News Bulletins Phoenix Inspection Systems Equipment Testing Large Floating Oil Production Facility Ultrasonic testing equipment from Phoenix Inspection Systems, Warrington, UK, is being used to test the mooring chains for one of the world’s largest floating production, storing, and offloading (FPSO) vessels. The vessel is located in the Schiehallion oilfield, 175 miles 8 Inspection Trends / October 2011 west of the Shetlands off the coast of the United Kingdom. Owned by BP and in operation since 1998, the FPSO features a processing capacity of around 200,000 barrels of oil a day and has a storage capacity of about 950,000 barrels. Fourteen mooring chains, each 6.25 in. in diameter, anchor the FPSO to piles in the seabed below. The chains are due for replacement but must be inspected first to ensure they can be safely removed. The entire operation is taking place underwater, with the equipment being carried by divers and fixed into position. The inspection is focusing on the point where the chains fix onto the ship. Prototype Robot Inspects for Structural Damage in Nuclear Reactors The Welding Institute (TWI), Abington, UK, has designed a prototype inspection robot to detect structural damage in aging nuclear reactors. The work is part of the approximately $1.9 million NozzleInspect project. Nozzle sections made from austentitic steel can be susceptible to rapid crack growth due to thermal fatigue and stress corrosion. Early detection of cracks is essential to ensure safe operation of the facility. Currently, conventional ultrasonic probes are used to do the inspections. But because the probes need to be changed to allow full inspection of the nozzle weld areas, and each This ultrasonic scanner from Phoenix Inspection Systems is being used to inspect the mooring chains holding one of the world’s largest FPSOs in place. Here it is shown in place on a section of chain during trials. See Us At The FABTECH booth #6200
Inspection Trends - October 2011 - Fall
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