
Technical service provider Wood set out to upgrade its offshore asset inspection abilities with advanced subsea imaging systems, looking to SubC Imaging’s Rayfin camera as a solution.
Conventional ROV Visual Inspection
ROVs collect video data of a structure, stop at key points of interest for inspection personnel to analyze and describe the observed condition, and capture video frame grabs for comparative analysis and reporting.
In upgrading its inspection capabilities, Wood sought to overcome this time and cost-intensive inspection method.
Initially, Wood reviewed its existing inspection processes. The company’s objective was to create a simple and cost-effective inspection approach with greater efficiency than traditional methods. These methods were labor-intensive, time-consuming, and required extensive offshore personnel involvement.
The company needed a responsive provider that could quickly address operational concerns and help optimize their inspection workflows.
Wood & SubC Imaging
SubC Imaging’s Rapid Digital Imaging (RDI) technology, integrated into its signature Rayfin camera, proved to be the ideal solution for Wood. RDI captures thousands of high-resolution still images of a structure at more than twice the speed of conventional ROV video inspection.
Digital still images offer enhanced resolution and zoom capabilities compared to traditional video frame grabs. Inspection personnel can review the images offline (while the ROV is working on other tasks) reducing ROV vessel time and costs. The high-resolution images can also be used to create 3D models for a complete picture of the structure.
Wood rented five RDI-equipped Rayfin cameras exclusively from Ashtead Technology, SubC’s rental partner. This allowed Wood to utilize RDI’s advanced capabilities for its projects, with the added convenience and support from Ashtead Technology.
RDI vs. Traditional Video Inspections
Rayfin Rapid Digital Imaging (RDI) offers advantages over traditional video inspection methodologies, and includes features to help users manage inspection data.
Minimal Motion Blur
RDI provides high-resolution digital stills with minimal motion blur, even further reduced when synchronized with an LED strobe, compared to the typical 30FPS video frame grabs with higher exposure times. This allows for faster inspections without the need for optical zoom stops.
Data Synchronization
RDI enhances data synchronization by embedding system time and GPS lat and long data into JPEG photos as EXIF metadata in real-time, ensuring accurate time and location stamps.
Streamlined Processing
Digital stills streamline processing by directly integrating into reports, eliminating the need for manual frame selection and facilitating better computer vision, AI, and 3D modeling processing.
Immediate Data Transfer
The 2Hz topside transfer of digital stills negates the need for post-inspection high-resolution data downloads.
Third-Party Software Compatibility
With the Rayfin API and RDI, the system is compatible with industry-standard software tools, and the system seamlessly integrates into existing inspection workflows, maximizing productivity and minimizing downtime.
Rayfin RDI allows operators to confidently and accurately identify and address anomalies, reducing the need for frequent inspection stops. Its unique data deliverables, which can be integrated directly into reports, fault-finding tools, and high-resolution 3D models, provide valuable insights for asset analysis.
This enables Wood to make quick, informed decisions and optimize its asset management strategies. Overall, RDI has provided Wood with faster inspections, higher quality data, and reduced post-processing time, significantly improving operational efficiency.
Clinton Jensen, Field Engineering & Inspection Team Lead, Wood, commented; “The level of detail captured by RDI has exceeded our expectations. It has enabled us to conduct the inspection of subsea assets more efficiently and cost-effectively than with traditional methods.”
Visit the SubC Imaging website for more information.