Hydro-Lek Wins Manipulators Orders for Manned Submersibles

Hydro-Lek have delivered four HLK-RHD 4 (4-function) manipulators and four HLK-CRA6 (6-function) manipulators to Canada-based submersible manufacturer, Nuytco Research Ltd, as part of their multiple contracts to deliver eight DeepWorker class manned submersibles to oil and gas contractors and naval groups.

The deliverables include Single DeepWorkers, each of which is fitted with 1 HLK-CRA6 and 1 HLK-RHD4 manipulator system and Dual DeepWorkers, each of which is fitted with 2 HLK-CRA6.

Hydro-Lek said it has been supplying Nuytco with highly dexterous robust manipulators for a number of years for use on their range of DeepWorker series of 600 meter and 1,000 meter depth-rated microsubmersibles, in both single pilot and pilot + Passenger configurations. DeepWorkers have been used all over the world for scientific, survey, construction, oilfield and tourism work.

With a lift capacity of 30kg, the Hydro-Lek HLK-CRA6 is a long reach, lightweight 6-function arm and incorporates a continuous jaw rotate assembly and four 30mm bore hydraulic cylinders. Weighing just 14 kg in water, it is compact and designed to fit into smaller submersibles for collecting sea bed samples but can also be used for a variety of other applications including as an extended camera or lighting platform.

The HLK-RHD4 is rugged but lightweight 4-function manipulator capable of lifting 90kg at 140 Bar and incorporates a continuous jaw rotate assembly and two 35mm bore hydraulic cylinders. Weighing 30 kg in water, it is often used for its powerful grab ability as well as its dexterity.

Each manipulator was supplied as a complete system including a bespoke Hydro-Lek valve pack, power pack and hoses and fittings.

This completes 50% of Nuytco’s current contract with final deliveries scheduled early 2015.

hydro-lek.com