Robotic Technology Enables Automated Nondestructive Weld Inspection in Subsea Zone

Jacket structures all over the world are now reaching the limit of their estimated service life, but new discoveries and improved production methods require lifetime extension of the assets. The complete paper presents an automated underwater robot and a nondestructive testing (NDT) eddy-current probe for alternating-current field-measurement analysis of jacket main welds. This robot makes integrity testing, which often is required for lifetime extensions, possible.

Introduction

Jacket lifetime calculations are based on long service intervals. Some welded braces in the splash zone often are considered unserviceable because of the hostile environment.