Sonomatic
recently delivered an innovative and sustainable subsea inspection solution for a long-standing client, setting a new benchmark in integrity management.
The project revisited a water injection riser base spool last inspected in 2010, where limited access necessitated point thickness readings. New evidence of corrosion prompted the need for a more comprehensive inspection aligned with the client’s goal to reduce carbon emissions.
Sonomatic’s Engineering Design & Development (E2i) team adapted the Stingray scanner to address these needs. Modifications included ROV deployment capability, enhanced access to pipe bends, and a bespoke inspection head for the 6 o’clock region. The scanner was designed to map corrosion across the pipe’s extrados and, if necessary, achieve full 360° coverage by scanning the intrados. A custom lifting mechanism was integrated to protect inspection probes during deployment and recovery.
Before deployment, the solution underwent rigorous Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) using a pipe sample replicating offshore conditions. This allowed refinements based on client and offshore representative feedback. Offshore execution in the North Sea faced challenges, including rough weather and marine growth. Despite these hurdles, the team successfully collected high-resolution corrosion data, giving the client a clear understanding of the spool’s condition.
This project highlights Sonomatic’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and excellence. By leveraging advanced ROV-deployed technology, the team minimised environmental impact while delivering a tailored solution to complex inspection challenges.