Seatooth® and ACFM® join forces to deliver intelligent subsea wireless crack monitoring
06/12/2016
WFS Technologies and TSC have launched Seatooth ACFM, a wireless smart NDT monitoring solution designed to reduce subsea inspection costs.TSC‘s ACFM array probe range is a leading inspection equipment solution that can be installed on offshore structures to monitor the growth of surface-breaking cracks, while Seatooth is an established subsea wireless communications system that provides reliable communications through seawater and through the splash zone.
Combining the technologies, Seatooth ACFM is a non-intrusive wireless network solution that is easy to deploy and can be retrofitted to offshore structures and subsea assets. Seatooth ACFM units are user-configured to take readings as required, from once a minute to once per month.
Seatooth ACFM can be configured as standalone sensors or within subsea wireless networks. As standalone devices, information is harvested by a fly-by remotely operated vehicle (ROV) or a diver. When configured as a wireless network on offshore platforms, real-time data is streamed wirelessly through the splash zone to an asset management control station located either on the platform or onshore, for ongoing live monitoring. Additionally, Seatooth carries the benefits of being immune to biofouling, surface noise and turbidity.
Seatooth ACFM systems come with an internal battery pack to support between five and 15 years of operation and are installed by a light-class ROV that can be deployed from platforms.
“The ability to easily install the sensors to monitor ageing assets means that the benefits of ACFM technology can now be offered even in the most challenging of environments,” said David Parramore, TSC’s Engineering and Operations Director. “The ACFM technique has received approval from various organisations, including DNV, Bureau Veritas, Lloyd’s Register and ABS. Standard practice documents covering ACFM have been issued by ASTM (E2261-03), ASME V and COFREND.”
Brendan Hyland, Chairman of WFS Technologies, stated: “Seatooth ACFM delivers substantial cost savings to our customers along with improved quality of information. It is an essential tool for ageing asset management and lifetime extension strategies.”
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