Oceaneering has launched a deepwater Phased Array ultrasonic inspection capability for subsea applications down to 3,000 m.

The new system is already validated for use by a number of operators following trials carried out in Houston.

Oceaneering said the system can speed up subsea asset integrity assessment on rigid or flexible pipeline and riser systems, significantly reducing operator costs in diver, ROV and vessel hire.

High resolution wall thickness and corrosion mapping is rapidly performed using 64 element “Paint Brush” transducers, with full volumetric weld inspection carried out in a single pass using a variable angle probe carriage.

The system is deployed by ROV using Oceaneering’s Neptune scanner—the first deepwater ultrasonic scanner, that has been in global subsea service since 2009.

It has collected valuable asset integrity data for subsea operators at depths down to 1,800 m in the Mediterranean, the Gulf of Mexico, Norwegian and West African offshore sectors.

Oceaneering said, “Phased Array (PA) or multielement transducers have been in use topside for a number of years. This is the first time they have been fully marinised. The graphic PA imagery brings enhanced data collection and analysis to subsea asset operators.”