Offshore staff
BOULOGNE-BILLANCOURT, France – Vallourec, FORSSEA Robotics, and iXblue are working to develop a pipeline inspection solution combining subsea drones and the use of visual markers, removing the need for surface vessels.
Traditionally, the inspection of subsea pipelines and structures requires the use of a surface vessel (manned or unmanned) with acoustic positioning used to monitor the deployment of AUVs or ROVs. These subsea vehicles then collect the required information – such as a pipeline’s general aspect and route, anode consumption, free span, burial and crossing areas – using observation sensors.
In order to reduce pipeline inspection operational costs, the three companies decided to develop a solution using visual markers directly integrated on subsea pipelines that enables vessel-free subsea navigation.
The project relies on barcodes placed on installed pipes, resulting in many passive positioning references logged with their own coordinates during the laying operation which will remain accessible throughout the life of the field. These markers would be used as navigation aids for subsea drones equipped with FORSEEA cameras and iXblue’s inertial navigation system that relay the pipelines’ locations to the operators. This removes the need for acoustic positioning systems and costly mother vessels.
To remain visible to divers and subsea drones throughout the project’s lifespan, these markers are long-term resistant to marine growth and erosion, the companies said.
Jean-Guillaume Besse, Vallourec R&D project leader, said: “This technology had already proven itself on large structures in the field. Back in January of this year, we did a first sea trial on much smaller surfaces – down to pipes of 6-in. in diameter – in the south of France. The tests were a success, proving that these markers, combined with iXblue’s and FORSSEA’s expertise, can be used to provide accurate subsea positioning without the need of acoustic systems.”
09/25/2020
