NodeScanner™

Diverless inspection of jacket structural node welds

The NodeScanner system, designed to work in tandem with ROVs in the deployment of TSC Subsea’s Alternating Current Field Measurement (ACFM®) array probes, inspects difficult-to-reach areas and complex geometries such as tubular welded node joints. The multi-element arrays ensure maximum weld coverage and POD, whilst limiting false calls.

Subsea Nodal Weld Inspection

Certain jacket nodes — fatigue-sensitive nodes — are subject to significant dynamic loading and require regular inspections to detect the initiation of fatigue cracks. The complex nature of the welds rule out inspections via ‘direct scanning,’ even with the best work-class ROVs, and the difficult access and dangerous conditions are often outside the capabilities of divers.

TSC Subsea’s field-proven NodeScanner system addresses these issues. An ROV places the NodeScanner on the brace, then stands back and monitors the inspection progress. The NodeScanner’s unique teach-and-learn system provides the dexterity and control needed to quickly and accurately scan the area in question.

Subsea node weld inspection

The NodeScanner:

  • Designed to fit the diameter of any brace
  • Offers buoyancy that reduces its weight, reducing drag on the ROV
  • Uses precise, motorised movement to accurately track the geometry of the weld
  • Uses passive compliance to reduce the effects of an uneven inspection surface
  • Provides camera views that allow operators to predict a correct scan path
  • Offers an optional wheelbase that can be used instead of the unit’s frame

Case Studies

Offshore wind ACFM NodeScanner Weld Inspection 

Deck launched critical diverless weld inspection for offshore wind platform. Successful weld inspection carried out from the deck of an offshore wind platform using ACFM® NodeScanner™. The primary weld inspection points were four overlapped node joints.

Inspecting Tight Access Riser Guides with ACFM System

TSC Subsea develops 360 solution to remote subsea inspection of riser guide support structures using ACFM NodeScanner™. The access for the inspection tooling is severely restricted due to the complex geometry.

Deploying dual NDT methods for the inspection of complex welds.

thermally sprayed aluminium (TSA). Specifically, the inspection focused on assessing the fillet weld surrounding an anode fixing plate. These risers were situated in the Tampen area of the Norwegian North Sea in approximately 300m of water.

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