ROV core removal tool

ROV deep sea core drilling attachments

final batch of 12 ready for deployment
A batch of 12 core catchers for deep sea ROV core drilling

We were commissioned to manufacture a batch of 12 stainless steel core catchers for use by the national oceanography center on their Isis ROV. We were approached with the design concept and shown how it should work on the ROV but the big problem was that trials could only be done when doing the actual job at depth. There were some guesses as to what the material would be at the location but until the dive was done no one was really sure, for the initial prototype and our trials we were given a cinder block as it was the closest material that resembled what they had hoped to find.

Isis Deep Platform ROV
The Isis ROV deep sea platform

The Isis ROV is a lot bigger than it looks in the picture standing at over 8 feet tall it is packed with some very expensive and cool gadgets, inc HD and special cameras, special lighting to a titanium robotic arm!

ROV core removal tool
our initial trials with prototype in cinder block in use by hand applications

We needed to make a working proto type that had to be tested and approved by the client before the final batch of 12 were produced.
The cores were to be core drilled with a diamond core drill bit that would be driven by an underwater air driven motor held in one of the manipulator arms, but the issue was then retrieving the core sample after drilling as it was from deep sediment rock. The idea was to slip the core catcher over the core after drilling, then gently pull and wiggle it with the robotic arm manipulator, it would brake off whilst the teeth would dig in allowing it to be retained in the tube whilst it was removed from the rock bed.
We were given a cinder block as it was thought to be the closest material to the real stuff. 4 holes were cored so we could have a play.

first proto type gripper
the 1st prototype gripper
second proto type gripper
the 2nd prototype gripper
Third proto type gripper
the final protype gripper

We went through three design variations on the gripper before we got it working to how we thought it should work. We then presented it to the client for their own trials in their workshop with the ROV manipulator.

final batch of 12 ready for deployment
The finished assembled batch of 12 core catchers

The top T handles were T shaped as it is best for the robotic arm manipulator to grip onto and use, these were made so they could be unscrewed afterwards and removed so that the core could be slid out. The teeth dug into the core sample so it couldn’t fall our and the teeth were so good it was impossible to slide them the other way.
This was all machined, waterjet cut and welded in 316 grade stainless steel

final gripper design installed in the collection tube
a close up of the finished assembly showing the teeth on the gripper end
ROV core drill core remover in action
this is the view from the command room on the ship looking through the ROV cameras

You can see in this picture some of the camera views from the Isis ROV whilst at the bottom of the sea bed the two lower screens show the core catcher being deployed and in use at the bottom of the sea bed. The design worked perfectly!