Cathx Ocean systems generate rich precision data. To make the most of this, operators need to be able to collect, review and manage the information using their existing resources and data processing tools.

We collaborate with our clients to develop and optimise workflows that integrate with their current processing capabilities to produce efficient and intuitive reporting mechanisms. Data outputs are easily configured, allowing traditional reporting formats to be maintained.

Our workflows can be applied to standard applications, such as pipeline surveys, or adapted for specialised measurement and inspection operations.

Innovations for Tomorrow
But our aim is to do even more with this data. Working with integrity management groups, Cathx Ocean is evolving technologies to automate external, risk-based pipeline inspection.

Pipeline Geometry Analysis
Software is used to assess the geometric shape of a pipeline. Combining shape fitting and statistical deviation analysis, it then extracts information on circularity, height off seabed, free span, dents and adhesion. We are designing tools to reconstruct the pipeline trajectory through local position determination. By facilitating early detection of buckling and pipeline movement, costly damage and delayed intervention can be avoided.

Automated Eventing
Advances in our measurement and data management tools act as key enablers for automated eventing. With our clients, we are working to introduce automated eventing in staged developments from ROV to full AUV operations. When established, this will bring about dramatic efficiencies and aid risk prevention for our clients. On-pipeline events such as anodes, field joints, delamination, coating status and leaks will be automatically detected by our systems. Similarly, beside-pipeline events, like dropped objects, anchors, UXOs and rocks, will also be highlighted.

Cathx Ocean is leading the way for next-generation pipeline inspection solutions. Our technological capabilities, combined with the rich data collected by our systems, provide the elements necessary for reliable and robust pipeline inspection today and fully automated pipeline inspection in the future. This can deliver cost reductions of up to 80% in some instances. To learn more about our pipeline inspection programmes, or if you would like to discuss your specific requirements, please get in touch with us today.

Cathx Ocean calibration tools provide unique measurement capabilities, both on the seabed and in the water column. Removing the need for external navigation sensors, they yield considerable time and cost savings for operators and asset owners.

The underwater environment is unpredictable. Changes in the refractive index, temperature, salinity and pressure can substantially impact on the precision of any measurement being performed. Available on all Cathx Ocean systems, our unique calibration tools eliminate these problems, even after the data has been collected.

With many optical configurations possible, we are also refining our calibration capabilities to suit bespoke applications, where higher precision levels are called for.

Mooring Chain Inspection

Mooring chains are used to hold highly valuable, subsea assets in place. They require regular inspection and this is carried out using calipers or mechanical means. But quality can be compromised by underwater conditions. Heave, causing movement in the chains, creates a particular challenge for ROV inspection.

Based on high frame rate imaging, Cathx Ocean is developing a solution to counteract the relative motion between the chains and vehicle. When released, Solid SFM will determine the relative position of the two objects and correlate this information with synchronised laser scan data and relative movement.

 This will produce an ‘optical caliper’ that is measured by, essentially, freezing the motion.

Through combined image and laser data, Cathx Ocean will enable submillimetre resolution for the critical lengths and cross sections of the chain links, along with precision measurement of internal and external link lengths.

Spool Metrology

Traditional metrology over larger distances requires external navigation beacons to determine position. Beacon installation can incur extremely high vessel costs and the accuracy of measurement very much depends on the positioning system used. Added to that, multiple ROV passes are often required to ensure quality of data.

In response to these issues, Cathx Ocean is working with several clients to streamline spool metrology. We are evolving precision measurement tools that will deliver accurate measurements over ranges of 70 metres, using only local positioning from images taken in a single pass.

This innovation extends far beyond spool metrology. Precision measurement of subsea assets with known fixed location, identification of dimensional changes over time and detection of sinking, subsidence or movement can all be achieved.

There are many potential applications for automation – anything from pipeline tracking to intervention tasks and from manipulator movement to full automation of resident vehicles. The possibilities are endless.

Our innovations to date enable automatic processing of data from subsea vehicles, which paves the way for future machine decision-making. Through our continuous research and development, Cathx Ocean is spearheading progress in this area.

In fact, we are collaborating with key clients on high-speed vehicle operations to bring laser-based pipeline tracking to the market. Processing over 100,000 points per second, our laser tools will extract pipeline shape information and transfer it to the vehicle control in real time. Pipeline curvature will be output as a shape, enabling the pipeline apex to be determined and automatically fed into the vehicle positioning systems. This automation will facilitate navigation, especially for high-speed vehicles, and reduce information loss due to drift.

Drawing the Maps for Full Automation

Knowledge of infield structures, in a format that is machine-readable, is an essential requirement for the development of resident ROV and AUV systems.

Linear, area, 3D and precision measurement applications fuse together to form a full picture of underwater assets. Cathx Ocean is using these components to draw the maps for future subsea vehicle automation.

And we are weaving these maps into everything we do. Our systems capture rich, complex data and process it, ready to be accessed and optimised by machines in the future. This will bring about real-time local navigation and automation so that the subsea operations of tomorrow can be achieved with minimal human intervention.