Wireless Ultrasonic Thickness Measurement Patches for Subsea Asset Integrity Monitoring

Abstract This paper investigates using a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) to collect wall thickness measurements from wireless, ultrasonic, sensors installed on subsea assets. This technology has the potential to safely and cost-effectively extend the lifespan of subsea assets. The WAND (Wireless and Non-Destructive) system from Inductosense, is based on wireless, inductively coupling and has been extensively proven in topside applications. In this study a prototype WAND data collection module was developed and trialled for subsea applications. The battery-free, wireless sensors were installed on two subsea structures when brought to the surface for refurbishment. Once the structures were redeployed for subsea at depths around 200m, a ROV carrying the subsea data collector was used to collect the measurements from the sensors. The collected readings were transmitted to the surface via the ROV umbilical and live readings viewed from the ROV cabin. Further hyperbaric testing demonstrated that the technology can be used for long periods at depths of 3000m.