Flooded Member Detection for Subsea Pipeline Inspection (Gamma FMD Subsea)

ScanTech’s Flooded Member Detection (FMD) system is the most reliable and cost-effective method available for both subsea pipeline inspections as well as oil and gas platform inspections for flooded members.

The Value of Regular Inspection 

Oil platform operators need to inspect these critical members on a regular basis because defects could allow the ingress of sea water, which can lead to structural failures over time. 

While absolutely necessary, checking for defects on members that are hundreds of feet underwater with traditional inspection methods can be a complex and difficult task, one that brings significant costs to the platform owner. 

Ensuring the safety of your employees and the integrity of your assets is the primary goal in offering FMD services through Scanning Technologies. Our vast experience, along with our dedication to having workers with adequate training and up-to-date inspection equipment, is one of the reasons we’re so successful. 

Not only will Scanning Technologies meet these challenges head-on, we’ll overcome any underwater obstacles that are nearly impossible to overcome with traditional inspection techniques. For example, removing the marine life that can grow on underwater pipelines and platform members is time consuming and adds to operational costs.

Cost-Effective Solutions

To meet the unique challenges posed by these surveys, ScanTech adapted proven pipe-scanning technology to handle the problems associated with offshore and subsea inspections. The resulting flooded member detection system showcases state-of-the-art technology that is accurate, reliable and easy to use.

Subsea Inspection Technology

Our Flooded Member Detection (FMD) system uses gamma ray inspection technology, mounted on  remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), which greatly facilitates the inspection of underwater structures for cracks, leaks and other damage allowing water ingress. Our “always on” assessment technology delivers readings in real time, so our experienced technicians can diagnose issues quickly and easily.

One of the main advantages of this detector system is that it can be easily adapted to meet changing needs. The FMD has great flexibility in terms of power options, as it can be entirely battery operated or use a low-voltage surface power supply. Data transmission from the ROV to the operator is accomplished through a digital signal so there is no degradation of data, regardless of water depth. A single twisted pair wire in the ROV umbilical/tether cable is needed that can be converted to a fiber optic cable for faster data delivery.

The framework of our FMD system is built out of high-grade aluminum with stainless steel fittings to provide outstanding strength while remaining lightweight. In this way, it can be adapted to fit a wide range of ROVs, ranging from the smallest observation ROV to the largest, work-class ROV available.

Inspecting Flooded Platform Members

The Because our FMD system can be mounted on an adjustable, rigid framework that spans the subsea member or pipeline, inspections can be completed without removing marine growth (as would be required for an ultrasonic inspection).

Thanks to gamma ray technology and ScanTech’s advanced software, technicians are able to establish whether or not members are flooded or dry in a matter of seconds. When mounted to an ROV, an experienced crew can inspect entire platforms quickly and efficiently at a drastically reduced cost compared to other inspection methods.

In this way, it is clear that carrying out flooded member detection with this system offers time and cost savings over other methods.

Subsea Pipeline Inspection

Traditional pipe scanning strategies often run into trouble on subsea pipelines because the underwater environment can pose many unanticipated challenges, like when seabed sands shift to cover sections of the pipeline.

Our flooded member detection system can be used to inspect subsea pipelines for deposits or blockages, as well as locating lost or stuck pigs. Through the use of our FMD technology, we provide reliable results, whether it is a bare metal, polymer-coated, or even concrete-coated pipeline.

ScanTech’s software also allows for the continuous monitoring of the density between the source and detector, which provides inspectors with a steady stream of information to facilitate rapid blockage detection. This technology allows inspectors to monitor a stationary position for any change in density which may be associated with liquid or vapor slugging..

The Advantages of ScanTech’s FMD Solutions

By carrying ROV-assisted gamma ray inspections for flooded member detection, ScanTech’s services  provide a number of advantages for owners and operators.

More Cost Effective

Our approach to FMD is more cost effective than traditional methods to inspect for damage.

More Accurate

Our inspections are accurate, reliable and repeatable.

Speedier Results

Our FMD devices can detect with certainty whether an underwater member is dry or flooded within a few seconds of positioning.

More Efficient

Cleaning the surface of the members is not required, which saves time and money.

Less Risky

The use of ROVs eliminates risks to worker health and safety during inspections.

FMD System Applications

ScanTech provides flooded member detection (FMD) services to customers around the world. With teams on six continents, ScanTech carries out subsea inspections on a wide variety of equipment and infrastructure, including:

• Oil and gas platforms
• Offshore wind turbine structures
• Subsea pipelines
• Buoyancy tanks
• Midwater arches