Underwater inspection for deep ocean platforms
Continued development of offshore resources of oil, gas, and minerals, and ocean energy conversion is headed for operations in deeper waters. Based on present trends, future deeper water platforms will be larger, more complex and of different configurations. Structures and components that are relatively inaccessible will require special design considerations. IMR must be integrated into the overall design process after careful tradeoff considerations are made. Future IMR will continue to require divers and diving systems at the shallower depths, with remotely operated vehicles and compact manned systems handling deeper depths either tethered from topside decks or platforms, or built into the platform. Remotely operated vehicles or systems equipped with high quality visual aids and NDT may be built into the system on tracks or guideways. Also, techniques such as acoustic emission and vibration analysis could provide continuous monitoring for overall assessment before other means are deployed. Future deep-water IMR will require further research and development and application of the integrated systems engineering approach.
- Research Organization:
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Rockville, Maryland
- OSTI ID:
- 5458590
- Journal Information:
- Mar. Sci. Commun.; (United States), Vol. 9:3
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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