Deep Sea Mooring has taken delivery of a first batch of RigLOK connectors, designed and manufactured by Balltec in the UK and certified by DNV-GL.
The RigLOK connectors are designed for hydro acoustic quick release of mooring lines, either in the event of iceberg or weather evasion, or to reduce anchor handling time during rig moves.
The RigLOK connectors have undergone factory acceptance testing and a series of sea trials to prove the effectiveness of the release-under-load mechanism and the acoustic trigger system.
Each completed RigLOK unit has been proof load tested and function tested, and a single unit has been used to perform a full test to MBL +40% of 84mm R5 chain MBL, and a series of release under load tests.
The acoustic system has been developed by Applied Acoustics specifically for the RigLOK connector. The acoustic tracking systems are used to guide underwater vehicles towards potential mines, with the aim of identifying and/or destroying the threat. The acoustic system has achieved independent approval from DNV-GL for use in the RigLOK system.