catch up on our latest contract sonardyne and converteam ... · baseline) and usbl (ultra-short...

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04NewsCatch up on our latest contractawards, product developmentsand company news

08FeatureSonardyne and Converteam:Looking back at two decadesof dynamic positioning success

18White PaperMetrology: The first in a seriesof articles from Sonardyne’s Survey Support Group

24TechnologyA life-of-field montioringsystem for Petrobras’s Cascadeand Chinook field

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From off Norway’s continental shelf to the ultra-deepwaters offshore West Africa, Brazil and the Gulf ofMexico, Sonardyne Wideband® acoustic technologyhas arrived. Offering precise subsea positioning forsimultaneous operations, robust through watercommunications and high security wireless control,Wideband addresses the contemporary requirements

of the offshore survey, construction and drillingindustries in all water depths. Serving more fielddevelopments than any other manufacturer, SonardyneWideband® offers a proven, low risk solution toa step change in performance. Is your next projectready for departure without it?www.sonardyne.com/products

Wideband World Tour.

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Seismic Construction Defence Inertial Survey Telemetry Drilling

Trusted Solutions for:

04 News Products and People08 Feature Sonardyne and Converteam12 Technology Marksman LUSBL16 Case Study OBC in Russia18 White Paper Introduction to Metrology22 Global Sales Scout USBL

24 Technology Riser Tower Monitoring26 Case Study SIPS 2 and Lodestar28 Technology New Products 30 International News around theWorld31 Help & Advice Ask Darren2

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Front CoverCan you hear me?Engineers Graham Brownand Stefan Arndt inspectSonardyne’s new four metrediameter anechoic test tankduring its commissioningphase at the company’sheadquarters facility inBlackbushe, UK.

Editorial TeamDavid Brown, MarketingManager

Julian Bowdidge, MarketingCo-ordinator

Rob Balloch, StrategicDevelopment and MarketingDirector

ContributorPaul Eastaugh at [email protected]

Design and Art DirectionMichael Lindley at TruthStudiowww.truthstudio.co.uk

PhotographyAstonleigh Studioswww.astonleighstudio.co.uk(Cover, pages 03, 12-13, 18,28-29 and 31)

Ian Pickeringwww.ianpickering.com(Page 08-09)

Published by SonardyneInternational Ltd. BlackbusheBusiness Park,Yateley,Hampshire GU46 6GDUnited Kingdom.© Sonardyne InternationalLtd 2009.www.sonardyne.com

No part of this magazinemay be reproduced withoutpermission of the publisher.Colour repro by ProCo PrintLtd. Printed by ProCo PrintLtd. Every effort is made toensure that information iscorrect at time of goingto press.

THE FOURTH EDITION of Baseline marks the second anniversary ofSonardyne introducing a regular magazine to keep our customers andindustry partners informed about our technology and our capabilities.Circulation has expanded to more than 10,000 copies and we hope thatyou continue to enjoy the mixture of features, news and interviews.

Our news section is dominated by the success of Ranger USBLand Lodestar AHRS. From tracking ROVs in near 5,000 metres of water off Hawaiito positioning DP vessels in Malaysia, these systems deliver the ultimate surveygrade positioning performance.“This is the best acoustic system that I have everseen,” quoted Carl Close from Sonsub on page 05.

Infrastructure and investment for the future have been a key priority over the last12 months. Globally, we have expanded, relocated or refurbished all of our facilities,ensuring that through 2009 and beyond, we can build upon our reputation for offeringthe highest levels of support in the industry.

On page 12 there’s an interview with the team behind Marksman LUSBL, ourlatest product for the DP drilling market which offers valuable cost saving benefitsfor operators.

Since the last issue of Baseline, Sonardyne’s Survey Support Group has beentravelling the world providing offshore support, office-based training and userworkshops.They have also been busy writing white papers and in the first in a newseries for Baseline, Edd Moller takes a look at the complex world of acoustic metrology.

As always, we are interested in receiving your news and photos of Sonardyneequipment in action for the next issue so please get in touch. Until then, all the best,

Rob Balloch, Marketing Director

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PRODUCT UPDATE

Lodestar gets first Wheelmarkfor Ring LaserGyroAHRSLodestar has become the first marine ringlaser gyro Attitude and Heading ReferenceSystem (AHRS) using “strapdown” inertialsensors to receive the Wheelmark approval.Such sensors are rigidly strapped down, orattached, to the body of the unit resulting insize and weight reductions, lower cost, andgreater reliability.

The Wheelmark is the Europeanstandard that confirms it has been designedand approved to meet performancestandards of Resolution A424(XI) andA694(17) of the IMO (International MaritimeOrganisation).The certification followedan intensive testing programme and nowenables ship operators to use the gyrocompass output of the Lodestar for a range

of applications.These can include primarynavigation and as a feed for helm, autopilot,radar and ECDIS (Electronic Chart Displayand Information System).This is expectedto prove particularly attractive to theoperators of ships and offshore vessels thatneed high standards of heading accuracyfor a variety of applications in the subseaconstruction and survey sectors.

In addition to providing highly accuratevessel heading, Lodestar is also a single,cost efficient, source for heave, roll andpitch data.This can be applied to DynamicPositioning systems (DP), helideckmonitoring and compensation for multi-beam sonar and acoustic positioningsystems. Compared to older generations

of mechanical gyros, Lodestar offerssubstantial through-life cost savings withdramatically increased MTBF and lowercalibration and servicing costs.

Lodestar is a solid state AHRSincorporating six sensing elements, threering laser gyros (RLG) and three linearaccelerometers. It is an extension of theSonardyne product range and wasdeveloped for seamless integration withthe company’s widely used LBL (LongBaseLine) and USBL (Ultra-Short BaseLine)acoustic positioning systems. Lodestar isupgradeable to a full Inertial NavigationSystem (INS) providing position, velocity,orientation and angular velocity at highupdate rates.

(Above and top right) Subsea Lodestars installed to provide optimised USBL positioning.(Above right) A surface Lodestar installed as a masting heading device.

Baseline » Issue 4 05

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ORDERS AND CONTRACTS

Fusion and Ranger for RSVsSonardyne has strengthened its position asthe leading supplier of Wideband acousticpositioning technology in Brazil with thesale of Fusion USBL, Ranger-Pro USBL andFusion LBL systems to vessel owner andoperator Companhia Brasileira de Offshore.

The Sonardyne systems have beeninstalled on the two ROV support vesselsCBO Rio and CBO Campos which areoperating on long term charter to oil majorPetrobras. Each vessel is required to havetwo independent acoustic positioningsystems so that operations can continuein the event of a single system failure.

The combination of Fusion USBL andRanger-Pro is recognised as the optimumsolution for deep water DP and constructionsurvey, being easy to learn, set up andoperate.Wideband systems like Fusion arewidelyusedintheregionas theyofferprecisesubsea positioning and are adaptable tofield development scenarios where multiplevessels are required to conduct simultaneoussubsea operations.These were key factorsin Petrobras’s and CBO’s decision to specifythe Sonardyne technology and feedbackalready received from the field reports thatperformance is “second to none.”

The order included the supply ofSonardyne through-hull transceiverdeployment machines to optimise theperformance from the acoustic hardware.


Lodestar+Ranger:Miclyn choose theperfect USBLMiclyn Express Offshore, one of theleading providers of offshore vessels inthe Asia region, has again chosenSonardyne to supply the optimal USBLpackage available in the market today.

Comprising a Ranger-Pro Ultra-Short BaseLine positioning packageintegrated with a high precision (andINS upgradeable) Lodestar AHRS

sensor, Miclyn’s latest fleet of 70 metre multi-purpose DP2 vessels can nowdynamically position in much deeperwaters than was previously possiblewhile, simultaneously, providing precisepositioning for ROVs and towfish.

Miclyn’s Chief Operating Officer,Mr Darren Ang, noted that,“Sonardyneis instantly recognised amongst ourkey clients as the top subsea acousticpositioning provider and is thereforethe ideal choice for our fleet, both forperformance, as well as vesselmarketability.”

With full IMO approval Lodestar,together with the Ranger-Pro system,integrates seamlessly with the onboardDP system. On performance,Mr Carl Close from Sonsub in Singapore(currently chartering the MiclynEndurance) commented,“This is the bestacoustic system that I have ever seen.”

ROV operations and DP reference.In deep water, the accuracy of the

motion systems used to compensate USBLdata is one of the most critical factors.Lodestar is more than 10 times the accuracyof many typical motion sensors. It providesexceptional pitch, roll and heave data,essential for deep water constructionsurvey operations.

Derek Donaldson, Seatronics’s VicePresident in Singapore, said,“We areparticularly excited to be the first companyin Asia to make subsea Lodestars availablefor rent.”

Marine equipment rental companySeatronics has placed a £2 million orderwith Sonardyne for a range of acousticpositioning and navigation products.Theseinclude Ranger and Scout USBL positioningsystems,Wideband RovNav 5 transceiversand three subsea Lodestar AHRS units.

The equipment will be made availablethrough Seatronics’s rental pools inAberdeen,Abu Dhabi, Houston, New Iberiaand Singapore.

The Rangers and subsea Lodestars willbe used together to provide an optimisedUSBL acoustic positioning solution for

Engineers install a DPT transponder into afloat in readiness for deployment.


Seatronics order first rental subsea Lodestars

(Top and middle) CBO Campos and CBO Riovessels.(Above) A Sonardyne through-hulldeployment machine being installed.


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DEEP WATER TRIALS

Ranger tracks Jason to near 5,000mA Ranger USBL system has providedimpressive performance for the engineersfrom the Deep Submergence Laboratoryof Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution(WHOI) when it accurately tracked theJason remotely operated vehicle down tothe seabed in 4,700 metres of water.Therecent demonstration was carried out fromonboard the R/V Thomas G Thompson inthe Pacific Ocean off Hawaii where WoodsHole researchers regularly conduct deepocean research cruises.

Jason is a two-body ROV systemdesigned and built by WHOI’s DeepSubmergence Laboratory.A 10 kilometre(6 mile) fibre-optic umbilical deliverselectrical power and commands from theship through Medea and down to Jason,which then returns data and live videoimagery. Medea serves as a shockabsorber, buffering Jason from themovements of the ship, while providinglighting and a bird’s eye view of the ROV

during seafloor operations.On route to the trials site, a Sonardyne

engineer had equipped Jason with anAvTrak 2 transceiver and Medea, with adirectional Compatt 5 transponder.AvTrak 2combines the functions of transponder,transceiver and telemetry link in one lowpower acoustic instrument that has beendesigned to meet the requirements of avariety of mission scenarios andvehicle types.

Onboard the Thomas G Thompson,a Sonardyne 8023 Big Head surfacetransceiver, specifically developed for ultradeep target tracking, was deployed on atemporary pole over the side of the vessel.

During the deep water dive to almost5,000 metres, the Sonardyne system wasable to achieve a positioning accuracyof 0.32% of slant range, or +/-15 metres,despite the temporary, relatively flexible,over-the-side pole.This performanceproved almost as good as WHOI’s existing

tracking system and far more convenient touse as no seabed transponders had to bedeployed first. In addition, Jason’s positioncould be updated at 1Hz despite the waterdepth which helped with visualisation of theROV’s dynamics.

AvTrak 2 was installed on the ROVto demonstrate the unit’s Widebandpositioning and bi-directional wirelesscommunications capability as if it werean AUV or manned submersible.

This proved that data and commandscould be reliably and easily sent from theUSBL system on the vessel and back againusing SMS (Sonardyne Messaging Service)in ultra deep water.

Because the Ranger USBL system hadshown its capabilities so convincingly,the WHOI team subsequently had theconfidence to use it as the primarypositioning tool for two further researchdives to 2,500 metres that they conductedshortly afterwards.

During the deep water dive to almost 5,000 metres, Ranger was able to achieve a positioning accuracy of 0.32% of slant range, or +/-15 metres.


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TRAINING AND SUPPORT

INTERNATIONAL

Offices expand capabilitiesSonardyne’s overseas offices have had abusy few months relocating their businessoperations to new, larger premises.

In December, the Singapore officemoved across the road from their homeof more than 10 years to a new, 9,100sqfeet building. The well appointed facilitycombines modern office space, workshopwith test tank, warehousing and customertraining room.

Completed in January, Houston’s new11,500sq feet base is almost twice the sizeof their previous location.The extra spaceaffords them much needed room forequipment servicing, offices, warehousingand test tank facilities.

By the end of 2009, Brazil’s purpose-builtoffice will be close to completion. In themeantime, floor space has been gainedby moving to a larger floor in theirexisting building.

Commenting on the recent moves,Managing Director, Barry Clutton said,“The investment we have made into newfacilities ensures that Sonardyne has theright resources in the right places to bestserve the needs of our customers and theirbusiness activities, now and for theforeseeable future.”

The new Sonardyne offices locations canbe found at www.sonardyne.com

The latest contracts for Sonardyne’s SentinelIntruder Detection Sonar (IDS) system havebeen announced.

Following on from successful fleet trialsat the end of 2008, the Naval UnderwaterWarfare Center in Newport, Rhode Island,USA has placed an additional contract onbehalf of the US Navy for the supply ofanother Sentinel system.The new contractadds to the number of units deployed andoperational in the field.

The Slovenian Navy will take deliveryof a Sentinel during the first quarter of 2009for the protection of key installations inthe Mediterranean. The navy evaluatednumerous technologies with support fromNATO in the Summer of 2008.The contractalso includes the provision of a Sonardyneunderwater loudhailer called ‘Syclla’. Thisnew option for a Sentinel system allowsusers to broadcast underwater warningmessages to deter intruders once theyhave been detected.

Sentinel’s combination of performance,value, handling and ease of operationhas set new benchmarks for underwaterprotection.The system’s automatic detection,tracking and classification software hasdemonstrated in various subseaenvironments the ability to reliably detectthreats, determine threat levels, classifytargets and ignore false alarms.

Swire Pacific Offshore Operations (Pte) Ltd., has opened a dedicated MarineTraining Centre at Loyang, in Singapore and has chosen Sonardyne to supplya Ranger USBL positioning system for its cutting-edge, full-mission bridgesimulator.The new centre is the most advanced in the offshore industry and thefirst of its kind in Asia, with the capability to fully simulate the working environ-ment of an offshore support vessel in a safe, well-managed setting onshore.

The small Sentinel sonar head is easily deployedfrom small patrol boats like this.

In recent months, Sonardyne has relocated to new premises in both Houston (left) and Singapore.

MARITIME SECURITY

Sentinel IDS:Meeting the needsof underwatersecurity


Feature

Sonardyne and Converteam

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A dynamically positioned teamAlmost 20 years have passed since a Sonardyne acoustic reference system was firstinterfaced to a Converteam dynamic positioning system. More than 150 vessel installationslater and with forward orders out to 2012, the close working relationship between thetwo companies is as strong as ever. Baseline looks back at two decades of success.


THE ROLE OF a DynamicPositioning (DP) system isto keep a vessel in thesame location or followinga specified course in spiteof the effects of wind,waves, the current andother forces acting upon

it. To do this, the DP system drives thrusters,propellers and rudders to keep the vesselin the desired spot or on the same heading.

In order for the DP system to know wherethe vessel is and how it is moving, onboardvessel sensors and external position referenceequipment feed data into the DP which thengenerates the appropriate movement response.

“Subsea position referencing is wherewe come in,” explained Richard Binks,Sonardyne’s Sales Director, during a recent tripto meet with technical and commercial teams

at Converteam; a leading manufacturer of DP,automation, power and propulsion systems.

“Our acoustics tell the DP where the vesselis relative to the seabed or other object; thiscomplements other position information suchas GPS. The DP system then decides what ithas to do in order to keep the vessel in theright position.”

Neddrill 2Like any successful relationship, it is easy toremember where it all began. For Sonardyneand Converteam, it was Spring 1992 aboardthe Neddrill 2 drillship working off Brazil.

“Drillships like the Neddrill 2 have criticalDP requirements as they need to remainstationary over a well to which they areconnected with a drilling riser. There areexpensive consequences if any stresses areexceeded and system redundancy is requiredat all levels so that vessel operations cancontinue in the event of a single equipmentfailure,” said Richard.

This initial installation on Neddrill 2 wasan outstanding success and it is still operatinga Sonardyne/ Converteam solution today.Neddrill 2 was a landmark moment for bothcompanies who recognised that a long termpartnership would help to meet the developing

In the offshore sector, Converteam manufactureworld class Dynamic Positioning, automation,power and propulsion systems for the world’sdeep water drilling and support vessel market.Fully pictured (left to right) Spencer Collins,Allen Meahan (Converteam), Richard Binksand Jon Parker.

This initial installation onNeddrill 2 was an outstandingsuccess and it is still operatinga Sonardyne/Converteamsolution today.”

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Sonardyne and Converteam

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Sonardyne and Converteam:20 Years of Success >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

requirements for DP and acoustics as theoffshore industry moved into ever deeper waters.

In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Longand Short BaseLine (LSBL) was a primaryacoustic positioning method for DP reference.The system used four, hull-mounted transducerssited in each corner of the vessel to gatheracoustic range data from seabed transponders.It was accurate and performed well in deepwater but suitable only for vessels that couldaccommodate four through-hull transducerswith sufficient distance between them.

At the same time, Sonardyne was inadvanced development of its Ultra-ShortBaseLine (USBL) technology which utilisesa single, multi-element transceiver to calculateboth range and bearing from in-watertransponders. Sonardyne’s unique USBL designis able to reject noise interference generatedby vessel thrusters resulting in very stable andrepeatable subsea positioning; precisely whata DP computer requires.

New Opportunities The offshore industry’s rapid acceptance ofUSBL as a positioning method opened up awealth of new opportunities for Sonardyneand Converteam; simple DP reference andtarget tracking for survey and support vesselswhile for drilling and production vessels,higher accuracy Long and Ultra-Short BaseLine(LUSBL) positioning using a seabed arrayof transponders.

The first USBL system supplied toConverteam (who at the time were calledCegelec) was in1993 for the Swire PacificConstructor, a dive support vessel workingoffshore Brunei. Close co-operation betweeneach company’s software engineering teamsensured a complete understanding of therequirements of the DPS902 DP system andthat the Sonardyne USBL outputted the correctdata strings.

“The Pacific Constructor is another earlySonardyne/ Converteam success story,”commented Richard. “Since that first installation,we have commissioned over 20 other vesselsfor Swire. In 2008, Swire made the decisionto upgrade, fleet-wide, the USBL systems tothe latest Wideband specification. This willgreatly enhance the role of the vessels whenoperating in complex, acoustically congestedfield environments.”

Close Co-operationAccompanying Richard on the trip toConverteam’s headquarters in Rugby, England,was Senior Engineer, Jon Parker and SeniorVice President for Strategic Sales, SpencerCollins, both of whom have been heavilyinvolved in the technical and commercialsuccess of Sonardyne’s technology for DP.

“We are in contact with Converteam ona regular basis, to discuss market requirements,and new product developments,” saidSpencer. “A key topic on the current agendais a review on how our new Lodestar inertialnavigation technology could be integratedinto the DP.”

Neil Barford, Business Manager,Offshore and Merchant for Converteam UKcommented, “When we select partners tosupply critical components such as the hydro-acoustic element of our DP control system, weneed to be sure that we make the best choicefor our customer. As a DP supplier with over30 years’ experience, we are very comfortablewhen we choose Sonardyne; we know theproducts and the people and we trust them.”

“Customers recognise they are gettingthe best integrated solution for both DP andacoustics,” added Jon. “Our joint track recordspeaks for itself with many operators havingdecided to standardise on a Sonardyne/Converteam solution across their fleets.”

Noble Drilling, Bourbon (see opposite)

and Swire are all examples of fleet-widestandardisation. Similarly, the build programmefor all three of the Fifth Generation Sedcoclass of vessels in 1996, commissioned aSonardyne/ Converteam package. Oneof these rigs, the Sedco Express went on toupgrade to Wideband LUSBL prior to departingfor operations in BP’s Block 18 off Angola.The upgrade took less than 24 hours andwas supported by Sonardyne’s Brazil office.

Local SupportIndeed, local support has been of keyimportance to the growth and success ofboth companies. 24/7 product helplinesand regional offices with offshore engineers‘on the ground’ has allowed customers toinvest in new systems confident in the fact thatmaintenance, training and field support areon their doorstep.

“Brazil is particularly good example ofhow we support a local customer such asNoble Drilling,” noted Spencer. The proximityof Converteam’s office to ours allows fieldengineers to co-ordinate their activities andresolve any technical issues face to face.”

“Ironically, a recent order involves anupgrade to the Noble Roger Eason to thelatest generation DP and Widebandacoustics.” Asked about the connection,Richard said, “The Noble Roger Easonused to be called the Neddrill 2 – the veryvessel where the partnership betweenSonardyne and Converteam began allthose years ago.”

Further testament to the success of bothcompanies is the order of a Triplex DP andWideband Dual LUSBL system for the NobleGlobetrotter drillship. This is a state of the art‘Huisdrill 10,000’ design being built by STXof Korea and is just the latest in a run of ordersreceived from Korean yards for new-builddrilling vessels. BL

PetrobrasSelected Sonardyne/Converteam in 1996for the P23 drillingsemi-submersible.Thesystem was upgradedto Wideband acousticsand the latest A seriesDP desk in 2008.

Noble DrillingEquipped theMuravlenko with anLUSBL system in 1996and then in 1998,theNoble Paul Wolff with aConverteam DP,powerand propulsion packageand Sonardyne acoustics.

SeilleanThe world’s first DPFPSO Seillean is relianton the systems fromSonardyne andConverteam whilstproducing from a livewell in water depths upto 2,000 metres.

Helix Q4000The first vessel tocommission a surfaceBOP in the Gulf ofMexico uses aWideband BOP controlfor shut-in and is underthe control of aConverteam DP.

SeacorVia Converteam,placedseveral orders during2007/08 for WidebandRanger USBLs in orderto enhance thecapability of its fleetfrom supply vessels tomulti-role vessels.

ShipyardsIn 2008,the Sonardyne/Converteam trackrecord generated ordersfrom a number ofshipyards includingDSME,STX and Jintanof Korea and YantaiRaffles of China.


The latest orders received thoughConverteam are for 10 Ranger-ProUSBL position reference systems forinstallation aboard ships currentlyunder construction for BourbonOffshore.The equipment will beintegrated within Converteam’s Class3, C-Series DP control system andincludes a Sonardyne 8023 ‘Big Head’transceiver and through-hulldeployment machine to ensure optimumpositioning performance in deep water.Delivery of the Sonardyne systems willbe completed by 2012.

Bourbon Offshore operates oneof the most up-to-date and versatileoffshore fleets and is currentlyengaged in a major shipbuildingprogramme having commissioned asubsantial number of new vessels inthe past 12 months.The ConverteamDP and Ranger systems will assistBourbon to meet the challenges of

the deep water offshore market byproviding highly stable and reliableposition keeping for a range of subseatasks including ROV inspection, wellintervention and repair.

Ranger-Pro is recognised as theoptimum solution for deep wateracoustic DP reference and constructionsurvey tasks as it is easy to learn, setup and operate.

Ranger-Pro USBLfor Bourbon ships

(Above) The Noble Roger Eason, formely the Neddrill 2, wasequipped with a Sonardyne/ Converteam solution in 1992.

(Left) The Noble Globetrotter is a ‘Huisdrill 10,000’designdrillship currently being built in Korea by the STX shipyard.The design of the drilling package focuses on drillingefficiency and will be equipped with a Converteam DP3system and Sonardyne Wideband acoustics.(Image courtesyof Huisman)

(Below) The latest generation DP desk from Converteam (Bottom and bottom right) The Swire Pacific Raider andPetrobras P23.

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Technology

Marksman LUSBL

Ian Joyce, Jon Parker and the Marksmandevelopment team (clockwise from top):Hayden Whincup, James Allen, GerardRenwick, Keven Cook, Dave Wolfe, GlynnMorgan and Robert Iles.


What are you settingyour sights on?

Pick any deep water field in the world and chances areSonardyne LUSBL technology will be somewhere at workproviding positioning for drilling operations. Baseline talksto Ian Joyce and Jon Parker, the architects behind thecompany’s latest LUSBL product development Marksman.

THE PRIMARY ROLE for an acousticpositioning system on a mobiledrilling unit is to provide accurateand repeatable subseapositioning for the vessel’sDynamic Positioning (DP) system.

“Sonardyne has been meeting this challengesince the early 1990s,” recalls Jon Parker,Senior Engineer for navigation systems. “Backthen, water depths of around 1,000 metreswere considered deep and LUSBL (Long andUltra-Short BaseLine) was still in its infancy.”The new technique, made possible throughthe introduction of Sonardyne’s unique USBLtransceiver technology, offered new levelsof positioning performance and was rapidlyadopted as the primary positioning methodfor DP drilling operations.

“LUSBL is still the order of the day withinnovations such as high power transponders,noise cancelling transceivers (‘Big Head’) and,most recently, Wideband signal technologykeeping pace with increasing water depths,

ever larger rigs and simultaneous fieldoperations,” continues Jon. “However, webegan to recognise that our existing LUSBLtopside platform was reaching its full potentialso the time was right to set about developingits successor.”

Marksman LUSBLThe development of Marksman, a namechosen to reflect its precision, has centredon the full-time commitment of seven in-housesoftware and hardware engineers who havebeen working on the project for the past twoyears. The team, headed up by SoftwareDevelopment Manager, Ian Joyce, hasworked to create a new product that isbelieved to answer every comment andexpectation voiced by users of existing LUSBLsystems, particularly in the important anddemanding DP drilling market.

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Technology

Marksman LUSBL

technology, ease of use is at the top of theagenda for operators of acoustic positioningsystems. All technology designers must nowrealise that customers expect to use theirproducts without memorising a weightymanual,” emphasises Ian.

The five-day training course needed tooperate Sonardyne’s previous LUSBL was adaunting prospect for many DP Operators(DPOs); one which many on the team believedcould be drastically reduced. And they wereright. Thanks to the lateral thinking and carefuldesign that has gone into Marksman, operatortraining has plunged from days to hours.According to Ian, “We have taken awaysome of the mystery behind acoustics so thatan experienced DPO can learn to useMarksman with confidence after only a fewhours’ tuition.”

Evidence of this approach is echoed inthe layout of the Marksman user interface (seeopposite) which has also been designed toenable safer and more responsive operation.Important information and messages arevisible from some distance away and touchscreen operation enables a swift response ifthe need arises.

The higher performance of MarksmanLUSBL is down to the inclusion of Sonardyne’sacclaimed Wideband signal technologywhich introduces a new host of benefits forLUSBL operations.

Wideband signals are generatedthrough the modulation of carrier frequenciesusing digital codes. Separation of signals inboth frequency and code greatly extendsthe number of unique signals that can besupported within a defined bandwidth.This generates hundreds of truly independentnavigation channels enabling multiple usersto work in the same area without causingacoustic pollution to each other. For example,using Marksman LUSBL, a rig can operatesafely on DP whilst multiple construction andsurvey operations are being conducted nearby.

Shorter BaselinesWith Wideband, ranges are at least threetimes more precise than previous generationanalogue positioning systems meaning thattransponder baselines can now be threetimes shorter.

For example, in 2,000 metres of water,Marksman makes it possible for transpondersto be laid within a 250 metre radius of thewellhead. Such reductions mean significantsavings in operational costs.

“Setting up a seabed transponder array fora DP rig has traditionally been a costly activitydue to the time needed to manoeuvre thevessel to widely spaced locations where thetransponders must be deployed,” explains Jon.“This task can take 12 hours or more but theWideband technology built into Marksmanenables transponders to be deployed withinthe typical operating reach of the rig’s ownROV. This transforms array deployment intoa swift and efficient operation.”

“Similar cost savings arise during thecalibration of the transponder array,” notesIan. “The system architecture has beendesigned to enable a ‘top-down’ techniqueto be used as the transponders are deployed.This avoids the need to take baselinemeasurements and permits quick and reliablecalibration. The result is the elimination ofanother costly task.”

For the past few months, Sonardyne’s seatrials centre in Plymouth has been the focus ofactivity for the Marksman team with Ian andJon overseeing crucial in-water testing of thesoftware and the new processor platform(Navigation Sensor Hub) on which it runs.Their next milestone is the deployment of thefirst fully operational system later in 2009,slated for a mobile drilling unit operating inthe Gulf of Mexico.

“We shall be upgrading the rig’s existingsystem and it is expected this can becompleted within a day or so,” said Ian.“The vessel already has a Sonardyne digitaltransceiver installed so it will be a relativelystraightforward task to install the new bridgehardware, interface everything to the DP desk,recalibrate the system and go to work.”

Having been part of the team thatdeveloped the first Sonardyne LUSBL,Jon Parker is enthusiastic about the impactMarksman will have. “I have been closelyinvolved with these systems for over 15 yearsand having experienced first hand in Plymouthwhat Marksman can do, I believe it is assignificant a development for the DP drillingindustry as when LUSBL first arrived.” BL

1.Main Chart Display (see opposite page formore detailed features)

2.Transponder Properties Table

3.Job Editor Page

4.Noise Plot Display

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1.Main menus provide access to theMarksman configuration, events and alarmsviewers, diagnostic and calibration tools, aswell as the user manual.

2.Reference frame selector offers a choice ofposition reference frames:World, Vehicle orBeacon depending on the task.

3.Systems shortcuts are a single click linkto commonly used tools.

4.Chart controls a choice of radar or gridview, north or bow-up, distance measuringtool, zoom in-out and a brightness control tosuit ambient light conditions.

5.System time allows acoustics to beprecisely synchronised to UTC for multi-system operation.

6.Tracking selection uses On/ Off toggle

buttons to control the selection of targetstracked.

7.Device status indicators give the status ofall the systems input devices at a glance.Green for good and red or amber for actionrequired.

8.Positions display shows the numericposition and state of each target in a large fonteasily read from a distance. The colour varieswith position age.

9.Chart display shows all of the vehiclesand targets on a choice of radar or grid viewthat are currently visible in the selectedreference frame.

10.Tracking icons indicate the age, mobilityand status of a target.

LUSBL combines the accuracy derived fromLBL positioning, where accuracy is virtuallyindependent of depth, with the operationalconvenience of USBL positioning.With anoptimised system, repeatability is typically0.5 per cent of slant range.

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Case Study

OBC in Russia

THE TERM “WINDOW ofopportunity” might havebeen invented for Russiansurvey teams working inthe Arctic north.The phrasesummarises the few weeks

in summer when the sea ice retreats andtemperatures rise grudgingly abovefreezing to settle at around 10 degreesCentigrade.This is the time when crewsfrom the largest marine geophysicalcompany in Russia, SMNG(Sevmorneftegeofizika),sail into a wildernesswhere there is nothing but water, rock andtundra for hundreds of miles.

The region is blanketed by ice and snowuntil early July when the small fleet of boatsoperated by SMNG is able to leave the townof Salekhard and follow the River Ob north-wards into the Kara Sea.The company isworking on a multi-year project for one ofRussia’s leading oil and gas companiessurveying hydrocarbon prospects far intothe Obskaja Guba, which is in the Yamal-

From a cold, remote RussNenets Autonomous district and part ofthe massive western Siberian plain.

Crews only have until the end of Octoberbefore the temperature plunges back farbelow zero and the driving snow and icereturn to trap any wayward ships.Theremoteness of the survey area demandsan exceptional level of planning, equipmentreliability and commitment as everythingthe crew needs for the four months aheadmust accompany it from Salekhard.

One of the most recent additions tothe survey crew’s inventory is a SonardyneOBC (Ocean Bottom Cable) seismicpositioning system.

SMNG typically deploy seismic cablescontaining thousands of hydrophones.Small, low-cost acoustic transponders areattached to these cables at regular intervalsto provide highly accurate positioning of theground stations.

The cables are laid from small, longalloy boats specially designed and certifiedto cope with the cold, rough weather.They

are equipped with hydraulic winches to aiddeployment and recovery of the cables andoperate in water that averages between15 and 17 metres deep although shootingcan occasionally take place in as little as 2.5metres.These are familiar demands for theSonardyne equipment which has, in othersurveys, been used in as little as 1 metreand as deep as 500 metres.

With the cables deployed, a largershooting vessel passes down the lengthof each cable, collecting seismic data andseparately, via a transceiver deployed overthe side of the vessel, multiple acousticranges from each transponder. In a carefullyorchestrated operation,‘shot’cables are thenrecovered and immediately relaid aheadof the shooting vessel ensuring large areascan be surveyed in a continuous process.

HydroPos Seismic is the PC softwarethat controls acoustic set up and positioningoperations.The software monitors, time tagsand logs raw data received from the vessel’ssurface navigation systems (GPS, Gyro etc)

Kara Sea

Gulf of Ob

NovayaZemlya

River Ob

Salekhard

Barents Sea

RUSSIA •


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sianwilderness...withLoveand the Sonardyne acoustic transceiver.All raw and processed data is stored in asingle file to allow easy archiving andtransfer of all survey data.Various industrystandard reports are provided for exportfrom the application.

By using the Sonardyne system, thesurveyors obtain real-time, absolutepositions of the transponders quickly andaccurately, making for very efficientsurveys. Raw acoustic data can also bepassed to an external navigation systemfor independent final network adjustment.

Denis Tomashin, Chief Geophysicistwith the survey crew, was pleased with theperformance of the Sonardyne OBCpositioning system from the moment histeam used it for the first time in 2007.“Wehave now just completed our second season(2008) and the transponders have beenproven to withstand the punishingoperational requirements of our project.Overall, the system has shown very goodresults, even in very shallow water.We have

not even lost one transponder; we aredelighted,” he said.

An unexpected benefit of having theSonardyne system available for the surveyhelped the SMNG team overcome someunique environmental conditionsencountered in the region.

“The main natural obstruction we metduring the survey was the very big changein the tide which affects the stability of theseismic spread.We quickly learned to puta lot of weight on the seismic cables to fixthem to the sea bottom.The OBC equipmentis a great help in enabling us to see thedynamics of the seismic spread movements,”added Denis.

Productivity begins to fall when theshorter Autumn days reduce the cableboats’ working time.That is when thesurvey party retreats inland, leaving nothingto show that it was ever there. It is also thetime when the SMNG team can begin toplan ahead for the next season’s short butbusy work programme.

The transponders developed for use with thesystem are small and low cost.Options includea release transponder and rope canister.(Below)Denis Tomashin, Chief Geophysicist withthe survey crew.

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White Paper

Survey Support Group

An introduction toMetrology

In the first of a regular series offeatures written by Sonardyne’sSurvey Support Group, ProjectSurveyor, Edd Moller, providesan introduction to acousticmetrology and explores theadvantages of the differenttechniques used. A copy ofthe technical white paper onwhich this article is based,can be requested via thesupport section of Sonardyne’swebsite. Details on page 21.

SUBSEA STRUCTURES SUCH asmanifolds and pipelines areconnected together on theseabed using sections of pipe(connectors) often called ‘spoolpieces’ or ‘jumpers’.

Because you can never guarantee exactlywhere a structure or the end of a newly laidpipe will end up in relation to another, or knowthe final orientation that it will be laid, theseconnectors can only be fabricated at theend of the installation process. They are alsomade of semi-rigid material due to the pressureand type of material being exported throughthem requiring them to be fabricated to fitexactly between the structure or pipeline hubs.An exact fit also ensures there is no residualstress in the connector which will reduce itsoperational life.

In order to fabricate a connector to fitexactly between the hubs on the manifoldsand pipeline ends, highly accuratemeasurements are required between theconnecting hubs on the subsea structures.The method of collecting these measurementsis called ‘Metrology’.

The word metrology is actually derivedfrom the Greek words ‘metron’ (measure) and‘logos’ (study of) and can be described as‘The Scientific Study of Measurement’.Therefore, when metrology is coined in theoffshore oil and gas industry, it is often referringto the measurements made in order to constructa subsea spool piece or jumper.

Whilst a number of different techniquesare available to conduct metrology, using aLong BaseLine (LBL) acoustic system remainsthe primary technique used by the subseaconstruction industry.

The History of Acoustic MetrologySurvey companies developed the techniquesfor conducting acoustic metrology in the1980s and since then, many thousands ofconnectors have been successfully made to

measure in varying water depths from theshallow plains in the North Sea to the extremedepths of the Gulf of Mexico.

Acoustic metrology was introduced as acost-effective alternative to taut wire metrology;a technique at the time that utilised divers totake the measurements. The accuracies offeredby the acoustic measurements met and oftensurpassed the ranging accuracies achievableby the taut wire observations and thedeployment and recovery of equipment byROV removed the requirement for divers. Thismeant that metrology could be completed froma vessel with a considerably lower day ratethan a Dive Support Vessel. In addition, the useof an acoustic metrology array also allowedfor collection of redundant measurements. Thisincreased the ability to apply quality controlschecks and ultimately reduced the risk of thespool or jumper not fitting at all.

Increased EfficiencyIn recent years, the introduction of multi-sensorendcaps, more compact housings andWideband signal technology in Sonardyne’sCompatt 5 transponder has increased theefficiency with which acoustic metrologycan be conducted. Although generally themethodology in which the metrologymeasurements are made has not changedsignificantly, there are advantages to begained from the correct use of the technologyencompassed within the Compatt 5 andits in-built sensors.

Spool Pieces and JumpersThe terminology of spool pieces and jumperscan often be confusing. In reality, both of theseterms refer to a connector that links betweenhubs on subsea structures. These connectorscan then be divided into two types requiringdifferent metrology measurements. These arehorizontal connectors, often referred to as‘Spool Pieces’, and vertical connectors, oftenreferred to as ‘Jumpers’.


Horizontal connectors are often foundon structures in shallow water areas whenprotection covers are required to cover thestructure to protect it from any damage causedby fishing activities such as trawling. Therefore,the connectors will have to exit from the sidesof the structures. Vertical connectors inverselywill often be found in deep water out of thereach of fishing activities. This allows for theconnectors to exit from the top of the structure.Generally, vertical connectors are easier toboth measure and fit.

Prior to fabrication, the followinginformation between each of the hubs that theconnector will fit between is measured as partof the metrology campaign:

Horizontal Connectors• Horizontal distance• Vertical angles (difference in elevation)• Pitch of the two hubs• Seabed clearance along the route• Accurate horizontal angles

Vertical Connectors• Horizontal distance• Vertical angles (difference in elevation)• Pitch and Roll of the two hubs• Seabed clearance along the route• Relative bearing between the two hubs

Advantages of Acoustic MetrologyA Sonardyne acoustic metrology system

comprises a number of Compatts (seabedtransponders) placed in a network on theseabed and also on the structures and/orhubs. Depths of the Compatts are accuratelymeasured and acoustic ranges collectedbetween them. The distance between eachCompatt is often referred to as the ‘baseline’.This allows a network adjustment to beperformed which positions the Compattsrelative to each other.

The network, commonly referred to as an‘array’, can also be shifted and orientated tomatch actual grid positions allowing the user toquote real world co-ordinates which can helpwith quality control checks on known locations.

It is also possible to use the array to

(Above and below) An instrumented SonardyneCompatt 5 used for metrology. The inclinometerendcap is coupled to a stab device to allow it tobe docked in a receptacle on the structure’s hub.

(Above and below) Horizontal and vertical connectors being lowered into position.Graphics: FMC(Above right) A Compatt used for horizontal metrology.Note the alignment technique allowingthe Compatt to be turned 90° or returned to exactly the same position for repeat measurements.Photo: Sonsub (Below right) Deployment of a hub mounting plate and ROV docking plate.Photo:Total

Survey Support Group

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White Paper

determine acoustic headings on structuresand pipelines with an accuracy relating tothe positional accuracy of each Compatt andthe baseline distance between them.

In recent years the introduction ofWideband signal technology in Sonardyne’sCompatt 5 transponders has had a significantimpact on the efficiency with which acousticmetrology can be conducted, regardless ofthe depth of water. The increased rangingprecision offered by Wideband signals meansthat it is now possible to obtain positionalaccuracies at MF (Medium Frequency) thatwere previously obtainable only at EHF(Extra-High Frequency). This has the combinedbenefits of extending the range of highaccuracy positioning and rationalisingequipment inventories as the same Compattcan be used for USBL tracking as well asbeing operated through the USBL hardware.

The main advantages of an acousticmetrology system are:

• Accurate to better than plus/minus 50mm• Offers redundancy for QC• Flexible to meet any metrology requirement• Equipment readily available• Existing personnel already familiar with

the equipment• Can use existing seabed array• Multiple metrologies from the same array• Can be used relative or absolute• Accuracy not effected by range• Measurements can be made in little

or no visibility• Results achievable onsite• Deployable by ROV negating the

requirement for a DSV.

As with all systems, there are often somedisadvantages. For acoustic metrology, theseinclude the requirement for planning beforethe campaign which commonly involvesdimensional control of structures and metrologyequipment and the fabrication of frames, stabsand receptacles to position a Compatt at aknown position relative to the hub. In addition,the system may take time to install, can beaffected in noisy environments and will requireprocessing to compute the actual connectordimensions from the raw measurements. Yetall of these negative points can be planned for

in advance and this is where Sonardyne’sSurvey Support Group can help ensure successin the field.

Relative or Absolute MeasurementsMetrology operations are typically conductedin one of two ways; relative or absolute.However, these methods will have to beadapted depending on the exact conditionsof the required connector and also take intoaccount any changing environmental conditions.

Relative measurements are oftenperformed on vertical connectors as the hubsare easily accessible allowing a Compattto be mounted directly on the hub itself. Thismethod only requires the deployment of asmall bracing array of seabed transpondersin order to conduct quality checks.

Relative Metrology Advantages• Involves little post processing.• Sensor error is minimised as the Compatt

is located very close to the actual hub. • Time saving through not having to perform

a large array calibration. • Sufficient redundant observations to enable

full quality control when three or more Compatts are used to brace the two hub Compatts (five plus Compatts in total).

• Data can be quickly processed on boardto verify results before demobilising the acoustic equipment. This data can also be post processed at a later date and QC’d before the results are sent in.

By installing a transponder array around themetrology area (often pre-installed forinstallation operations), measurements canthen be made in an absolute manner. Installingthe array will take longer than a bracing arrayused when conducting relative measurementsbut can save time if multiple connectors arerequired to be calculated. Mobile Compattscan be placed within the array such as instructure receptacles and in straddle bracketsover a pipeline which can then be preciselypositioned. Using sensors to obtain attitudeand depth information and dimensional controlreports, hub positions and attitudes can bepost calculated. Traditionally this was alaborious exercise but now 3D CAD softwarecan make short work of the task.

An example diagram of a bracing array used inrelative metrology

All baselines are used in a least squaresadjustment for QC.Note the good geometry bycareful bracing Compatt location selection.In this example, by occupying multiple points onthe structure, an acoustic structure heading canbe derived.

This baseline used todetermine hub to hubdistance

This baseline used to compareagainst manifold dimensionalcontrol for gross error checkingand/ or orientating the arrayrelative to the structure

Key:● Hub Compatt ● Bracing Compatt

PLET

MANIFOLD

An example diagram of a transponder array usedin absolute metrology

(1) Compatt installed over production bundle(2) Compatt adjacent to manifold hub(3) Compatt adjacent to hub

A Compatt used for absolute metrology on apipeline.Notice the pendulum (plum line) on thebucket to ensure the Compatt is installed vertically.Photo:Total

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Absolute Metrology Advantages• Often used in horizontal metrology as the

hubs may be inaccessible for a Compatt both in terms of available space and also for acoustic line-of-sight.

• Ideal for structures requiring a large number of connectors as the calculation for each connector is conducted in post processing and not during valuable measuring time.

• Required when acoustic hub heading determination is required.

• Can offer results in Real World Co-ordinates often favoured by engineers.

• Data can be quickly processed on boardto verify results before demobilising the acoustic equipment.

• As structure installation utilises the same Wideband Medium Frequency Compatts as you would use for metrology, metrology measurements can be calculated from the as-built structure positions and dimensionalcontrol reports.

Calculating ResultsDue to the varied approaches to acousticmetrology, there are numerous data collectionmethods. This means that there is not a ‘onesize fits all’ computing program to translatemeasurement observations into computedresults.

Sonardyne’s Fusion LBL software canbe used to collect observations and cancontribute in the processing stages but it isnot intended to provide the final engineeringsolution. Also, although the calculationsrequired to compute a solution are simple,there are often a huge number of them toperform. Often, the calculations areprogressive which will propagate any errorsthroughout the results. Therefore, the

calculations should be performed by morethan one person and by more than a singlespreadsheet, CAD model, adjustmentsoftware, etc.

Generally a combination of SonardyneFusion software (including internal leastsquares adjustment program), third party leastsquares adjustment software, CAD, andmanual and spreadsheet calculations will berequired to calculate the actual connectordimensions.

Achievable AccuraciesIn order to demonstrate the absolute accuracyof Sonardyne Wideband equipment formetrology, controlled trials in a dry dock werecarried out in 2006.

Four production standard omni-directionalMF Compatt 5 transponders were arranged inthe dry dock such that the baselines betweenpairs of Compatts varied from 10 to 30 metres.Two units were cable connected to calibrated

sound speed sensors to provide accuratesound speed monitoring via acoustic telemetry. All the Compatts were loaded with the latestfirmware and acoustic observations werecollected using Fusion LBL software and aRovNav 5 transceiver.

Independent dimensional control surveyswere commissioned to accurately measure thedistance between the Compatt transducers.The control surveys were conducted bothbefore flooding and after the water had beendrained from the dock using different instrumentset up and control points.

The trial results, summarised below,confirmed that the accuracy of baselinemeasurements using Wideband signals is withinthe published value of plus/minus 30mm.

It is worth noting that the above results arefrom trials conducted in a known and stableenvironment. In reality, changing environmentalconditions may yield larger data spreads.Thus Sonardyne would recommend thatspecifications for measured slant ranges areno tighter than plus/minus 30mm to accountfor these unknown conditions. BL

Trial Results TableFrom Compatt To Compatt Range from Range from average Standard deviation Computed error (m)(Address) (Address) dimensional control of 20 baseline (m)

surveys (m) observations (m)1 (211) 2 (214) 16.340 16.334 0.002 -0.0061 (211) 3 (213) 17.902 17.907 0.007 +0.0051 (211) 4 (212) 30.427 30.440 0.010 +0.0172 (214) 3 (213) 10.749 10.745 0.002 -0.0042 (214) 4 (212) 14.693 14.692 0.010 -0.0013 (214) 2 (212) 16.202 16.211 0.006 -0.009

In recent years, the introductionof multi-sensor endcaps, morecompact housings andWideband signal technologyin Sonardyne’s Compatt 5transponder has increasedthe efficiency with whichacoustic metrology can beconducted...there areadvantages to be gained fromthe correct use of the technologyencompassed within theCompatt 5 and its sensors.”

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Sonardyne Survey Group:White Papers Online

In such a small article, it is impossibleto discuss every aspect of acousticmetrology. However, by visitingwww.sonardyne.com/support/white_papers you can register yourinterest in receiving this, and otherpapers produced by the SSG. Moretitles are being published regularly,so please keep checking the website.

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Global Sales

Scout USBL


WHERE IN THE WBe prepared with Scout: Tracking the success of Sonardyne’s entry level USBL

2008 WAS A record yearfor sales of SonardyneScout USBL acousticpositioning systems andproof if any was needed,

that the system is meeting users’demands for a simple, easy to useunderwater tracking system withhigh performance.

From the outset, Scout wasdeveloped to be easy to install, set up and usable on almost any size ofvessel making it the ideal tool for usein relatively shallow inland and coastalwaters such as lakes, rivers, harboursand estuaries.

Available in three different models,the system calculates the position ofa subsea target by measuring therange and bearing from a vesseltransceiver to a transponder fitted onthe target. Here are just a fewexamples of how it is being used.

How are you using your Scout system?Email [email protected] let us know.

Location:

Brazil and UKTask:Towfish tracking Scout systems arefrequently supplied withsmall, lightweightType 7815 Coastaltransponders;perfectwhen space on a vehicleis limited.As seen inthese photos fromnorthern Brazil andLondon’s River Thames,installation is simple.

Location:

Gulf of MexicoTask:Dive supportWith the ability tosimultaneously track 10targets and easily installthe system on any vessel,Scout-Pro proved the idealchoice for this surveycompany who needed toprecisely track their teamof inspection divers.

Location:

West Coast USATask:ROV trackingThe operator of this 300metre rated,inshore ROVwanted a fast position updateso opted for Scout-Plus withits responder mode featureand equipped the vehiclewith a Wideband Sub-Minitransponder.


WORLD IS SCOUT?positioning system from the West Coast USA, to Europe and on to the Far East

Location:

MediterraneanTask:ROV trackingScout’s competitive priceprovides numerousopportunities for userswhose restricted budgetsmay have preventedthem from using USBLtechnology before.In thisexample,Scout was usedto track an ROV andrecord waypoints duringan archaeological survey.

Location:

Caspian Sea Task:Seismic cable positioningFor ocean bottom cableseismic surveys,Scout-Pro’s fully featured softwareallows a recording vesselto position the cables inone overhead pass,savingvaluable time and money.Here,the system providedexcellent results despitevery shallow water.

Location:

AustraliaTask:Diver trackingTo independently verifythe performance ofSonardyne’s intruderdetection sonar,Scoutwas installed on thetrials vessels and diversequipped with Coastaltransponders.Thesimple to use softwareis designed for userswith little or no priorexperience of acousticpositioning systems.

Location:

Papua NewGuinea Task:Inland pipe surveyTo simplify set up andreduce costs,an integratedmotion sensor within Scouttransceivers automaticallycompensates for thedynamic motion of thevessel.This feature is idealwhen moving the systemfrom vessel to vessel.

Location:

KoreaTask:Civil engineering A complex tunnelbuilding project in Korearequired the use of aScout-Pro system toprovide ROV positioningduring the survey phaseof the project.Usingexternal referencesensors,better than 0.5%of the slant range fromthe transceiver to thetarget can be achieved.

Location:

MalaysiaTask:Dam inspectionPortability was the key tosuccess for this video surveyof a dam.All Scout systemscan be controlled using aSurface Command Unit;aruggedised,portable PCand sensor interface thatenables Scout to be operatedindependently from almostany type of boat.

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Technology

Riser Tower Monitoring

THE CASCADE AND Chinookfields lie180 miles offshorein the ultra-deep water ofthe Walker Ridge block.Petrobras America Inc.(PAI), thefields’operator,has chosen to fast trackthe development with the

installation of an FPSO that is scheduled tobe installed and in production in 2010.

Free Standing Hybrid Risers (FSHRs)connected to flowlines from each field willserve the FPSO, delivering oil and gas tothe surface for processing and exportingprocessed gas to a subsea pipeline. Crudewill be offloaded to a shuttle tanker. All risersand umbilicals are to be integrated into adisconnectable submerged turret buoy thatwill allow the FPSO to move off-station whenthere is an impending threat to the facility.

Life-of-field monitoring To maintain the integrity of the FSHRs, theSubsea Technology Group from Petrobras’s R&DCentre in Brazil, prepared a specification forPAI of a comprehensive life-of-field monitoringsystem and contracted BMT Scientific MarineServices as the prime systems integratorresponsible for its delivery. BMT has manyyears’ experience in the development ofoffshore monitoring systems and, following thesuccessful development of a similar system forthe Petrobras P-52 platform in Brazil in 2007

(see opposite), has once again chosen topartner with Sonardyne for the integratedacoustic positioning and telemetry componentof the system.

The primary requirement for the acousticinstrumentation is to monitor the position ofeach riser tower and of the turret buoy relativeto the seabed. In addition, integrated sensorswill monitor depth, temperature, inclinationand sound speed whilst the integrated modemwill telemeter data from BMT’s load andattitude monitoring system on each riser towerto the turret buoy. The system uses SonardyneWideband® signal architecture to guaranteehigh speed and reliable data communicationsfor all these tasks.

Measure, command, log dataTo ensure line-of-sight to each riser towerwithout obstruction by the flexible risers ormooring lines, the turret buoy will be equippedwith three transceivers. The transceiversperform the following multiple functions:

● They measure ranges directly from themselves to the seabed transponder array in order to provide an accurate position for the turret buoy.

● They send commands to transponders mounted near the top of each riser tower, instructing them to measure the ranges to the seabed array. The positions of the riser tops can then be accurately determined.

● They acquire sensor data from the riser-top transponders and the seabed array.

● They send commands to, and recover data from BMT’s data logger on the riser top, fitted with an acoustic modem.The transponder on the riser tops and on

the seabed are versions of Sonardyne’s newAutonomous Monitoring Transponders whichoperate an efficient Wideband command set.

This allows much faster set up oftransponder parameters and enables thesensors fitted to the riser-top transponders to bemeasured and reported at the same time asthe acoustic measurements are made, greatlyspeeding up the acoustic monitoring cycle.

Normally, data acquisition will becontrolled by BMT’s monitoring system onthe FPSO. However, in the event of adisconnection, the system continues to recorddata on the turret buoy, which can later bedownloaded by the FPSO or another vessel forprocessing by Petrobras proprietary software.The integrity monitoring system will providevaluable data about the movement andloading on hybrid riser systems during extremeweather events.

The system demonstrates a growingdemand for reliable subsea remote integritymonitoring that has been enabled by the highperformance of both Sonardyne’s Wideband®

acoustic positioning and data communicationsystems and BMT’s proven subsea strain andmotion sensing systems. BL

Rising to the challengeWhen Petrobras’s Cascade and Chinook development comes on stream next year,it will claim two major milestones. Not only will the Floating Production, Storage andOffloading (FPSO) facility used to accept production from the fields be the first FPSO inthe Gulf of Mexico, at 2,600 metres, it will also be the world’s deepest operating FPSO.David Lawes, Director of Product Development, reports for Baseline.


P-52 permanent subseariser monitoring systemSonardyne last partnered with BMT in2007 when the two companies workedto supply the acoustic positioning anddata recovery equipment for the singleFree Standing Hybrid Riser (FSHR) closeto the Petrobras P-52 platform in theBrazilian Roncador field. Installed in theAutumn of that year, a single acoustictransceiver on the platform communicateswith the transponders and modem on theriser top and with a seabed array of fiveSonardyne Compatt 5 transponders

located in rigid frames. The monitoringsystem sends strain, motion and positioninformation every four hours.

Because of the large amount of datato recover from the data logger on theriser top (over 90 Mbytes in the first sixmonths of operation alone), Sonardyne’sHigh Data Rate Link (HDRL) is employedto transfer data from the logger tothe platform. This transfers data at theastonishing speed of 15,000 bps andis ideal for transferring the large datarecords to the surface error free andas efficiently as possible.

Since its commissioning in 2007,the system has provided invaluabledata for analysing the movement of theriser tower, allowing confidence in thedevelopment of more complex FSHRinstallations such as in the upcomingCascade and Chinook field.

“Because of the largeamount of data to recoverfrom the data loggeron the riser top – over90 Mbytes in the firstsix months alone –Sonardyne’s High DataRate Link is employedto transfer data from thelogger to the platform”

Conceptual diagrams of the planned Cascade and Chinook subsea architecture with FPSO. Top imagecourtesy of Petrobras

SIPS 2 and Lodestar

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Case Study

BOS choose SIPS 2 andLodestar AHRS for the Arctic

WITH THE CAPACITY

to tow six, eightkilometre longstreamers, theBOS Arctic isone of the latest

vessels to join the growing fleet of 2D, 3Dand 4D vessels owned and operated byBergen Oilfield Services (BOS).

During its recent conversion in Spain,BOS equipped the Arctic with a SonardyneSIPS 2 system to provide continuous, real-time acoustic positioning for the vessel’s

survey spread. Significantly, the Arctic isalso now the first seismic vessel in serviceto be equipped with a Sonardyne LodestarAttitude and Heading Reference System.This was chosen to provide high accuracyheading, heave, pitch and roll measurementfor a variety of onboard applicationsincluding motion compensation for a multi-beam echo-sounder, as an IMO certifiedmaster heading device (See page 04),helideck monitoring and an input for thevessel’s main navigation suite.

SIPS 2 uses transceivers attached to each

streamer, air gun and tailbuoy to measureacoustic ranges between each other andthe survey vessel, enabling both the shapeof the towed array to be known and theposition of the hydrophones, relative tothe vessel, to be precisely determined.

Modern seismic vessels towing long,wide arrays create a demanding operatingenvironment for positioning systems.“The high levels of in-water noise generatedby ships and their seismic sources, requiresthe application of digital signal techniquesto ensure that the thousands of acoustic

The BOS Arctic has the capacity to tow six, eight kilometre long streamers.


signals being transmitted can be clearlydetected,” explained Geophysical BusinessManager, Trevor Barnes.“SIPS 2 meetsthese needs.”

“By using a digitally encoded signal,many more ranges can be collected ina shot point than conventional analoguesystems allowing up to 20 streamers to bepositioned if desired,” said Trevor.“Additionally, vessels operating with SIPS 2have demonstrated their ability to maintainperformance when weather conditionsbecome marginal due to the robustnessof the digital acoustic technology.”

Stuart Squires, Manager, NavigationServices at BOS spoke of his company’sdecision to install Sonardyne.“SIPS hasgot a great track record; second to none.A factor that particularly appealed to us is that the system can be expanded to

accommodate more streamers and offerfull acoustic bracing down the entire length of the streamers if we need it.This gives usthe flexibility to configure the Arctic to meetdifferent market needs.”

The SIPS equipment supplied to BOSincludes the latest generation ‘Carbon D’transceivers which incorporate a carbonfibre housing to resist corrosion and D-sized cell batteries to provide long in-wateroperating life.This in turn reduces the needfor battery changing whilst the streamersare deployed.

With one eye to the future, BOS decidedto install a Sonardyne survey-grade, through-hull deployment machine during the refit.“We’re using it initially for the SIPS systembut if we decide at a later stage to fit a USBLsystem for dynamic positioning and ROVsurvey work, it will be an easy upgradeas we won’t have to take the vessel out ofservice to fit it,” commented Stuart.“SIPSand Lodestar have integrated seamlesslywith our operations and provide the Arcticwith a unique capability,” he concluded.

By using a digitally encodedsignal, many more rangescan be collected in a shotpoint than conventionalanalogue systems allowingup to 20 streamers to bepositioned if desired.”

“

(Right) Acoustictransceivers attached toeach streamer, air gunand tailbuoy measureranges between eachother and the surveyvessel, enabling theposition of thehydrophones, relativeto the vessel to beprecisely determined.

(Above) During the installation of the LodestarAHRS, Project Manager, Jon Martin measuresthe remote heave offset from a known surveypoint on the heli-deck.(Left) Engineers configure the SIPS topsidehardware in the vessel’s instrument room.(Below, left to right) The surface Lodestar willprovide the Arctic with high accuracy heading,heave, pitch and roll measurement for a varietyof onboard applications including multi-beamcompensation and as an input for the vessel’smain navigation suite. An engineer verifiesthe installation of the vessel’s SIPS transduceron a through-hull deployment machine.

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Technology

Systems and Products

Compatt 5 MaxAn ultra long-life acoustic positioning transponder enabling semi-permanent deploymentfor life-of-field operations. It provides high accuracy Wibeband simultaneous operationsfor multi-vessel and subsea vehicle positioning.

Compatt 5 Max is designed to reduce thetotal deployment costs associated withvessel time installing reference transpondersduring both drilling and constructionphases of large field developments.

Sonardyne’s Survey Support Group canhelp customers carefully plan locations fora sparse network of reference transpondersaround key sites such as drill centres andanchor sets, therefore optimising thenumber of transponders required.The ultralong battery life enables Compatt 5 Maxtransponders to be left in situ through out alldrilling and construction activities thereforesaving vessel installation time whichreduces operational cost.

Compatt 5 Max is compatible with allaspects of drilling and construction activityby being compatible with Sonardyne’s

LUSBL DP position reference systems(including the new Marksman system)already installed on many drilling andconstruction vessels.The Wideband signalsenable seamless multi-vessel ‘SIMOPS’capability ensuring no vessel down time.They are also compatible with Sonardyne’ssurvey grade USBL and LBL systems, andother USBL systems such as KongsbergHiPAP®.This allows then to be used as fixedDP and survey references during all surveytasks including metrology, structuredeployments,cut-to-length and umbilical lay.The long battery life is provided by eitherlithium or alkaline battery packs giving upto eight years listening life and typicallygreater than two years when in constant use.Even longer battery life is available onrequest if required. Omni or directionaltransducers are available along with a rangeof integrated sensors.

Compatt 5 Max has atypical battery operatinglife in excess of 600 daysand is available with arange of sensor optionsand directional or omni-directional transducers.

Compatt 5 Max Facts & Figures

● Ultra long-life,semi-permanent transponder – reduces installationcosts and vessel time

● 2+ years battery life when continuously transmitting

● Enables full SIMOPS Wideband multi-vessel operations

● Fully LUSBL,USBL and LBL compatible

● <50mm accuracy,<20mm precision

● High power,long range (>3km)

● Integral sensors available:soundvelocity,high accuracy pressure,temperature and inclinometers

● Depth rated to 3,000 or 5,000 metres


Technology

Systems and Products

The new WMT is available with a remotetransducer that offers users flexibilitywhen vehicle space is restricted.Achoice of right-angled or straightmounting arrangement is available.

Sonardyne’s existing Wideband Sub-Minitransponder (WSM) is typicallyinterrogated by a responder trigger downan ROVs’ umbilical or a narrow band tonesignal. In some situations, reverberation ormultipath of the tone interrogation cancause interference problems.The newWMT is Sonardyne’s first mini-sizedtransponder, slightly larger than the WSMand providing full two-way Widebandinterrogation and reply which completelymitigates interference from other users andto other users.

For use on ROVs, the WMT includes aresponder trigger, an integrated Li-Ionbattery pack that is charged from the ROV’spower supply and full RS232 communicationsenabling channel set up, power, gain etc. tobe changed from the surface. Digital outputlines enable emergency acoustic

commanding of ROV functions in the eventof ROV umbilical failure, for example, clumpweight release.An On/ Off switch helpsensure the battery back is not dischargedwhen not in use.When an umbilical triggeris not available, then half of the fullWideband mode provides excellent USBLperformance in a small, lightweight form.

New remote transducers, either omni ordirectional are available for both the WMTand existing WSM range.These makeinstallation on an ROV easier as thetransducer can installed where there isgood line-of-sight.

The main body of the transponder, the moreexpensive part, can then be installed withinthe ROV frame where it is well protected.Transducers can then be easily replacedif damaged.

Wideband MiniTransponderFacts & Figures

● Full two-way Sonardyne Wideband®

interrogation and reply – mitigates any interferrence and multi-path issues

● Mini size – lightweight and small

● Responder mode

● Li-Ion battery pack

● Optional remote transducer

● Pressure and temperaturesensors options

● Full RS232 control from the surface

● On/ Off switch

● New,versatile andfuture-proof design

Wideband Mini TransponderA new mini-sized acoustic positioning transponder, the WMT is available for ROVsand other subsea vehicles offering full Sonardyne Wideband® interrogation andreply capability. Uses the same remote transducers as those available for WSMs.

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International

News from around the World

SE Asia – SingaporeJohn RamsdenSenior Vice President

USA – HoustonRichard BinksSales Director

UK – AberdeenBarry CairnsSales Manager

Brazil – MacaéGavin HuntingRegional Manager

In 2008 we had outstandingsuccess with the introduction ofcustomer workshops. Headedby our survey group, these weredeveloped to bring clients intoSonardyne and give them theopportunity to ask us anything.The dialogue has allowed us toget closer to to the industry andincrease our understanding ofour regional markets.

Customer SeminarsProduct awareness eventshave also been a focus suchas the evening of short seminarson the back of indoor golf.These seminars were also usedas an opportunity to bring ourengineering teams into theclient forum to help themunderstand the needs of theindustry. More open workshopsand seminars are planned for2009 along with individualcustomer training in our newlyrefurbished facilities.

To further strengthen the team,I am pleased to announce twonew additions. Heading up ourworkshop is Neil Taylor whojoins us from the Royal Navywhere he served for 22 years.Joining Neil is technician ColinSutherland who has an HND inMechatronics and is at presentcompleting his modern dayapprenticeship.

Sonardyne Asia has had themost dynamic year since itsinception in terms of bothsupport and sales. Our staffnumbers have increased tomatch the growth that has beenseen in all sectors especially inour core oil and gas markets.

With more staff, services willcontinue to improve with fasterequipment turnarounds, moreoffshore engineers and a higherfrequency of training courses.

The Singapore office quicklyresponded to the implement-ation of the Singapore StrategicGoods Control System whichtook effect in 2008.We becameone of the first companies toachieve Tier 3 accreditationwhich ensured that deliveries tocustomers were not delayed.

Once again the highlight of thesocial scene during the OSEAexhibition was the SonardyneFoosball Night, with everyonehaving a fun evening.

As mentioned on page 07,Sonardyne Asia is continuing toinvest in the region by movinginto new premises to allowgreater support for clientsboth new and old. It will be apleasure to welcome you to ournew office during 2009.

Offshore activity in Brazilremains busy and as such weare continuing to expand ourbusiness and infrastructure toimprove support for existingand new customers.

David Wright, formerly withKongsberg, is our new Sales andApplications Support Manager.David has many years ofexperience within the offshoresurvey industry and will addgreat value to our operation.Joining the field engineeringteam is André Moura.

Survey and ConstructionCBO has just taken deliveryof a Fusion USBL for their newRSV, the CBO Isabella.Thesystem is connected to twodigital USBL transceivers, eachon an independent deploymentmachine. ROV and surveyservices will be provided byDeepOcean.

DrillingThe Peregrine-1, now operatedby Etesco, has taken deliveryof a Wideband backup BOPcontrol system whilst Noble’sDP drillship Muravlenko is alsoupgrading its acoustic BOPbackup control to our latestWideband technology. Thesystem will be commissionedearly in 2009.

Wideband in the Gulf onceagain dominates businessactivities in the region with manyequipment owners reporting100% utilisation rates. However,the big story of the last fewmonths has been the award of acontract to supply life-of-fieldacoustic monitoring system forCascade and Chinook.

In September, our Sentineldiver detection sonar was addedto the US General ServicesAdministration (GSA) catalogue.This followed contracts, trialsand the successful acceptanceof Sentinel by the US Navy.

On the MoveAs you’ll read elsewhere inBaseline, Sonardyne Inc hasjust moved into new, largerpremises.With twice thefloorspace, there now exists theoption of manufacturing someproducts directly in the USA.After 10 years with the company,Spencer Collins has beenpromoted to the role of SeniorVice President, InternationalStrategic Sales.To furtherstrengthen and promote ourgrowth in the USA,a newGeneral Manager NorthAmerica will be recruited alongwith additional resources to thebusiness development team.Welook forward to making furtherannouncements in due course.

Ask Darren2

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Help & Advice

Your questions answered

If there’s something you’ve always beenmeaning to ask Sonardyne,then we’rehere to get you the [email protected] with all yourtechnical questions for a fast responsefrom the two Darrens.

QWe are planning for a majorproject in a busy deep waterfield involving numerousvessels and contractors.Our acoustic plans in the past

have been designed around toneburstonly systems but we now have a mix oftone and Wideband systems,as well asequipment suppliers.I’ve heard that whilstWideband will work in and aroundexisting tone systems with no problems,the tone systems can pick up Widebandsignals which can cause issues.Obviouslywe want to minimise downtime.CanSonardyne assist with planning forsimultaneous tone and Widebandsystems using your equipment and thatof other suppliers?

A(DT) Yes you can use tone andSonardyne’s Wideband®

systems together.Howeverthe frequency band used by

Wideband signals is the same MediumFrequency (MF) band used for tonebased USBL and LBL equipment,so youwill need to plan ahead.

Modern digital transceivers candetect the difference between tone andWideband signals allowing both signalsto be used together.Analoguetransceivers do not know the differencebetween Wideband and tone so they canfalsely detect Wideband signals asthough they are tone signals.In a USBLoperation for example,this false detection

could result in a sudden jump in position.Digital transceivers such as our

8021/8023 USBL transceivers,InvertedUSBL,RovNav 5 LBL transceivers and alsoKongsberg’s HiPAP®,can detect thedifference betweenWideband andtone signals.

(DM) If Wideband signals are tobe used in the vicinity of any legacySonardyne transceivers,take a look atour user guide to frequency planningusing Sonardyne Wideband®.Availableto download at www.sonardyne.com/Support/Z_cards/index.html,it isdesigned to assist users of Sonardyneacoustic positioning systems whenplanning or undertaking USBL and LBLsubsea operations in the presence of bothWideband and legacy tone systems.Ifyou contact our Survey Support Group [email protected] they willbe happy to discuss your project.

QIn a few weeks I’m joining asurvey vessel off the coast ofSouth Africa that is using aScout-Plus system.I have been told that the previous

crew has lost the user manual.Is it possibleto get a replacement?

A(DT) Yes of course.Go to ourwebsite and follow this linkwww.sonardyne.com/Support/Manuals/index.html

which has a list of all our availablemanuals.Fill out the online request andsubmit your details,then the manual canbe emailed directly to you,normallywithin one working day of the request.

(DM) If you prefer,we can send you aCD of the manual anywhere in the world.

QWe received a consignmentof SIPS 2 Carbon D XSRStransceivers with alkalinebattery stacks fitted as standard.Can we replace the

alkaline batteries with lithium batteries?How much extra life will we get?

A(DT) The XSRS units you havecan use alkaline or lithiumbattery stacks,auto detectingwhichever is fitted.You should

expect the 8086 XSRS and 8088 ASVtransceivers to have a typical battery lifeof 14-16 weeks with alkaline batterieswhile lithium batteries typically last42-48 weeks.Remember,the numberof interrogations will directly affect thebattery’s life.

(DM) When the battery stack isremoved,the software will reset thebattery count.It does not keep a recordof the stack’s working life.When thebatteries in the stacks reach the end oftheir working lives,remove and safelydispose of the batteries in accordancewith your company procedure and localregulations.Never mix old batteries withnew batteries and don’t use alkaline andlithium battery stacks together.

Darren Taylor and Darren Murphy are the front line of Sonardyne’s customer supportteam. If you have a question, they can get you the answer.

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