The plug launcher was built on technology used in Balltec’s recently developed flangeless subsea pig launcher, a subsea tool used to deploy a pig into a pipeline without the need for a bolted flange connection or diver intervention.
The launcher was redesigned to accommodate a larger smart plug of 4.5 metres in length with a mass of 1500 kilograms. The plug launcher gripping mechanism was built to withstand pressure of up to 120 bar from within the 20-inch producing pipeline.
Gunnar
