2G Robotics underwater laser scanning systems are being widely used to understand pipeline damage due to anchor drags. From the Middle East to the North Sea and the Gulf of Mexico, damage due to anchor drags is relatively common, and certainly a situation requiring further investigation. 2G Robotics ULS-100 and ULS-200 systems have been deployed around the world on multiple projects to assist with this application.
Since a complete sever from an anchor drag is rare, damage may not be cause for immediate repair. To determine how to deal with the damage in the most cost effective manner, whether this be simply requiring continued observation, or requiring additional bracing, the precise geometry collected by the ULS systems ensures that engineers and asset owners have the measurements they need to make an optimal decision.
The ULS-100 and ULS-200 systems have been deployed by both diver and ROV to the seabed and positioned in front of the damaged pipe segments. Holding the laser scanner stationary relative to the pipeline, the internal laser actuator passes the emitted laser light over the target surface, collecting high resolution digital 3D point clouds with sub-millimeter precision.
This content is available after accepting the cookies.
The 3D point clouds have been exported to CAD software to create 3D models of the damaged subsea pipeline segments. Using these 3D models, structural and flow analysis (FEA and CFD) was performed, based on the damaged condition. Using this analysis and given acceptable operating parameters, engineers were able to, with a high degree of confidence, determine the most cost effective course of action. When repair was required, risks involved in the repair operations were significantly reduced by having accurate 3D models of the current condition.
With an in depth understanding of the state of pipelines, damage was quantified and repairs prioritized, ensuring continued safe operation of the pipeline and minimizing the risk of unnecessary, unscheduled downtime.
Press Release, February 04, 2014