Offshore inspections pose an impressive challenge in themselves. Large offshore platforms are exposed to unforgiving elements 24/7, the entire operation and environment depends on the structural integrity of the large pillars or caissons and their ability to withstand the forces found in this volatile environment. Seawater, marine growth, and large waves are just a few of the elements that can breakdown the risers support system.
Long-range ultrasonic testing (LRUT) or GWT techniques are ideal for offshore riser inspections and offer significant advantages to alternative methods. Both internal and external corrosion can be monitored, only requiring an access point between the flange and sea level. Employing a pulse-echo system designed for testing large volumes of material from a single test point, it is the superior candidate for pipelines that are buried, encased in a sleeve, elevated aboveground, or in this case, out at sea that would otherwise require the need for a diving operation.
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