FSM Awarded On-line Monitoring System Contract

Fugro Structural Monitoring (FSM) has been awarded a contract to supply a permanent monitoring system for the Ivory Coast’s East Espoir platform for CNR International, as a result of a study carried out on the dynamic behaviour of the platform.
The purpose of the On-line Monitoring (OLM) system, which had an anticipated installation date of mid-October 2005, is to measure motions of the East Espoir wellhead platform and verify the continuing integrity of the structure.
The OLM comprises accelerometers deployed on the platform to measure motions in N-S and E-W directions. In addition, a wave radar is included in the system to evaluate wave height/displacement relationships.
The OLM system can be used for:

• design verification for new installations
  
• structural integrity confirmation after storm or seismic events
  
• early warning system for structural or foundation defects
  
• unmanned platform collision detection.

Data from the sensors is recorded and analysed by a computer system to determine the natural frequencies of the platform. A change in a natural frequency can indicate member severance or a weakening of the foundation.
Because the equipment will be operated in a marine, tropical climate, it has been designed to operate with an air temperature of up to 45°C.