TECHNOLOGY
TECHNOLOGY
OceanTools Launch World’s Most Advanced Leak, Dye and Cement Detection System
Fugro’s Remote Technology Aids Safe and Efficient Construction of North Sea Link
When OceanTools initially set out to develop a world-leading dye detection system, it was determined to create the best possible solution to introduce to the industry. By connecting their in-house skills with world leaders in optical technology, OceanTools could offer its clients a ground-breaking development. Dr Thangavel Thevar, Dr Nicholas Burns and their colleague, Emeritus Professor John Watson of Aberdeen University, acknowledged leaders in this technology, were influential in the development of the new instruments now available globally. With an accelerated development program, the DyeTector™ range of optical detection systems emerged just six months later. The DyeTectors use advanced optical techniques that shine an intense, focussed, light onto a dye, causing it to fluoresce. The fluorescence is then detected by a sophisticated detector unit with the ability to identify light down to single photons. A dye may be added to leaking subsea infrastructures and control systems with the leaks detected either by Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) or by a diver. The systems have the ability to rapidly detect even the smallest of leaks – just a few parts per billion – therefore saving money and protecting the environment. Additionally, the DyeTectors have the capability to detect the presence of cement returning to the surface during offshore drilling operations. This detection leads to operational and cost efficiencies by saving significant hours of rig time as well as reducing costs due to using less cement.
In addition to advanced leak detection technology, OceanTools produce some of the finest subsea cameras and lighting systems. The product range is in high demand with customers in all regions of the world, having recently supplied units to USA, Sweden, Singapore and Australia. The OceanTools subsea design department has also seen increased activity designing deepwater pressure housings for entities as varied as the National Institute of Ocean Technology in India, Proeon Systems Ltd in Norwich and, completing the circle, to Aberdeen University. To drive growth and enhance market resilience, OceanTools invested heavily in CNC machinery at the height of the COVID crisis. “While others were considering reducing the size of their workforce, we decided to aggressively pursue the opportunities that presented themselves,” said Parker. “We are delighted this growth strategy has created new job prospects and has resulted in a 50% increase in our workforce.”
“ The market response to the DyeTector range has been fantastic and we are delighted to have already sold, and secured rental contracts, for systems globally including Australia, West Africa, Azerbaijan and Houston,” said Kevin Parker, managing director, OceanTools. “The Feedback from our customers has been extremely positive and we have received nothing but praise for the DyeTector system.”
In July, Fugro finished supporting the installation of two 2.5 km cable as part of the North Sea Link project, the ongoing construction of an electricity link between Kvilldal in Norway and Blyth in the UK. When completed, the North Sea Link will be the longest subsea interconnector in the world. Connecting the UK and Norwegian renewable energy markets benefits the two countries by better managing fluctuations in supply and demand, and boosting the security of energy supplies. Blyth and Kvilldal are strategic locations for renewable energy infrastructure: Blyth hosted the UK’s first offshore wind farm and is home to the National Renewable Energy Centre Catapult research facility, and Kvilldal is the site of Norway’s largest hydroelectric power station. Working closely with their client, Nexans, Fugro provided remotely operated vehicle (ROV) survey and monitoring support services to install the two high-voltage power cables through a mountain and along a Norwegian lakebed, at a depth of 210m. The project involved a full year of planning and preparation and a month to execute onsite.
Nexans to monitor the project from any location and therefore minimise the number of personnel onsite, which was vital for ensuring compliance with Covid-19 regulations. Throughout the project, no downtime was logged against any of the Fugro equipment. The successful role that Fugro played in this high-profile project illustrates the safety and efficiency benefits of deploying ROVs controlled by onshore ROCs. With its continued investment in remote technology, Fugro looks forward to playing an increasing role in constructing and maintaining crucial renewable energy infrastructure.
Fugro utilised ROVs to monitor the cables’ underwater positioning and installation, and deployed their InclinoCam technology, which was originally designed to measure piles for wind turbines, to monitor the cables’ departure angles, in a successful first such application of this proprietary technology. Harnessing remote solutions removed the need for a worker to stay onsite to physically monitor and interpret the angles, which improved operational safety and data accuracy. The installation Geo-data were streamed back to Fugro’s remote operations centre (ROC) in Aberdeen for real-time monitoring and project support, including near-real-time processing. This remote strategy not only ensured operational continuity but also allowed
Fugro’s remote technology has helped install the two power cables, improving operational safety and data accuracy (image courtesy of Nexans)
VideoRay ROV Protected by Bender Insulation Monitoring VideoRay is a leader in underwater Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) technology, serving the world’s Navies and Coast Guards since 1999. The VideoRay Defender and Pro 5 have seen significant growth in use, especially in military applications. The underwater ROVs help prevent terrorism, find and retrieve objects, inspect infrastructure both inland and offshore, and keep divers safe from hazardous conditions. VideoRay specialise in one-man, portable and reliable underwater systems. Their vehicles assist in increasingly challenging situations with owners trusting their ROV’s to help them perform in the most demanding environments and missions.
VideoRay utilise Bender insulation monitoring technology to provide continuous monitoring of the ROV power system. The power system for the ROV is isolated and by employing an insulation monitor as part of VideoRay’s control console, the power system and umbilical power cable remain undamaged and safe in the unlikely event of an earth fault. Should excessive current leakage occur Bender’s insulation monitor will detect this, and an alarm will trigger and indicate that the system has experienced a fault, tripping as a result. The specified ISOMETER® isoRW425 ensures predictive monitoring of the de-energized ungrounded umbilical cable that runs to the ROV. Only the control console is initially energized so the user knows ahead of time if an earth fault issue exists prior to powering the ROV. This insulation monitoring device is preferred due to its robust performance. It is also used rail applications where excessive vibration, shock, and movement of the Bender device is required without compromising performance. This feature was popular with VideoRay since the installation is located in a portable operator control console that is moved from one ROV deployment to another and often used in harsh environments.
OceanTools DyeTector
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Subsea UK News | October 2020
VideoRay Defender
Bender insulation monitoring technology is widely used by ROV manufacturers to ensure electrical safety for man and machine.
Subsea UK News | October 2020
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