Underwater inspection provider Welaptega has used its optical chain measurement system (CMS), complete with new automated edge tracking software, to execute a subsea mooring inspection campaign for BP offshore Angola.
The project saw Welaptega use its new edge tracking data system and its patented CMS technology to inspect the mooring system of BP’s PSVM floating production, storage and offloading unit (FPSO), which is situated in Block 31 offshore Angola. The PSVM project is the deepest deepwater project in Africa.
Tyler de Gier, Welaptega’s general manager, said, “The warm waters found off the coast of Angola can lead to some of the highest corrosion rates around the globe and because of this it is vital that operators have accurate data on the integrity of their safety critical systems that are susceptible to corrosion. However, the near-constant long period swells and resulting vessel motions in this region make it a challenging area for deploying equipment and collecting measurement data.
“Our innovative optical CMS calliper allowed us to collect accurate data quickly and we were able to complete the full campaign ahead of our predicted schedule.”
The use of optics allows for diameter measurements to be taken from video frame grabs rather than requiring equipment to grip onto the chain, Welaptega explained. The tool gathers three measurements from a single placement. This means that deployment time is reduced, and the technology can complete an inspection 40% faster than traditional methods, according to Welaptega.
The CMS is made up of four video cameras (depth rated for 3,000 meters), integrated LED lighting control, and a topside digital recording system that collects video of the measurement locations. The new edge tracking software then allows the data to be processed and measurement results delivered offshore.