subctest

The SubCTest project will develop novel prototype robotic manipulators that can be deployed from ROVs for the inspection of sub-sea platform structures (including those in deep water) using developed NDT techniques and systems that can be applied for the examination of critical welds in steel platform support jackets and also detect and evaluate corrosion/erosion in risers and import/export pipelines carrying hydrocarbon products.

The NDT techniques, systems and sensors to be developed for sub-sea ROV deployment via purpose built marinised sub-sea robotic manipulators developed in the project include:

Alternating Current Field Measurement (ACFM) for the surface and near surface examination of critical sub-sea jacket welds on structural tubulars, support legs and node sections.
Phased Array Automated Ultrasonic Testing (PA - AUT) for the volumetric examination of critical sub-sea jacket welds on structural tubulars, support legs and node sections
Long Range Ultrasonic Testing (LRUT) using guided ultrasonic waves for the examination of sub-sea flow lines, oil & gas import and export lines, risers and jacket legs for corrosion and other volumetric defects

The project will also develop:

Sub-sea data link will be developed for transfer inspection data from the NDT sensor systems via periodic intervention by the ROV. This objective will be achieved when the ultrasonic A-scan data from the PA-UT and LRUT sensor systems and the field amplitude and phase data from the ACFM sensor system can be transferred to the base station at the surface where it can be processed and analysed to detect and measure defects.
Prototype scanning manipulators that can inspect the specified agreed configuration(s) using ACFM and PA-AUT and incorporating cameras for visual inspection and observing sensor movement.. This objective will be achieved when the ACFM and PA-UT sensors are able to track along a pre-planned scan path (usually following a weld) or the LRUT bracelet of transducers can be clamped around a pipe.