National Oilwell Varco (NOV), Houston, purchased a production and welding automation solution from Pemamek (PEMA), Finland, for their offshore oil drilling risers fabrication. The solution is said to be one-of-a-kind and will replace current manual welding procedures. NOV is a worldwide leader in providing major mechanical components for land and offshore drilling rigs, complete land drilling, and well servicing rigs, tubular inspection and internal tubular coatings, drill string equipment, extensive lifting and handling equipment, and a broad offering of downhole drilling motors, bits, and tools.
NOV has been using manual welding since last decades in welding drilling risers. NOV acquired a Pema welding automation solution to its operation in Brazil to further develop the company’s success. The welding automation helps improving productivity and quality. Therefore, it was time to consider automated welding and production in riser fabrication.
NOV negotiated with PEMA on the most advanced welding automation solution for their needs. The riser welding station is in the heart of the factory and in the key role of the fabrication. NOV concluded an agreement with PEMA on designing, manufacturing and delivering oil drilling riser fabrication unit—PEMA Tube Welding Lines—that include automatic cutting, beveling, and welding.
The technology is ideally applicable in offshore industry and is the most advanced welding automation solution for riser fabrication in the world. The main target for NOV is to reduce production costs significantly. The other target is to have new production technology that is most advanced and gets the company well ahead the competitors. With this new machinery and solution NOV will get highest productivity for their riser fabrication and less dependent on availability of classified welders.
