Underwater radiography
Cambridge-based TWI is leading a consortium known as FlexiRiserTest, which is developing a prototype system for the inspection of flexible risers.
TWI is leading the FlexiRiserTest consortium in developing a prototype system for the inspection of flexible risers used to transport oil from the sea bed.
The oil is typically moved into offshore platforms or Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) units but there is currently no method of examining, in situ, the cross section of underwater risers and flow lines to ensure that they continue to work reliably.
The prototype uses an external gamma radiography technique comprising an oppositely positioned gamma source and digital flat-panel detector to image the internal walls of the risers.
Existing radiography-based inspection of underwater structure uses film or phosphor plates that have to be returned to the surface for development and processing.
It is believed to be the first time that a digital flat-panel detector has been used for underwater radiography inspection. The application of the digital detector allows for rapid production of radiographic images of the riser, which can be instantly relayed via an umbilical to a host computer at the FPSO.
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