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Simplicity Slides in Underwater Drills

Simplicity Slides in Underwater Drills

Underwater Drill Application Story

Repairing underwater oil pipelines

Deep underwater in the Gulf of Mexico, PBC Linear is providing smooth and precise linear motion for submarine oil pipeline maintenance and repair. Using PBC Linear self-lubricating Simplicity® products with patented Frelon J® liner for long-lasting wear life, an engineering company who specializes in designing custom-need products crafted a drill supported by PBC Linear control and guidance. This  underwater drill allows for highly accurate and targeted repair of submarine oil pipelines that funnel a wide assortment of fuels to the US.

Components:

Simplicity Linear Slide: 2HCR

Retrofit or OEM:

OEM

Problem:

Submarine oil pipelines periodically require maintenance and repair; however, since they are located on the bottom of the ocean floor, specialty equipment is needed to complete the task.

Solution:

An underwater drill using PBC linear's Simplicity Linear Slide technology allows for subtle and fine tuned repairs to be made.

Submarine oil pipelines lie on the waterbed in lakes, rivers, and in this case, gulfs. They are utilized for transportation of fuels such as natural gas, kerosene, diesel fuel, and propane. These pipes periodically require maintenance and repair; however, since they are located on the bottom of the ocean floor, a special drill assembly is needed to complete the task. The entire repair operation necessitates the drill to be man-operated, since the drilling and repairing entails subtle and careful fine tuning. Designed with PBC Linear’s 2HCR linear slide, the drill assembly could be easily adjusted and calibrated by hand, even underwater.

The PBC Linear solution

The 2HCR hand crank linear slide provides specialized linear motion and exceptional control. Outfitted with proprietary stainless steel Simplicity self-lubricating bearings, shafting, and Frelon J liner for enhanced corrosion resistance, the 2HCR linear slide is well-suited for the underwater environment, constant salt water immersion, and load capacities required for the application. The cast aluminum counterbalanced hand crank with ball screw lock puts the control solely in the operator’s hands and facilitates easy modification and use. The end result is a highly accurate drill that can carefully bore through the concrete oil pipes for enhanced maintenance and repair.

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