Precision Under Pressure: ROV-Installed Clamp Restores Offshore Injection Line

Mission Critical: ROV-Installed Pipeline Repair Restores Offshore Injection Line in Angola

Water injection lines are the backbone of offshore oil production. When they fail, the pressure is on; literally and figuratively. Rice Resource Technologies works with one of the best pipeline repair product manufacturers in the world: PLIDCO. While this recent example of ingenuity occurred in Angola, we thought the story was too good not to share. It demonstrates what’s possible when precision engineering, expert collaboration, and trusted products come together under pressure.

A Remote Repair Where Divers Couldn’t Go

A significant leak on a 10-inch water injection line off the coast of Angola brought operations to a halt. The cause was a compromised 900# flange assembly located 80 meters beneath the ocean surface. With divers unable to reach the site, the operator, Stapem Offshore, turned to its ROV division, Film-Ocean, to lead the subsea response. Together with PLIDCO, they engineered a solution built specifically for remote installation.

A Solution Built for the Environment and the Deadline

PLIDCO engineered a Flange Repair Split+Sleeve to fully encapsulate the damaged flange and seal the leak without welding. Using 3D photogrammetry provided by Film-Ocean, the PLIDCO team captured precise measurements (outer diameter, flange face, stud lengths, and ovality) to ensure a perfect fit.

Manufactured to ASME Section VIII Division 2 standards at PLIDCO’s facility in Strongsville, Ohio, the clamp featured corrosion-resistant finishes, cathodic protection via attached anodes, and sealing elements selected for the pipeline’s fluid and temperature conditions. A custom Walker Subsea buoyancy attachment allowed for safe and accurate placement by an observation-class ROV.

Technical Support That Made the Difference

PLIDCO dispatched experienced service technicians offshore to support the Film-Ocean team during installation. Their real-time guidance helped ensure a flawless installation. Once in position, the clamp passed an eight-hour hydrostatic test with no pressure loss and zero leakage—restoring operation without diver intervention.

From Shutdown to Restart with Confidence

Thanks to this engineered solution, the operator avoided further downtime, minimized environmental impact, and ensured personnel safety. This successful offshore collaboration is a reminder of what’s achievable when trusted partners bring deep expertise to high-stakes situations.

Have a Piping Issue That Standard Solutions Can’t Fix?

We’d love to help. Rice Resource Technologies works closely with PLIDCO to bring proven, high-integrity repair solutions to critical infrastructure across North America. Reach out to us today to discuss how we can provide peace of mind in high-pressure situations.