ARC Specialties integrates ATI Tool Changers into its automated solution for drilling riser connections in oil rigs

Offshore oil rig workers have some of the most labor intensive and hazardous jobs imagined, especially when it comes to handling the drilling riser connections. This job requires these workers to lift and torque down extremely heavy bolts onto the riser all while dealing with the hazards of being on the open ocean – heavy rain, high winds, and massive waves crashing into the rig. This already labor-intensive job becomes much more difficult and dangerous in this environment, much more than anything experienced in a typical factory.

Transocean, a leading offshore drilling contractor, partnered with ARC Specialties, a FANUC Authorized System Integrator, to automate the drilling riser connections in order to increase operator safety and achieve improved results.

Due to the unpredictable nature of these environmental conditions and the extreme stresses applied during fastening, ARC Specialties used two FANUC M-900iB/280 FoundryPro robots with enhanced rigidity for applications requiring ultimate precision and the ability to work in harsh environments. The robots are also equipped with FANUC Soft Float software and a custom torque tool which allows them to react to variances in workpiece precision and the extremely heavy torque load. In addition, iRVision® enables the robots to “see” the position of the bolts.

If that wasn’t enough, the application also required multiple tools in a very tight space to complete the job. ARC Specialties turned to ATI Industrial Automation to provide Heavy Duty Robotic Tool Changers that could provide the rigidity, strength, and reliability needed for this demanding challenge. The ATI Tool Changers were able to efficiently pass through all the required utilities needed for the tooling including, 3000 PSI hydraulic lines, EthernetIP signals, 7th axis servo signals, IO link signals, camera signals, and more.

The application is a resounding success! Operator safety has improved by removing skilled workers out of the dangerous red zones on the oil rig into other areas so they could perform value-added tasks. Higher levels of consistency were also achieved by using robotic automation. ARC Specialties also received FANUC America Corporation’s Innovative System of the Year Award for 2023.

For more information, please visit http://www.ati-ia.com.