eSubsea deliver ROV Buckets, standardized or customised, cost efficient and high quality to the subsea oil and gas industry. The subsea ROV torque tool bucket dimensions are according to subsea industry codes as API 17D, API 17H and ISO 13628-8 standard torque tool interfaces. The buckets or receptacles covers the complete range of subsea torque tools and operation class 1 – 4, class 5 and operational class 6 – 7. There are two common bucket designs as shown below, one standard and on with a top support plate. For ball valves application, a 1/4 turn end stop and a position indicator could be integrated.

Fully Certified for Subsea Use

The API 17D ROV Buckets are designed for 30 years design life and are fully certified and traceable for temporary or permanent subsea use. Each item will be delivered with a documentation package including:

  • EN10204 Type 3.1 Material Certificate
  • Welding Casting Documentation (if applicable)
  • Paint and Coating Documentation
  • Stamped Serial Number on each Item

ROV Torque Tool Buckets

The API ROV buckets 17D/17H are used as torque tool receptacles and to provide docking, alignment and a rotary torque reaction mechanism for subsea ROV tooling inserted by the ROV manipulator arm. They are mounted to valves and other equipment that are operated by a subsea torque tool. The design of the interface is highly standardized, and the torque tool buckets dimensions and maximum design torque is specified in ISO13628-8. The design could incorporate various torque tool latching mechanisms. A minimum of 2 drain holes are included.

ROV Bucket Class 4

The most commonly used is the ROV Bucket class 4 17D, covering all classes from 1 to 4, which has a torque capacity of 2,700 Nm. The high-quality subsea ROV buckets API class 4 are available in low or high carbon steel, AISI 316L stainless steel, Lean Duplex (UNS 32304) and Super Duplex (UNS32760) and standardized with coating in Orange color (RAL 2004), other colours on request, using NORSOK System 7B paint system or Xylan in combination with stainless steel.

Torque Tool Interfaces and ROV Buckets Dimensions

The design of the interface is highly standardized, and the ISO ROV bucket dimensions and maximum design torque is specified in ISO13628-8 and API 17D and 17H. This ensure that the interface between various classes of torque tools and ROV buckets are compatible.

Protection by Plastic Bucket Covers

eSubsea design and deliver ROV bucket covers to protect them from debris and marine growth build up in the ROV torque tool receptacles. They can also be used as a valve lock to ensure the valve does not self-open or lock. The plastic covers can be easily installed and removed by ROV. The lightweight polyurethane covers are made to fit all classes.

ROV Valve Bucket Mounting

The ROV valve bucket is safely mounted to the valve bonnet by bolts with standardised bolt size and pattern. The valve drive is accessible through the hole in the bottom of the bucket. If the valve and piping have the capacity to absorb the reaction forces from the torque operation there is no need for more attachment points.

API ROV Bucket with 1/4 turn and end stop, ISO
ROV Bucket with 1/4 turn end stop and open close indicator

If the reaction is too high, the required reaction forces can be taken by supporting structure or valve panels and the version where there are bolt holes in the top plate of the bucket can be chosen. The ROV valve buckets can as an option be equipped with integrated 1/4 turn end stopper (quarter turn end stop) with a maximum torque for used on ball valves. In addition, the ROV buckets can also have integrated open close indicator plates O-X or open shut O-S . The marking could be stencilled or anti marine growth signage such as Aquasign.

Rotary High Torque Interface and Application

The ROV buckets or receptacles are used on subsea equipment such as Xmas trees, subsea template and manifolds, riser bases, pig launchers, control modules and distribution units or other components or units where a rotary override is required. The drive stem can be both horizontal or vertical.