New Wave Media

 

The CTS-3D underwater laser scanner, a handheld diver operated tool, integrates Savante’s 3D laser scanning technology into a compact, lightweight unit. It quickly creates an accurate, digital-virtual representation of submerged structures using a cloud of precisely-determined 3D points (a "surface point cloud"). Accompanied with photometric measurement of the intensity of optical energy at each measured point, these digital point cloud models are of photorealistic quality, offering full color and immense resolution: essential for monitoring structural issues such as progressive degradation or developing repair solutions for damaged infrastructure.

 

Dr. Grant Thomson, Savante Managing Founder said, “In 2005, we pioneered the development of our first SCUBA-diver operated laser scanner in support of a marine-science research project. The CTS-3D underwater laser scanner represents almost 15 years of continuous underwater laser technology development and enables assets to be surveyed dynamically and in minimal time without the need for mechanical tools such as calipers, rulers or impression-casting tools. Weighing less than 1kg in water, the tool is solid-state, making it robust for shallow water operations and extending to operations in 300m water depth.”

 

Thomson continued, “Whilst recent years have seen a renaissance in the application and data quality provided by 3D underwater laser scanning technology in the oil and gas energy sector we also stress the importance of recording 3D models of assets without physical contact. This guarantees the preservation of damaged or fragile components such as damaged valve stems or sealing faces during an inspection but critically it delivers a step change in diver safety. For example, the inspection of high inertia assets such as risers and conductors or mooring systems can now be achieved from a safe distance. In other important fields such as archaeology or forensic investigation; the Certus scanner enables subjects to be studied without necessarily the requirement to disturb them. ”

 

Savante said the first CTS-3D unit completed a shallow-water platform inspection contract in February 2017, and the first titanium-reinforced units will be available for sale in Q3 2017.