International oil and gas contractor, Saipem, has extended the capability of its Sonardyne sixth generation (6G) acoustic positioning transponders, making them suitable for a range of subsea autonomous monitoring tasks.
The work to convert the Compatt 6 instruments into autonomous monitoring transponders (AMTs) was undertaken by engineers based at Sonardyne’s Brazilian headquarters in Rio das Ostras as part of a wider scope of work to inspect, service and re-calibrate Saipem’s inventory of Long BaseLine (LBL) acoustic technology located in the region, the company said.
“The 6G technology platform on which both Compatt 6 and AMT are built is very versatile, and enables users to upgrade and switch capability as their operational needs grow and stretch,” said Paul Smith , operations director of Sonardyne Brasil Ltda.
He added, “The engineering and equipment testing facilities we have here in Rio das Ostras meant the work to service Saipem’s LBL hardware and convert some of their Compatts to AMTs, could be completed without the cost and delays associated with sending equipment out the country. For our customers, this means they can get back to work and keep their projects and budgets on schedule. Something that the entire offshore industry is focussed on at the moment.”