Rotork Gears has successfully completed a fast-track contract to design and supply 22 specialised subsea valve gear operators for the Shell Exploration Penguins (Phase 1) project in the North Sea. The subsea gear operators will operate a range of ball valves at depths of up to 190m, approximately 150km from the Shetland Islands. In order to meet the strict demands of the contract, Rotork Gears successfully designed, manufactured and pressure tested all 22 units within a 10-week timescale. Designated Sub Sea Worm, the gear operators embody specialised design features to withstand the harsh challenges of the operating environment.
These include pressure compensation, high integrity sealing, Super Duplex input shafts and seal housings and high-visibility indication, together with direct and remote ROV docking facilities.
