“Lewek Constellation”
Survey, Acoustic and Positioning Sensors
1. Introduction
I have spent the last year working together with the Senior Surveyor of the Pipelay
Vessel “Acergy Falcon”, conducting trials in the Bay of Biscay with the aim of
evaluating acoustic systems for fitting on the new-build vessel “Seven Borealis”.
As a result of those trials, the New-build Project team gave the go-ahead to:
Keep and fit one HiPAP 500 system
replace the second HiPAP 500 system for a HiPAP 101 system – the HiPAP
101 will also be interfaced to the DP desk with HAINs reference system. At
present the only limiting factor in using a transponder at ultra deep water
is the update rate as the DP desk rejects any update that is greater than 5
seconds. However Kongsberg have a DP INS solution that is capable of
using a vessel INS and increasing the update to 1 second irrespective of
water depth. This option was recommended.
cut and prepare a 3rd gate valve in the hull for a 3 rd acoustic system
(almost certainly Sonardyne for LBL arrays at either end of the pipeline)
fit one fast winch on the bow for sound velocity and ADCP systems to be
run instead of having to deploy an ROV – at long laybacks, it is critical to
ensure the speed of sound is continually updated
maximise Seapath GPS system antenna base line spacing – an accurate
gyro heading is essential to track long distance positioning
planned cable runs for all possible future system additions to negate
mobilization time for cable running, etc
fitted both Schilling ROV’s with 850m tethers
sail with 1,500m tether drums onboard, should a change-out be required
for longer laybacks in deeper waters – estimated 9 hour change over time
per ROV, but wet test trials required on sailing.
In order to make the vessel as “future-proof” as possible, I would like to propose
some additions/alterations for the vessel which I ask be considered in time to
provide maximum potential and minimize unnecessary operational costs.
These alterations will now give the “Borealis” the ability to continually
conduct their own touchdown monitoring - thereby negating the
requirement for a Survey Vessel. The cost-saving potential will be into the
tens of millions per year - dependant on days of vessel usage, of course.
2. Acoustic tracking
I am presuming that x2 standard HiPAP 500 systems are planned for the
“Constellation” - their gate valves being noted on either side of the Vessel Moonpool?
The system was tested far beyond the maximum expected 1,400m ROV tether
excursion ranges of the “Borealis” - with trials in 4,500m water depth and over
2,000m horizontal layback.
With maximum ROV tether payout estimated to be 1,300m horizontal
distance, the accuracy of touchdown position is therefore estimated to be
better than ±4m – well within any corridor tolerances
Also, in some cases (e.g. export lines), this could be considered
acceptable for as-laid data
Signal strengths and replies were much, much stronger than those
normally obtained from the 500 system
DP Trials were also conducted - in 1,700m water depth – excellent results
were the comments provided by the Captain and DPO’s
The operator interface is standard to the HiPAP range fitted throughout
the fleet and requires no further specialist training. Only a few options are
available to change gain settings but with these exceptions it’s a one
button on/off system.
.
The “Falcon” trials were conducted from 800m to 4,500m – the results were that the
HiPAP 101 system (which has a slightly lower frequency than the 500 system fitted
onboard almost all construction/pipelay vessels) performed extremely well, e.g., in
4,500m water depth, and at a horizontal range of 2.5km gave an average accuracy
of ±7m.
Greg,
Aside from the normal project and operational workload of my recent employment as
Survey Operations Manager at Acergy/SS7, I also spent the last two years evaluating
acoustic and operating systems, etc., for their new-build vessel “Seven Borealis”.
Working together with the Senior Surveyor of the Pipelay Vessel "Falcon", our aim
was to give the "Borealis" the capability to self-conduct touchdown monitoring in any
depth of water out to a maximum ROV tether length of 1,400m.
In order to make the "Lewek Constellation" as “future-proof” as possible too, I would
like to propose that the New-Build Management Team consider similar
additions/alterations for the vessel which will provide maximum control and
potential, but will minimize unnecessary operational costs such as using an
expensive Survey Vessel and expensive repetition of cable runs/manpower/system
testing during mobilisations, etc.
In the latter stages of last year, we were fortunate enough to be given the "Acergy
Falcon” to conduct ultra-deep water trials in the Bay of Biscay. Our aim was to
determine the accuracy and operating range of the HiPAP 101 and Sonardyne 6G
systems in varying water depths - from 500m to 4,000m. Accuracies were to be
tested from directly on top of the beacons to a maximum excursion of 2,000m (limits
set beyond the proposed ROV 1,400m excursion range). Both systems were vessel
mounted, temporarily replacing the standard HiPAP 500 heads). No ROVs were made
available for these trials.
The results proved that both Kongsberg and Sonardyne have systems capable of
enabling a Lay Vessel to perform stand alone touchdown monitoring at any
conceivable depth and layback, to an acceptable TDM survey level of accuracy.
The accuracy achieved was of a higher level than was initially thought possible.
In water depths of 4,500m, and standing some 2,500m horizontal distance from the
transponder, the accuracy of the HiPAP 101 system achieved was better than ±7m!
Based on that data, at our maximum tether length of half that distance, we
anticipate accuracies to be ±3m.
In +1,630m water depth, the HiPAP 101 system
The Kongsberg HiPAP 101 system stood out as the system of choice for the new
build, due to the following:
• Achieve accuracy required for stand alone touch down monitoring
• Ease of use
• High power and range beyond predicted requirements
• Simple installation and fault finding
• Robust and tested reliability
As a result of those trials, the New-build Project team gave the go-ahead to:
· keep and fit one HiPAP 500 system
· replace the second HiPAP 500 system for a HiPAP 101 system – the
HiPAP 101 will also be interfaced to the DP desk with HAINs reference
system. At present the only limiting factor in using a transponder at ultra
deep water is the update rate as the DP desk rejects any update that is
greater than 5 seconds. However Kongsberg have a DP INS solution that
is capable of using a vessel INS and increasing the update to 1 second
irrespective of water depth. This option was recommended.
· cut and prepare a 3rd gate valve in the hull for a 3 rd acoustic system
(almost certainly Sonardyne for LBL arrays at either end of the pipeline)
· fit one fast winch on the bow for sound velocity and ADCP systems to
be run instead of having to deploy an ROV – at long laybacks, it is critical
to ensure the speed of sound is continually updated
· maximise Seapath GPS system antenna base line spacing – an
accurate gyro heading is essential to track long distance positioning
· planned cable runs for all possible future system additions to negate
mobilization time for cable running, etc
· fitted both Schilling ROV’s with 850m tethers
· sail with 1,500m tether drums onboard, should a change-out be
required for longer laybacks in deeper waters – estimated 9 hour change
over time per ROV, but wet test trials required on sailing.
I would like to try to get together with the new-build team to discuss these ideas, as
the potential cost savings to EMAS would be huge.
