New Umbilical Emergency Disconnection Tool

Cutting tool specialist Webtool has developed an emergency disconnection tool (EDT) for subsea intervention systems. The Webtool EDT enables rapid cutting of umbilical multiple fluid transfer jumpers, electrical lines and tension wire, in the event the DP surface vessel drifts off-station.

As an integral part of either a workover tool or dedicated emergency disconnect package, Webtool EDT guillotine cutter is a simpler and quicker emergency disconnection than more complex multi-line stabplate systems, its manufacturer said. It offers considerable weight savings compared with other emergency disconnect systems, and is easily retrofit to intervention systems.

Within a well intervention emergency disconnect package, the umbilical is connected to a sacrificial hose and cable bundle, and securely positioned in the mouth of the Webtool EDT emergency cutter. This ensures the umbilical is severed in the correct place, within seconds. 

The hydraulically operated, Webtool EDT is able to cut up to 30 bundled 10,000psi rated hydraulic jumpers and electrical lines in an emergency disconnect situation, at water depths up to 3,000m. Once activated the umbilical is cut in a single operation. 

Webtool EDT, part of the Webtool range of cutting tools, designed and manufactured exclusively by Allspeeds Ltd., is designed for deployment for extended periods subsea and can be function tested in situ, ensuring the tool is ready for use in the event of an emergency.