Research and development

The development of innovative solutions to problems has been at the forefront of Jee's operations over the last few years. We have regularly worked with our clients to help improve their current products, whilst also looking at the potential for new ideas within the market.

In today’s competitive environment it is essential to remain at the cutting edge of technology, and by involving an external consultant such as Jee in research and development projects, our clients have found this beneficial in gaining a new insight into potential for improvement.  With the vast network of specialist consultants available to us, we can target specific areas which a client may not normally have the required skills to develop, bringing added value and input to a project.

Jee has also been actively involved in developing recommended practices and standards within the industry, through their involvement in a number of projects which include:

• Developing OTH 561 Guidelines for trenching submarine pipelines (HSE)
• Joint industry project on the development of recommended practices for testing mechanical connectors. Jee were subsequently responsible for the preparation of ISO 21329:2004 which codified these procedures
• PD 8010 – technical review and input to code of practice for pipelines

Product development
Jee has been involved in a wide range of projects, ranging from short studies on design of a component to the development, manufacture and testing of a complete product.  By involving Jee from the outset of a product’s development, our clients have found that it can be customised to meet their specific requirements.  Over the last few years, we have been involved in a number of projects that have led to a new or improved product entering the market, either specifically designed for the client or a development of a product which they intend to sell to their customers.  A few examples of these projects can be found below:

Diverless connection assembly tool (DCAT)
Jee worked in conjunction a client to develop a diverless connector assembly tool.  Taking the project through from concept development to fabrication and testing of the tool, Jee has developed a tool enabling the user to install mechanical connectors in a subsea environment without the need for divers.  Used in combination with Grayloc mechanical connectors and a remotely operated vehicle (ROV), operators can install the connectors onto pipelines and spoolpieces without the need for costly diver spreads or shutting down topside operations on nearby facilities.

Click the link below to access a flyer covering more details of this project:

Pipeline span monitoring equipment
Vortex induced vibrations (VIV) are commonly known to be a problem with spanning pipelines in the offshore sector.  To enable operators to effectively measure the movement of spans which are potentially prone to VIV, Jee has developed a system which attaches to the spanning section, allowing current and vibration measurements to be taken.  A detailed fatigue assessment can then be completed to determine whether remedial action is required.

Overtrawlable structures
Jee has worked with clients to develop subsea structures suitable for overtrawling from fishing gear, including both scale model flume tank tests and full-scale trials offshore.  This has also led to the development of a system capable of monitoring trawl door movement using accelerometers and load cells.  See the fishing interaction section for more details.

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