Subsea Video Surveillance System Applications

Gas and Oil Leak Detection

Leaks do not generally get better with time. They get worse. Detecting leaks in the early stage allows time to develop an action plan to remediate the situation. Many early leaks are undetected by conventional pressure detection means. However, even the smallest bubbles of gas or drops of oil can be seen with the system. By observing these leaks early, action can be initiated to prevent major spills. Alternatively, known leaks in valves or other equipment can be monitored to assure that the leaks are not advancing beyond an acceptable level.

A leakage detection system is giving hydrocarbon leakage alarms. This is based on pattern recognition and image processing. The alarms are presented in the iScan presentation system. Without a video surveillance system, surface crews are literally blind in trying to understand the conditions at the subsea equipment. The video equipment provides the eyes for the operator to see the changing conditions of water currents, aquatic life and loose equipment.

Structural Monitoring

With the video surveillance system, operators can monitor the condition of the equipment in real time rather than periodically with remotely operated vehicle (ROV) inspections. Icing, scaling and hydrate growth can be seen accumulating rather than blindly trying to identify the reason for inoperable equipment caused by naturally occurring material that debilitates proper functioning of the subsea equipment.

The integrity of the structure can be monitored regularly and if a structural defect occurs, the operator can see it instantly rather than waiting for the next visit from the ROV. Early attention to structural damage not only can reduce the damage progression of the structure, but also reduces the likelihood of that structural damage progressing toward more catastrophic damage to the entire facility.

Valve Positions

During troubleshooting exercises, visual inspection of valves can be invaluable. With video access to actuated valves, operators have the piece-of-mind in knowing that the valves are where they are supposed to be.

Reduce ROV Inspection Frequency

Constant surveillance replaces the need for many ROV inspections. Since the video is constant and can be recorded, you have access to visual changes to the subsea system without waiting for or scheduling an ROV visit. A snapshot or video history of the equipment provides a valuable tool for comparing the changes in the subsea structure over time.