How Advances are Cutting the Cost of Subsea Inspection

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01 September 2015

Find out how new developments in remote underwater inspection are helping companies to improve safety and dramatically reduce costs at this presentation by TSC Inspection Systems at the Materials Testing 2015 exhibition at the Telford International Centre on 9 September.

Dr Mike Smith, TSC’s Director of Technology and Innovation, will be revealing some of the latest findings from the company’s research and development programme.

Currently, many underwater inspections rely on divers due to the limitations of using remotely operated vehicles (ROVs). Mike explains: "ROVs lack the dexterity of humans, which is a particular problem in subsea inspections as many structures consist of tubes welded together, so there are complex geometries and a constantly changing weld profile.

"Until now, most remote inspections have used only a manipulator, which does not have the same dexterity as humans and produces low-resolution data. By exploring different ways to move the probe, in particular the use of array probes, in conjunction with the application of our ACFM inspection technique, we have made significant advances, which can allow companies to replace divers in many situations, therefore allowing safer inspections at a fraction of the cost.”

Mike’s talk will take place at 11.35am on 9 September as part of the Session D seminars at Materials Testing 2015. The world’s most comprehensive NDT exhibition will also feature over 70 exhibitors, as well asthe full-size Bloodhound SSC Show Car, which aims to set a new world land-speed record.