ACFM Subsea Inspection System for the Detection and Sizing of Surface-breaking Cracks.

For the last 30 years, ACFM technology has been used globally as the method of choice for the detection and sizing of subsea surface-breaking cracks. Recognized and approved by many certification bodies, including DNV, ABS and Loylds, the technique has been used successfully against traditional uncomputerized and more user dependent methods, such as MPI.

The subsea bottle is lowered to the diver and the diver uses probes connected to the bottle through a 5m (16.4ft) cable. There is an umbilical cable from the bottle to a topside unit that provides power to the bottle and communication protocol conversion between the VDSL used down to the bottle and Ethernet which is connected to a controlling laptop. The umbilical is 150m (492ft) standard with subsea connectors at both ends. Three umbilicals may be connected together for a total length of 450m (1476.4ft). A 15m (49.2ft) whip is provided between the top umbilical and the topside unit so that this can be temporarily fixed-routed to the dive shack (normal ACFM operator location). The diver uses simple Bx/Bz pair probes or the mini (8 channel) array (requires the DA version).

• Connect 3 probes simultaneously to avoid frequent returns to the surface, thus saving time
  10 ?? faster acquisition electronics, improving scanning capabilities and inspection integrity
  Diver mini-array probe reduces the number of scans and allows for faster recognition and characterization of defects
• Capable of inspecting corroded surfaces or through nonconducting coatings several millimeters thick
• Umbilical reel dramatically reduced in size: 1/3 less weight and 1/3 less storage. Up to 3 umbilicals can be connected for a total length of 450m
• Increased ACFM signal quality with 14 ?? increase in data resolution, improving the accuracy of data acquisition with the better ability to zoom on acquired signals
• Lower noise increases the signal-to-noise ratio, inspect through coatings twice as thick compared to previous model
• Probe calibration files are saved on the probe instead of a remote PC. This removes the potential for incorrect probe calibration being used
• New Assist3 reporting software version with continuous evolution
  Simpler and more modern interface

• Structural node welds on jackets
• Caisson inspection
• Pipeline damage
• Spudcans
• Welded plate structures
• Mooring systems including chains