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The aim of this study was to develop a new generation of automatic systems based on cutting-edge design and practical welding physics to minimize downtime caused by defects and machine faults on the barges. Automatic welding has been used frequently on offshore pipeline projects.

An automated welding robot system for sub-sea pipeline installation was constructed. The system utilized the double-car double-torch welding, which is light-weight and compact, suited for offshore applications. Several state-of-the-art technologies were integrated into the control system design, including a heterogeneous network based on EtherCAT technology, network communications based on CANopen, motor synchronization, all-position welding, etc. In addition, the utilization of the CAN bus reduced the number of cable lines and increased the extensibility of the proposed welding robot system. An internal clamp with copper shoes assured a nice root weld and narrow bevel design and the welding efficiency was improved accordingly.

The trial was carried out to verify the rationality and effectiveness of the proposed automated system. The deposition rate of the backing welding could reach 17.78 kg/h; the average time for each welding was 340 s. This system was unique in that it features a dual-torch welding head that allowed for the deposition of one run with twice as much material as a single torch head. The experiment showed that the double-vehicle double-torch mode can greatly improve the welding efficiency of pipeline installation during the welding process.

The automated welding robot system will be applied to offshore pipeline projects.

This robot is the first submarine pipeline installation welding robot to use a heterogeneous network based on EtherCAT technology. Various aspects of the submarine pipeline installation welding robot’s design and performance were discussed, including mechanical body design, control system design and welding process specification.

Summary The properties of coal tar systems and the mechanical requirements of pipeline protections before and after installation of the pipelines are defined. Correct specification related to the particular service conditions and adequate inspection are of paramount importance. With correct selection of primer, grade of coal tar enamel and glass reinforcements coal tar based systems are providing the most reliable protection under almost all service conditions.

Walther couplings now available in Monel — for sub‐sea use. In response to a growing demand for couplings for use in sub‐sea conditions Walther Couplings are now offering many of their high pressure range in Monel. These quick‐release couplings will therefore be appropriate for use in salt water and other highly corrosive areas. With nominal bores from 6 to 25mm they will operate to 600 bar (8,700 psi).

Since this paper was first presented at the International Symposium of Corrosion and Protection Offshore in Paris, May 1979, Wilson Walton International report that their system for remote monitoring of offshore structures and pipelines is the only one of its type in use in the North Sea area. They add that six major oil companies have now ordered this type for North Sea jackets.

Earlier this year, the Sub Sea Engineering Division of Ocean Inchcape Ltd (OIL) installed a complete cathodic protection system on Gulf Oil's loading terminal jetty at Whiddy Island in Bantry Bay, Southern Ireland.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of the construction and operation of underground gas storage (UGS) facilities, under the prism of the recent rise in energy prices. The focus is on developing energy markets interconnected with gas producers through pipelines and has access to liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities in parallel.

Through a focal market in Europe, the authors estimate the economic value for both stakeholders and consumers by introducing a methodology, appropriately adjusted to the specificities of the domestic energy market. The Transmission System Operator, the Energy Market Regulator, the Energy Exchange and Eurostat are the main data sources for our calculations and conclusions.

The authors investigate the perspectives of UGS facilities, identifying financial challenges considering specific energy market conditions which are barriers to new storage facilities. Nevertheless, the energy price rocketing coupled with the security of gas supply issues, which arose in autumn 2021 and were continuing in 2022 due to the Russia–Ukraine crisis, highlight that gas storage remains, at least for the midterm, at the core of European priorities.

The paper emphasizes on developing markets toward green transition, proposing tangible policy recommendations regarding gas storage. A new methodological approach is proposed, appropriate to quantify the economic value of UGSs in such markets. Last, a mix of energy policy options is suggested which include regulatory reforms, support schemes and new energy infrastructures that could make the gas storage investments economically viable.

This paper aims to provide details of underwater robot technology and its applications.

Following an introduction, this article first discusses remotely operated vehicle (ROV) technology and applications and then considers their use in the emerging field of deep-sea mining. It then discusses autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) technology and its applications, including sub-sea gliders. Finally, brief concluding comments are drawn.

ROVs were first developed in the 1950s for military applications. They are now widely used by the offshore oil and gas sector and other industries and are being developed for deep-sea mining. AUV technology has progressed rapidly in recent years and AUVs, including sub-sea gliders, are now emerging from their original role in oceanographic research and finding growing uses in the defence and offshore energy sectors.

This provides a detailed insight into underwater robot technologies, products and applications.

Pipeline protection from Prodorife A range of coatings and lining systems designed to protect pipelines from corrosion are available from Prodorite Ltd. of Wednesbury, West Midlands WS10 7LT.