene, diesel fuel and propane.

These pipes periodically require maintenance and repair; however, since they are located on the bottom of the ocean floor, a special drill assembly is needed to complete the task.

The entire repair operation necessitates the drill to be man-operated since the drilling and repairing entails subtle and careful fine tuning.

Designed with PBC Linear's 2HCR linear slide, the drill assembly can be easily adjusted and calibrated by hand, even underwater.

The 2HCR hand-crank linear slide provides specialised linear motion and exceptional control.

The 2HCR linear slide is well-suited for the underwater environment, constant salt-water immersion and the required load capacities.

The cast aluminium counterbalanced hand crank with ball screw lock puts the control in the operator's hands and facilitates easy modification and use.

The end result is an accurate drill that carefully bores through the concrete oil pipes for enhanced maintenance and repair.

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