New Wave Media

 

The subsea LiDAR measurement, conducted offshore within the Mediterranean Sea, covered eight long spool metrologies with lengths greater than 90m and was completed in 24 hours. The project delivered considerable savings overall for the EPIC installation contractor and provided valuable 3D data for the end user, a oil and gas major.

 

“We are excited to have reached this milestone,” stated Neil Manning, chief business development officer, 3D at Depth. “The company has been committed to innovation and collaboration with oil and gas majors from the inception. As a result, this relationship has produced an IMCA-approved process for the utilization of our technology.”

 

3D at Depth first introduced subsea LiDAR metrologies for the offshore market 3.5 years ago in the Gulf of Mexico. This 300th metrology marks a significant milestone in the offshore survey market, as customers continue to see the clear advantages of subsea LIDAR laser metrologies over traditional laser scanning and conventional methods.

 

To date, the company has conducted metrology projects in the U.S., Europe, Mediterranean and Asia and has operated in up to 4,000 meters in depth. Each 3D at Depth subsea LiDAR (SL) laser system is powered by in-house patented algorithm software and customized optical design. Every metrology application leverages the unique features of subsea LiDAR technology which includes touchless, total beam control scans with ranges up to 45 meters during the data collection process.

 

From a client deliverable standpoint, every 3D at Depth LiDAR metrology delivers precise, repeatable, millimetric 3D point cloud data sets with reflectivity that can be exported into any existing GIS or CAD-based platform, providing an unparalleled baseline of subsea assets at the point of installation. (Reflectivity and longer-range measurement repeatability are unique features attributed to 3D LiDAR data sets and are essential for more precise 3D modeling, analysis and visualization.)

 

3D at Depth’s metrology projects have provided critical information in the areas of cost avoidance, risk mitigation and asset integrity. The positive impact 3D subsea LiDAR data sets provided include: highlighting incorrect as-built design data vs. the actual structure design; generating a 3D 1:1 scale models for wellhead fabrication, and showing potential risk hazards in the areas of vibration and subsidence. The success of each of these subsea LiDAR metrologies is based on the benefits derived from more advanced 3D data sets that only subsea LiDAR laser scans can deliver. 3D at Depth will continue to focus on best practices and future applications centered in the areas of leak detection, decommissioning, new field development and non-touch subsidence and asset condition monitoring.

 

The company has developed an immersive collaboration 3D  LiDAR VR Platform “Powered by IQ3”  that connects multiple users and key decision makers to their 3D subsea data via any laptop, desktop or smart device through a secure web portal.

 

Manning said3D at Depth will put on a joint presentation with Shell UK at Subsea Expo February, 7 at the Aberdeen conference center (AECC). The presentation is called ‘The New Metrology’ and focuses on a collaboration project at the Gannet C installation.

 

3D at Depth will also conduct workshops and demonstrations during Oceanology International 2018 in London.