Underwater Laser Scanning Underwater Laser Scanning:For Subsea Pipeline InspectionFor Subsea Pipeline InspectionBy Jason Gillham, CEO, 2G Roboticsnderwater Laser based micro-bathymetry is becoming Critical Pipeline Featuresa new standard for subsea pipeline and asset inspection. Pipelines that are laid on the seabed are exposed to a num-UAs the industry moves to deeper and more hostile envi- ber of external hazards. Anchor drag damage, seismic activ-ronments for extraction of oil, technology to manage the risks ity, currents from the sea itself through to corrosion, pipeline involved in these environments are critical. This became most movement and erosion resulting in free-spans.evident during the Deepwater Horizon sinking in 2010 and the Anchor Drag Damagesubsequent free ? owing well. The economic and environmental Anchor drags can result in scoring and bending of the pipe-cost incurred whenever such events occur is a constant reminder lines. Assessing the optimal corrective action in these situ-of this need for responsible and safe continued operations. A key ations is highly valuable. By capturing a precise 3D model, aspect to this safe continued operation is inspection monitoring engineers can evaluate if the pipeline can be acceptable with-maintenance and repair (IMMR) activities. Major oil producers out signi? cant repair. When repair is a viable option, highly recognize this requirement and have begun to employ underwa- detailed data enables restorative planning with con? dence. ter laser scanning technology for a variety of applications. C & C Technologies is setting new standards for subsea asset Free Spansinspection through the use of underwater laser scanning tech- Sediment transport due to seabed currents can result in un-nology provided by2G Robotics. Laser scanning has a number supported pipeline spans (free-spans). As these spans grow, of bene? ts for close range inspection over traditional acous- the stress on the pipe increases as it holds up more and more tic techniques, providing 100x the resolution. This increased of its own weight. If these are not addressed they can lead to resolution lets operators see and measure details that were pre- failures and ultimately ruptures.viously unavailable. By reducing uncertainty about the condi- Both of these issues are critical to the longevity of pipeline tion of an asset, improved decision making is possible, thus assets and without highly precise information, it is possible to reducing risk and ensuring continued safe operation.. miss potentially critical information.Image above: Meshed laser based micro-bathymetry data with a single still picture of a buoyancy collar overlaid onto the data.April 201442 MTRMTR #3 (34-49).indd 42 MTR #3 (34-49).indd 42 4/9/2014 10:59:59 AM4/9/2014 10:59:59 AM