Hydraflow Hydraulics

Subsea hydraulics

Sub-sea Hydraulics

Subsea hydraulic parts have been used in deep-sea use for decades. Since the 1970’s huge machines have used hydraulic parts to aid with subsea activities for a plethora of industries including mineral finding and drilling.

Activities such as drilling and similar subsea heavy machinery activities were being carried out at depths of up to 200 meters below sea level. Hydraulic systems were used to power hydraulic arms, drilling machines and track drives to name but a few of the machines used in the subsea industry.

Back then, it was quite rare to actually see the machines in action as they were operating at such depths. Consequently, the components were normally quite expensive. Over time, inventions and innovations led to deep sea hydraulics becoming an area that was significantly less expensive to operate in. Repairing and refurbishing hydraulic components has become significantly cheaper and therefore, with hydraulics being so important to the subsea industry, the deep-sea processes are more economically viable.

Today, hydraulics are key in assisting with the finding and extraction of fossil fuels and useful minerals. The machines can be placed deeper, meaning that lower depths can be drilled and operated on using remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and subsea crawlers. Depths of up to 6000m can now be reached and materials can be harvested using this new generation of subsea machinery.

The harvesting and processing equipment no longer need to be positioned on a platform or ship. Instead, they can be placed onto the seabed to operate. Hydraulic systems are ideal for drilling and trawling due to their immense power, precision and adaptability.

There is a range of applications that are commonly found in subsea hydraulics including the carrying of huge loads, tools used to build the foundations of marine structures on the seabed and other heavy machinery. An example would be a hydraulic hammer which drives piles when oil drilling.

Remote operated vehicles make it possible to perform seabed test drillings for the oil and gas industry. They can carry out the installation of heavy equipment which protects pipelines and electricity cables from dangers such as earthquakes and strong sea currents. In addition, they can bury the pipelines into the ocean floor to keep them secure and safe from risks.

Hydraflow are experts in repairing damaged hydraulic systems. We will carry out tests which will allow us to see which hydraulic component is damaged and then fix the issues. If it is more economically pragmatic for you to replace the system, we’ll let you know.