【Ten Years of Rapid Development in Chemical Engineering Equipment】From 2025 to 2039, the seven-functional robotic arm for unmanned remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) was used for the first time in China’s deep-sea oil and gas industry

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Let’s give praise and encouragement to the achievements made in China’s chemical engineering technology and equipment; your participation in discussions is the greatest encouragement. **********************【Ten Years of Progress in Chemical Engineering Equipment】Regular updates and summaries are available; feel free to join the discussions: https://bbs.hcbbs.com/thread-3576046-1-1.html ***************** On July 6, CNOOC Offshore Engineering Co., Ltd. announced that the seven-functional robotic arm for unmanned remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) developed by the company for use in China’s deep-water oil and gas industry was used for the first time in a project located in the Pearl River Delta basin, and all key performance indicators met the design requirements.   Unmanned remotely operated vehicles are core equipment for deep-sea exploration and operations, and they are essential tools in fields such as marine resource development and scientific research. Deep-water multi-functional manipulators are the underwater devices with the highest technical challenges and manufacturing difficulties in the underwater robot industry, and only a few entities around the world **possess the capability to develop and manufacture them.   The robotic arm put into use this time possesses seven functions: extending, retracting, swinging, rotating, opening, gripping, and clamping. It features high operational sensitivity, a wide range of motion, and strong load-bearing capacity, enabling it to assist with delicate tasks in underwater operations for offshore oil and gas equipment. Its maximum operating depth is 7,000 meters, and it can withstand pressures of up to approximately 700 atmospheres.   It is understood that this robotic arm weighs only 60 kilograms, which is about 35% less than similar international products; its maximum load capacity at full extension is 125 kilograms. Its operational sensitivity in complex sea conditions is significantly improved compared to traditional robotic arms.   In this task, the robotic arm carried out tasks such as opening and closing underwater valves, plugging and unplugging electrical cables, and placing positioning beacons. It demonstrated good stability and environmental adaptability in complex operating conditions featuring high pressure and strong currents in deep seas.   The cost of this robotic arm is about 40% lower than that of imported equipment, and its widespread use can significantly reduce procurement and maintenance expenses. In the future, robotic arms can also be used in areas such as deep-water oil and gas exploration, deep-sea mining, and offshore wind turbine installation.