New Wave Media

 

TSC‘s ACFM array probe is a tool that can be installed on offshore structures to monitor the growth of surface breaking cracks, and Seatooth is a subsea wireless communications system immune to biofouling, surface noise and turbidity that provides communications through seawater and through the splash zone.

 

Combining the technologies together, Seatooth ACFM is a nonintrusive, easy to deploy wireless network solution which can be retrofitted to offshore structures and subsea assets. Seatooth ACFM units are user-configured to take readings as required, from once a minute to once per month.

 

Seatooth ACFM can be configured as standalone sensors or within subsea wireless networks. 

 

As standalone devices, information is harvested by fly-by ROV or a diver. When configured as a wireless network on offshore platforms, real-time data is streamed wirelessly through the splash zone to an asset management control station located either on the platform or on shore.

 

Seatooth ACFM systems come with an internal battery pack to support between five and 15 years of operation and are installed by light-class ROV deployed off platforms. 

 

“The ability to easily install the sensors to monitor aging assets means that the benefits of ACFM technology can now be offered even in the most challenging of environments,” said David Parramore, TSC’s Engineering and Operations Director. “The ACFM technique has received approvals from various organizations including DNV, Bureau Veritas, Lloyds Register and ABS. Standard practice documents covering ACFM have been issued by ASTM (E2261-03), ASME V and COFREND.”

 

Brendan Hyland, Chairman of WFS Technologies, said, “Seatooth ACFM delivers substantial cost savings to our customers along with improved quality of information. It is an essential tool for ageing asset management and lifetime extension strategies.”