Offshore Pipelines Inspected using GAVIA AUV

SeeByte has used its AutoTracker intelligent payload software to guide a GAVIA Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) as it inspected two pipelines in Reykjavik, Iceland.

Hafmynd, the manufacturers of the GAVIA AUV, supported the trials and the work was funded by BP Exploration Operating Company Ltd.

The purpose of this trial was to tackle complex pipeline shapes. The AutoTracker software interfaces to the AUV which is pre-programmed on the surface to carry out specific underwater missions, navigating using sonar and other sensors. The GAVIA can be launched from vessels or from the shore by two personnel without the need for specialist cranes or lifting equipment. SeeByte was able to demonstrate the capabilities of the inspection system during multiple runs over 4km of the eastern sewage pipeline in Reykjavik Harbour, and 3km over the western outfall. The operations were carried out in very shallow waters (2-30m), but the GAVIA AUVs can operate to depths greater than 1000 metres. A total distance of over 36km was completed during the operations.

SeeByte developed the AutoTracker intelligent payload as part of the SeeTrack Offshore family. The AutoTracker payload paints a picture of the seabed and interprets that picture so that it can instruct the AUV to maintain a constant offset from a pipeline. The payload is capable of accurately tracking a single pipeline amongst multiple pipelines and on varied terrains. In addition, AutoTracker includes advanced search routines that enable it to recover the pipeline track after an unexpected pipeline burial. This trial was a follow up to the BP-sponsored trials carried out in 2006 using a larger AUV and the trials carried out in March of this year in Orkney using a two-man portable AUV.