Historical and Current Development of NDT tooling for ROVs

摘要

This presentation discusses the historical progression of divers, to small ROVs used as observation platforms, to one atmospheric diving suits (ADS), to NDT working class ROVs. Discussion will include the 1986 SonSub Challenger ROV inspection of HONDO, and the PROES ROV, 1988, inspection of Bullwinkle; their capabilities and limitations. Because of visual limitations of the ROVs to discern anomalies, ROV inspections died out in the 1990s, but ADSs filled in the gap. Sea Test Services (STS) developed advanced NDT tools for the ADS and ROV during this time, and presently, STS is involved in developing an inspection class ROV (ICR) that has the capabilities of cleaning, close visual inspection with high definition, MT, FMD, and grinding. This type of ICR could install advanced UT systems for an inspection of risers and pipeline welds. MMS' BOEMRE grant to study advanced technologies for BOP inspections will continue to advance the R&D of advanced NDT tooling for ROVs.