Ace Oil Tools has said it has launched its new Ace Control Line Clamp (ACLC) for the offshore well construction market.
"The ACLC has been designed to improve safety in offshore operations by enabling automation during the installation of control line clamps. Its innovative, revolutionary design ensures the ACLC semi-automates the control line process, reducing the need for workers in the red zone by 50%, and reduces the time spent in the red zone by 30%," Ace Oil Tools said.
Delivering a high axial and radial holding force of more than 40 tonnes, its innovative design makes it deployable on any current rig. The ACLC is partly pre-installed on the tubing. When running in hole, the retention lid is placed in the installation tool to catch the control line when the tool moves toward the tubing, Ace Oil Tools explained.
According to the company, the pre-installed parts of the ACLC can be fitted onshore, or on the pipe deck, and the clamp is based upon the Ace Ratchet Collar (ARC).
ARC has been described by the company as a "stop collar that provides a safer and reliable solution to traditional methods and a cost-effective alternative to centralizer subs."
The company is also designing a fully automated installation version for the ACLC that promises eliminate overhead hazards and personnel in the red zone "and therefore meet the rig requirements of the future."
Espen Sørbø, CEO of Ace Oil Tools, said: “The ACLC is both innovative and revolutionary, and we firmly believe that it is raising the stakes in downhole tool technology. We have worked hard to deliver a new product to the completion market, improving safety and efficiency, while supporting digital operations.
"We have long recognized that one of the most critical parts of well construction is the completion phase alongside the installation of control line clamps, and this solution will help to streamline that process. We remain committed to being the holding force in downhole technology, focusing our efforts on driving forward new and innovative products that meet the needs of the sector.”
Per the company, the ACLC solution has already been comprehensively tested and exceeds product qualification requirements defined by Equinor.