Hi Flo / Hi Pressure ROV system for cleaning marine growth from structures

There can be few more challenging cleaning processes, nor ones that demand ingenious methods, than that of remote cleaning marine growth from subsea structures such as the legs of offshore platforms. For several years Aberdeen-based HPR UK has provided a one stop shop for ROV’s (Remote Operated Vehicles) and ancillary equipment, experienced pilots and survey engineers to carry out inspection projects where the use of divers could be time and safety prohibitive.

Amongst its range of specialist services are ‘Hi Flo / Hi Pressure’ systems for cleaning marine growth from structures to allow for clear visual inspection (Fig.1). Unique to HPR UK, these systems use ROVs which can launch and operate in higher sea state conditions than divers. They can also stay in the water for longer, thereby maximising up-time for the project. Also this means that the company has fewer problems with HSE issues.

Cleaning or blasting marine growth from structures involves the use of high pressure water delivered to the point of application through specially designed lances. These create cavitation in the water flow, with the bubbles resulting from this action exploding onto the marine growth. To be wholly effective, the systems require pumps capable of providing the continuous flow of high pressure water from the platform. A pump type that is best suited for this is the high pressure positive displacement triplex plunger pump.

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