UTEC provided a positioning solution for the installation of a monopod liquid natural gas platform and 30km 10in LNG pipeline for a major operation located in Alaska’s Cook Inlet. A total of 24 field personnel were mobilized and engaged with Coda Octopus for use of their Echoscope technology to provide positioning and survey services for five vessels.
 |
|
Image from UTEC. |
The cutting-edge project was the first monopod installation in the Cook Inlet for 25 years and was the first time that four Echoscope systems operated simultaneously. The intended use of the Echoscope sonars was a final verification of the deployment position, but due to poor visibility caused by tidal changes, 6-7 knot currents and heavy silt, UTEC chose to use multiple Echoscopes in combination with measurements for completion of the installation.
The Echoscope provides a real-time 3D detailed, geo-referenced image of moving and static subsea hardware and features – even in low to zero visibility conditions. Three Echoscopes were installed on the pipelay barge (one on the bow, one on the aft and one on the end of the stinger). This combination allowed monitoring of touchdown and pipe position in the stinger as well as identification of potential hazards on the route.
Utilizing four Echoscopes simultaneously allowed the monopod to be seen as it was lowered to accurately position it onto a kingpile. By taking an innovative, solutions driven approach, UTEC and their client were able to see operations in real-time; rotate the viewing perspective and make measurements. Combining the measurements and on-screen images resulted in increased efficiency and accurate positioning of pipelines, mattresses and the monopod.
“This was an exciting project. Working with UTEC to deploy four Echoscopes for concurrent operations in this harsh and complex environment not only allowed real-time visualization and measurement in low visibility conditions, but also enabled the task to be done safely and within record time. The Echoscope technology allows service providers such as UTEC to deliver viable and efficient solutions to customers giving them an edge in these challenging times for the oil and gas industry,” Blair Cunningham, Coda Octopus president of technology said.
Subscribe
