The Micro ROV for Offshore Surveys and
Inspections Oil Rigs and Pipelines
When pipeline surveys are required, the VideoRay is an excellent
tool for inspecting the path and ocean floor. Using a sonar along
with the VideoRay, the operator can carefully check all underwater
features. Because the flight is recorded, engineers and scientists
can carefully review the footage at a later date. Small and not
invasive, the VideoRay can fly close to the bottom without disturbing
sediment. The VideoRay is more portable than other work class or
inspection class ROVs and does not require special mobilization.
Case Study | Related
Articles | Suggested Configurations | Related
video: "Commercial
Inspection"
It was a Saturday night around 8 pm. The mobile phone of the on-call
Oceanscan engineer rang. On the other end of the line was an offshore
service company looking for an ROV that could be flown by helicopter
to an offshore facility. This is the kind of call we have received
many times from clients who want to inspect a hull or need to have
a quick look at a “dead” ROV or one that has been caught
in the thrusters of a vessel. Historically, we have proposed the
industry-standard “eyeball” size ROV. Often, however,
the client rejects the eyeball ROV because it is too big to transport
in the helicopter.
This night, however, our caller was in luck. We had the VideoRay
2000 ROV on the shelf, tested and ready to go. A light electric micro
ROV, the VideoRay was packed in two Pelican cases, both easily handled
by one man, with a total weight of less than 35 kg or 70 pounds.
The ROV submersible with 200 metres of tether were packed in one
rolling case. The other small briefcase-size case contained the control
box, which is operated from the surface. We discussed the size of
the VideoRay with the client, and he agreed that it was exactly what
he needed.
Our engineer agreed to meet the client at our office late that same
night. When he arrived, the engineer began to explain the controls
and operation of the VideoRay. It must be said that the client was
amazed and a bit worried when he saw VideoRay submersible, which
weighs in at 4 kgs or 8 pounds. Undaunted, the client left the office
with the VideoRay in the trunk of his car, with the plan to catch
the helicopter the next morning.
On the Monday morning, we received a call from an irate operations
manager suggesting we had a lot of nerve renting a VideoRay to his
company for this job. He didn’t believe the VideoRay could
possibly perform the task at hand, which was to begin the next day.
Our office assured him that if the VideoRay did not perform satisfactorily,
there would be no charge for the hire. He hung up, and although we
were confident the VideoRay would perform reliably, we waited for
his call the next day, and the next day, and the next. But the call
never came.
While our experiences with the VideoRay had been excellent, we were
unaware of precisely how the VideoRay was to be used on the project.
When the VideoRay returned after successfully completing the job,
we were fascinated and surprised to learn the details. Apparently,
the workclass ROV on the rig had broken down, and the client wanted
action quickly. Due to the location, it was impossible to get a replacement
ROV sent out in time unless it could be transported by helicopter
(hence the call to Oceanscan). In principle, the job was simple:
a BOP was being raised from the seabed and its passage to the surface
had to be monitored by the ROV.
In this application, the client attached the VideoRay to a taught
wire instead of flying the submersible on its tether. Though the
VideoRay could handle the current, the transponder the client wanted
to attach was too large to add to the submersible, which is 14 inches
long (350 mm), 9 inches wide (225 mm), and 8.5 inches high. Using
the taught wire also allowed the crew to lower VideoRay with a great
deal of control while preventing the possibility of snagging it on
other lift lines.
A little creativity went a long way, and the solution was cost effective.
The rig time saved by using the VideoRay was considerable. To mobilize
another workclass ROV would have taken several days and required
the use of a dedicated vessel to get it to the location. Major downtime
was prevented, the job was completed, and the client was pleased.
Because the VideoRay hits the mark in so many situations, we have
invested in a quantity of VideoRay micro ROVs and partnered with
the U.S manufacturer to be appointed as its global “Approved
Rental Partner.” This agreement, in force since December 2001,
has made Oceanscan the proud owners of the largest pool of VideoRays
in the world. So far we have purchased 12 units, ranging from the
early model 2000 up to the latest VideoRay PRO II, complete with
obstacle avoidance sonar and mini manipulator.
Oceanscan Ltd, based in Aberdeen Scotland, is a service company
specialising in supplying high-tech equipment and personnel to the
global Subsea Oil and Gas Market. We have a network of agents located
in the USA, Singapore and Norway. Over the last 18 months, we have
invested in new products at an unprecedented rate. Our rental pool
of highly sophisticated ROV, survey and inspection equipment is large
and comprehensive, and we are able to provide for-hire equipment
and staff that can endure the harshest environments experienced by
the offshore survey industry.
Many of the products we have bought are industry standards, such
as the Octans fibre optic gyros, Reson multibeam systems, Tritech
sonars and bathymetric system, and a myriad of NDT equipment. However,
we are always looking for products with promise for the offshore
market. Over the years this has included the TSS340 pipetracker and
the Edgetech ROV mountable Sub Bottom Profiler, both of which are
now well-established products.
Oceanscan purchased the first VideoRay because we could see potential
for its use in inshore markets. At that time, we did not really consider
it for offshore use. Instead, we targeted the usual inshore survey
and diving companies who considered its size and portability a benefit
for accessing remote and confined areas. However, its compact size
proved to be the springboard for acceptance in to the offshore market.
The VideoRay’s size makes it a marvel of engineering, but don’t
let it fool you. As this project proves, it is a micro ROV with serious
capabilities, proven reliability, and a robustness that brings us
confidence as we rent out the VideoRay for two upcoming offshore
jobs.
Back
to top
Back to top
For oil rig inspections, we recommend the VideoRay
Pro III with:
For pipelines, we recommend the VideoRay
Pro III with:
Back to top
|
