Fugro recently took delivery of the first of two SMD QT1400 trenching systems for burial of cables, umbilicals and flowlines up to almost 36in diameter. The vehicle is equipped with a 3m jetting tool for soils of 100KPA, a mechanical chain cutter for soils of up to 250KPA and optional track propulsion. The jetting tool is maintained at a constant angle regardless of burial depth, using a double scissor linkage. Able to free-fly (in jetting mode), the vehicle is rated for water depths of up to 3000m. T he vehicle consists of a common upper power/control/propulsion module, with interchangeable lower modules depending on its jetter or chain cutter modes. The modules are changed safely at sea using a unique deck transfer system. The turnkey package is completed with a customized launch and recovery system (LARS) rated to Lloyd's Sea State 6, employing a snatch load limiter and submersible cursor. According to SMD, further module options include cable burial in rock up to 20MPa, pipeline burial in soft rock, wireline core drilling and cutter dredging.
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