Advanced Field Proven Sonar Technology for Real-Time Mooring and Riser System Integrity Monitoring on Floating Assets

摘要

With increased scrutiny from insurance companies and regulators, operators require technologies that allow them to demonstrate that they can safely and reliably monitor the integrity of mooring line and riser systems in real-time, to identify problems before they occur. This requirement has until recently applied only to new build FPSOs, however with a growing number of FPSOs nearing the end of their original design life, there is increasing focus on technologies that can assist the operator in safely extending the life of the asset. Annual inspections by ROV although useful to provide close up inspection, do not provide real-time information in the event of a mooring line failure or problem with the risers. Through the clever use of multibeam sonar technology, operators can now have real-time 24/7 information on the presence and position of mooring chains, risers and umbilicals. Unlike other acoustic techniques, multibeam sonar does not require additional sensors mounted to each mooring chain or riser, therefore removing the need for deployment or regular maintenance and servicing by ROVs. The sonar system provides autonomous alarms in the event of mooring line failure or bend stiffener failure and the accurate sonar data can be used for further fatigue analysis assisting in the planned maintenance schedule. This unique technology was developed for BP and has been successfully deployed on an FPSO in the North Sea where it has provided round-the-clock integrity monitoring capability. This system was selected in 2013 as the primary safety critical mooring monitoring system for permanent deployment on the new build QUAD204 FPSO entering service in the North Sea in 2015.