2G Robotics recently delivered two deep-rated ULS-500 subsea laser systems to Oceaneering International, Inc.’s business unit, Oceaneering Survey Services (C&C Technologies) ("Oceaneering"), a leading provider of deepwater seafloor mapping services, subsea surveys and satellite positioning. Including these two ULS-500 systems, Oceaneering now utilizes six of the ULS-500 systems with its Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) as part of its advanced survey and inspection services for assessing pipeline and flowline integrity. Oceaneering has used the 2G Robotics ULS-500 system to accurately and efficiently inspect 2500 kilometers of pipeline and flowline.
2G Robotics’ innovative laser systems consistently deliver value through performance. Oceaneering has been using the ULS-500 since 2013 to perform dynamic flowline and pipeline inspections with its AUVs. The ULS-500 can be used to perform high-quality stationary scans, but the system delivers even greater operational value when integrated with subsea vehicles to perform dynamic scanning. The ULS-500 is specifically designed for dynamic scanning with development focused on subsea vehicle integration, high sample rates, and timing synchronization for efficient and accurate data acquisition.
The dynamic scanning capabilities of the ULS-500 continue to benefit Oceaneering’s survey and inspection system. Dynamic scanning with the ULS-500 notably increases operational efficiency compared to traditional sonar and acoustic techniques as the high sample rates of the system allow for faster vehicle traversal for faster inspections. With dynamic scanning, one of the critical features is precision time synchronization since inaccuracies with time synchronization will produce inaccuracies with model generation. The ULS-500 uses PPS (pulse per second) time synchronization as it provides better timing accuracy than a standard NTP (network time protocol) time synchronization approach, ensuring better data accuracy.
Data accuracy is critical for proactively detecting, preventing, and mitigating costs and risks associated with asset failure. The 3D point cloud models generated by the ULS-500 provide Oceaneering with the detail needed to accurately assess pipelines, flowlines, mats, sleepers, and collars, and measure displacements, deformations, spans, anodes, and top-of-pipe. The high density of the data equips Oceaneering with the best information possible for making informed decisions and ensuring continued safe offshore operations.