Melhoria de medição de espessura submarina por ultrassom via ROV

Thickness measurement plays a crucial role in the management of pipelines and subsea equipment, checking their integrity status. The values obtained in the measurements impact the company's future expenses and income, value generation and SMS. This work presents concepts of thickness measurement by ultrasound using ROV, the study that was carried out to improve it, what improvements were applied, the results obtained by Petrobras and the next steps. The study involved analysis of ultrasound techniques and service reports, offshore and onshore submerged tests in laboratories, definition of professional capacity for employees to carry out inspections and meetings with manufacturers, ultrasound specialists, companies contracted by Petrobras and ABENDI. Among the improvements applied are: requirement for a certified professional for services; addition of new ultrasonic techniques and A-scan chart; adequacy of marination; applying a new handling adapter to the tool; improvement of service reports; expansion of tool measurements; preparation of a specific Petrobras standard for this type of inspection; patent development. As a result, there was a reduction in service times and operational stops due to technical failures and an increase in production time. Additionally, financial savings and greater quality and reliability of inspections and gains in HSE were generated. Consequently, this work brought solutions, knowledge and perspectives to the practices of this segment for the energy industry.