OTC 23499

Using 3D Subsea Inspection Technologies for Pipeline Incident Response

Marie MacCormick, Anthony Hall; Welaptega Marine Limited

Copyright 2012, Offshore Technology Conference

This paper was prepared for presentation at the Offshore Technology Conference held in Houston, Texas, USA, 30 April3 May 2012.
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Abstract
Lack of preparedness in subsea pipeline incident response following unexpected damage results in delays in
bringing a pipeline back into operation. Methods for identification, investigation, evaluation and assessment; and
subsequent repair can be pre-arranged to enable efficient response to damage events.
This paper presents two subsea inspection technologies that enable operators to perform routine pipeline surveys,
and investigate, quantify, analyse, and repair pipeline damage:
High Definition 3D Video
Welaptegas recently developed high definition 3D video camera system is deployed by ROV to capture high
definition stereoscopic video footage, enabling operators to identify damage such as gouges and pitting during
real-time inspection.
The HD3DV system can be deployed to perform routine inspections and to capture detailed 3D footage of damage
locations to fulfill the requirements for identification and investigation in pipeline incident response.
Photogrammetric 3D Modelling
3DModelling uses advanced photogrammetric techniques to generate geometrically accurate 3D models of
components from 2D digital still images. Matching pixels are identified between overlapping photos, and geometry
is calculated through a series of iterations based on the pixels relative positions. 3D models are scaled with
respect to the known offset between cameras or an object of known dimensions placed on the component.
Resulting 3D models represent particular pipeline geometry and can be measured to quantify critical dimensions
such as pipeline curvature, cross-sectional areas, and gouge depths, widths, and heights. 3D models can also be
exported in formats compatible with finite element method software packages for stress/strain analysis. If a clamp
is required for pipeline repair, the 3D model can be exported to industry-standard CAD (computer-aided design)
packages so that a custom design can be fitted to the damaged pipeline geometry.
The above methods are completely non-destructive in nature, and require minimal preparation work to the target
area prior to data collection. The results represent the highest degree of accuracy achievable of any underwater
inspection technology that is non-invasive and flexible enough to work in a variety of locations and operating
environments.