EM&I releases book on robotic tank inspections

These were originally requested by a supermajor who wanted to speed up the way of introducing new methods to their operational and technical teams.

The Books cover diverless in-water inspections and repairs, remote inspection of confined spaces, advanced pressure systems inspections, and non-intrusive Ex electrical inspections.

A strongly positive response and further requests for copies of the Books has encouraged EM&I to develop a fifth Book on introducing new technologies for new-build projects.

The Books are regularly updated as new technologies become available and overall help keep colleagues in the industry informed of progress in the vital area of robotics and improved ways of using data.

Book 2 synopsis:

This covers the NoMan^® remote camera and laser technologies which are derived from the nuclear industry and are ideal for inspecting storage tanks and other confined spaces to minimise the need for man entry or working at height or in hazardous areas.

The NoMan optical cameras can pan tilt and zoom for general visual inspection (GVI) and close visual inspection (CVI), and the laser scanners can create a 3D image of the structure and assess material thickness and structural distortion and damage.

The work can be carried out in a fraction of the time required for traditional techniques as tanks do not need to be vented and prepared for man entry. On a typical project on an FPSO in the North Sea a team of two specialists inspected four cargo oil tanks in two days, to the complete satisfaction of both the client and Class Society Surveyor. The client had estimated that it would have taken a rope access team around three weeks to have achieved a similar result and several weeks of maintenance team to prepare the tank for man-entry.

“We are fast approaching the time when Class Society Surveyors will not expect to enter tanks or confined spaces to inspect them, but will work with specialists like EM&I and use robotic technologies to provide the images and information they need to assess structural integrity” commented Danny Constantinis (Executive Chairman) of the EM&I Group. “I believe that the four ‘Books’ help inform colleagues in the industry of the latest developments that have been encouraged by organisations such as HITS.

Read the article online at: https://www.oilfieldtechnology.com/offshore-and-subsea/29072019/emi-releases-book-on-robotic-tank-inspections/