Baseline issue 10 by Sonardyne International Ltd

Kit A look at our new products, updates, downloads and accessories

THE CUSTOMER MAGAZINE FROM SONARDYNE ISSUE 1O

Our People Focusing on Health and Safety and committing to an incident-free workplace

Case Study Long life surveying – 90 million measurements and counting

Baseline

20 Feature Maritime security: Sonardyne’s new line of defence

tenth issue of Baseline, we’ve taken the opportunity to bring you a redesigned and refreshed magazine.You’ll still find all the familiar sections including Features, Case Studies and Technology but joining the line-up is Kit where you can discover new products, updates, downloads and accessories for your Sonardyne technology. In News, we introduce you to our new nonexecutive Chairman, Ralph Rayner, and look at the investments we have been making recently, both to help support the future of UK engineering and also to improve our global training facilities. On page 14, we delve into Sonardyne’s pipeline metrology toolbox which is now better equipped then ever thanks to the development of Connect, our new metrology software, and SPRINT inertial technology. Sticking with the inertial theme, GyroUSBL is the subject of this issue’s Product Focus on page 24.We take a look at some of the standout projects where our clients have been using this versatile instrument to help save time and money on their subsea tracking operations. With our new 6G transponder test device, iWand, now in the hands of our customers, we’ve produced a simple step-by-step guide on page18 showing you how easy it is use. Use the QR code to download the dedicated Quick Start Guide. Our next issue will be out in spring 2014 but in the meantime, you can keep in touch with all our latest news through our Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook. I hope you enjoy reading Baseline. O MARK THE

Baseline » Issue 1O Front Cover This high resolution image was collected in Southampton during Solstice demonstrations at Ocean Business ’13.Taken in the River Itchen in only 5 metres of water, the substructure of a slipway can be seen which rises out the water together with numerous other small objects (<1 metre) littered on the river bed.Turn to page 20 to read more. (Image scale: 1 centimetre = 5 metres).

In this issue... 04 Kit Our new feature looking at the latest products, updates, downloads, software and accessories for your Sonardyne technology. 06 News Diamond hunting, investing in the future of engineering, recent contracts, training and a new Chairman for Sonardyne International. 10 Our People Responding to the challenges of operating in an industry where HSE is at the heart of every decision. 14 Technology Introducing Sonardyne’s subsea toolbox and complete software solution for acousticinertial metrology.

18 Products A 12-step guide to get you up and running with Sonardyne’s new handheld acoustic transponder test and configuration device – iWand. 20 Feature A new commercial era for Sonardyne Maritime Security as it resets its sights on the underwater domain with its updated and expanded product range. 24 Product Focus GyroUSBL: Survey-ready in less than 60 minutes and saving time around the world. How do you use yours? 28 Case Study Half time for custom-engineered autonomous monitoring technology deployed for a long endurance subsea survey.

30 International Find out what’s been happening in Sonardyne’s offices around the world as they respond to the continued demand for 6G.

31 Help & Advice Got a technical question for Sonardyne’s Customer Support front line? Get in touch and Ask the Team.

David Brown Editor

Baseline Magazine The Customer magazine from Sonardyne Editorial Team David Brown, Marketing Communications Manager Kelly Friend, Managing Editor Anthony Hammond, Marketing Co-ordinator

Design and Art Direction Michael Lindley at TruthStudio www.truthstudio.co.uk

Photography Astonleigh Studios www.astonleighstudio.co.uk (pages 4, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 28, 29) Colour repro by Northend Print Ltd. Printed by Northend Print Ltd. Every effort is made to ensure that information is correct at time of going to press. Baseline is printed on 150gsm Satimat Green, a 75% recycled paper.

Published by Sonardyne International Ltd. Blackbushe Business Park,Yateley, Hampshire GU46 6GD United Kingdom. © Sonardyne International Ltd 2013.

6G®, Sonardyne Matrix®, Sonardyne Wideband® BlueComm® and Sentinel IDS® are trademarks of Sonardyne International Ltd. All other company or product names used herein are trademarks of their respective owners.

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»KIT Product news and updates, downloads and accessories for your Sonardyne technology SOFTWARE

Security on the go

Installation made easy Remote transducers offer users flexibility when installing WSMs, WMTs or AvTrak 6s on vehicles where space can often be restricted. Now the electronics bottle can be mounted internally whilst the transducer can be located externally, ensuring clear line of sight with the surface. Your local office can advise you on the best option for your operation.

SOFTWARE

Pinger tracking with 6G Terminal Lite 6G Terminal Lite enables any pinger to be tracked with Ranger 2, providing the frequency is known. Enter a frequency (10 to 60 kHz) and the vector and elevation will be displayed. If depth is known, the estimated position will also be displayed. Use it for locating aircraft ‘black boxes’ or lost acoustic releases. Obtain a copy by emailing support@sonardyne.com DEPLOYMENT

Anti-trawl frames protect Fetch Sonardyne’s new anti-trawl frame has been designed to house a Fetch subsea logging node on the seabed, protecting it from damage and movement caused by trawling vessels. The ultralow profile of the frame makes it virtually impossible to knock over or catch, protecting your equipment and the valuable survey data it’s gathering. To order yours contact sales@sonardyne.com

FIRMWARE

BARTT (Bearing and Range to Target) is a Windows mobile app designed to work with Sonardyne’s diver detection sonar, Sentinel. If an intruder is detected, track position data is transmitted to the patrolling team’s mobile device which uses its own GPS receiver to calculate range and bearing to the intruder. BARTT also sends its position back to the command workstation so the interception can be monitored in real time. Email: sentinel. sales@sonardyne.com for more information.

ACCESSORIES

Upgrade your Compatt 6, DPT and AMT New Compatt 6, DPT and AMT firmware provides support for iWand, Address discovery (DISC) and multiuser subscription (SUB) functionality. The new firmware also includes an improved ‘fuel gauge’ to calculate remaining battery, enhanced short circuit protection and a security device to ensure only approved battery packs are used. Request the firmware from support@sonardyne.com

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COMMUNICATIONS

Subsea data harvesting with WGT WGT (Type 8297) is a new acoustic transceiver designed to integrate within a Liquid Robotics ‘Wave Glider’ wave powered autonomous surface vehicle. It enables wireless data harvesting operations to be conducted with a wide range of Sonardyne 6G instruments including Compatt 6, Autonomous Monitoring Transponder, Fetch and Pressure Inverted Echo Sounder (PIES). Visit liquidr.com to find out more about Wave Glider.

SOFTWARE

Get heavy with ORT and DORT Sonardyne’s heavy duty acoustic release frames are popular accessories for Oceanographic Release Transponders (ORTs) and Deep Oceanographic Release Transponders (DORTs). The frames increase the safe working load of a standard transponder to either 7.5 or 15 tonnes so are ideal for mooring large instrument strings or when deploying hardware on the seabed. For the 7.5t frame order: 640-8618, for the 15t frame order: 640-8624.

TRACKING

High power WMT LONG BASELINE

Improve your positioning Our new ‘light bulb’ shaped float collar reduces drag coefficient on Compatt transponders deployed on strops for LBL surveys. Depth rated to 3,000 metres, it allows the Compatt to sit high off the seabed without requiring a heavy frame, ensuring it stays upright for more accurate range measurements. Our Survey Support Team has all the details.

SPRINT now with ‘ZUPT’

ACCESSORIES

If you operate in long range or noisy subsea environments, our new high power WMT is the transponder for you. Available in 5,000 metre and 7,000 metre variants, the new beacon is twice as loud as the standard 3,000 metre unit. Ordering information from sales@sonardyne.com

SPRINT’s latest Zero Velocity update feature (ZUPT) provides a higher degree of accuracy for operators using aided INS as they are able to tell the system whether the ROV is static e.g. docked to a structure or sitting on the sea floor. In these conditions, DVL velocity may not be available so ZUPT (velocity =0) is a useful alternative to accurate velocity aiding.When ZUPT is used in combination with USBL, the INS will do an operationally efficient automatic average position fix; using ZUPT every few minutes is a means of getting good positioning accuracy from INS without external position or velocity aiding.

IN DEVELOPMENT

BlueComm Ambient Light The BlueComm High Ambient Light (HAL) optical communications system provides subsea wireless telemetry at broadband speeds at ranges up to 200 metres. Developed for use in shallow water daytime conditions where high ambient light is present, it is capable of data transmission rates of up to 5 megabits per second – perfect for wireless video telemetry.

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NEWS SURVEY

GyroUSBL delivers flawless positioning for De Beers Marine

coustic positioning technology from Sonardyne has been selected by De Beers Marine to assist in the search for diamonds buried off the Namibian and South African coasts.The Ranger 2 GyroUSBL system supplied through Sonardyne’s South African agents, Underwater Surveys, is being used to track the position of De Beers Marine’s two AUVs whilst surveying in water depths up to 200 metres. Offshore diamond mining relies heavily on the accurate and efficient mapping of mineralised targets on the sea floor. De Beers Marine achieves this using AUVs fitted with high resolution mapping and imaging sensors which enable large areas to be quickly and autonomously surveyed. For maximum operational flexibility, De Beers Marine operates its AUVs from vessels of opportunity, with survey equipment containerised for quick mobilisation.The ability to quickly transfer

acoustic positioning equipment between vessels is an essential operational requirement and was therefore a key factor in the decision to purchase Ranger 2 GyroUSBL. Ranger 2 tracks the position of a subsea target by measuring the range and bearing from a vessel-mounted transceiver to a vehicle-installed transponder. In De Beers’s case, they will be using the Sonardyne AvTrak 6s already fitted to their AUVs which combine the functions of a transponder, transceiver and communications link. GyroUSBL combines a survey grade AHRS (Attitude and Heading Reference

System) and wideband USBL transceiver in a single instrument. It is designed to be installed on a temporary deployment pole and, because GyroUSBL is pre-calibrated, it can be fully operational in under an hour. These time-saving features reduce survey costs yet maintain the highest levels of positioning performance. “Reliably knowing our AUVs’ positions is of the highest importance to our operations as it guarantees the integrity of the survey data,” said Paul Nicholson, Geophysical Survey Manager at De Beers Marine.“The AUVs need to perform multiple dives to the same site in a robust and reliable manner so when Sonardyne recommended Ranger 2 GyroUSBL with its track record, we were impressed.We’re continually seeking new ways to streamline our survey operations; the time and cost savings associated with GyroUSBL means that we are now able to move acoustic equipment from vessel to vessel with minimal downtime.”

De Beers Marine’s engineers prepare one of their AUVs for deployment.The AvTrak 6 transceiver/ transponder is visible towards the rear of the vehicle.

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COMMUNITY

Supporting the future of engineering

Sonardyne is investing in the future of UK engineering with a substantial donation to the fundraising appeal for a new Engineering and Design Technology Centre.Located close to our UK manufacturing headquarters, the new centre at Alton College will provide 310 students a year with the opportunities, support, cutting edge technology and state-of-the-art facilities to achieve their full potential.The Sonardyne Centre will open in the autumn of 2013.

SURVEY

HidroMares homes in on sensor data ceanographic consulting firm HidroMares has been using a Homer Pro underwater relocation system supplied by Sonardyne in Brazil as part of a currents and waves monitoring survey in Sepetiba Bay, Rio de Janeiro. Contracted by Odebrecht as part of a shipyard and naval base construction project for the Brazilian Navy, HidroMares is using Homer Pro to mark the position of the wave and current, tide and temperature sensors deployed on the seabed to monitor environmental changes inside the bay. A Homer Pro system comprises a diver-held relocation device and marker transponders deployed at the target locations. For this project, the low cost transponders were installed alongside the sensor instruments in anti-trawl seabed frames deployed at four points inside the bay at depths ranging from 6 to 18 metres. Each transponder has a unique address code, enabling it to be accurately marked and relocated.When a diver wishes to locate a sensor frame marked with a particular transponder, he selects the

address on the handheld unit which then sends out an interrogation signal. If in acoustic range, the selected transponder will automatically respond.The direction and distance to the transponder is displayed on the diver’s unit, allowing them to swim straight to it. “We have been incredibly impressed

and are exceptionally happy with the performance of Homer Pro,” commented HidroMares’ Alexandre De Caroli.“Our divers have reported that the system is easy to use and the fast, simple target location has meant we’ve been able to collect six months of data so far with minimal time and money spent on diving operations.”

As a diver approaches the deployed target, Homer Pro shows that it is 1.7 metres straight ahaead.

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NEWS OUR PEOPLE

TRAINING

Meet our new Chairman Houston workshop aseline is pleased to report the appointment of Ralph Rayner as Sonardyne International’s new Non-Executive Chairman.Ralph takes over the role from outgoing Chairman Barry Clutton who is retiring after 16 years with the company. Ralph is an internationally recognised figure within the offshore and oceanographic industries with extensive international Board level experience.

influences the future of Dynamic Positioning

“Ralph will provide strategic insight and guidance as Sonardyne enters the next phase of its growth.” Using this experience,Ralph will provide strategic insight and guidance as Sonardyne enters the next phase of its growth and development.Commenting on the appointment,John Ramsden, Sonardyne’s Managing Director said, “With Ralph coming onboard as NonExecutive Chairman,we look forward to further growth and expansion with innovative new products using our diverse technology portfolio.”

Global Business Manager Mark Carter presents the key benefits of Sonardyne DP-INS.

onardyne’s joint DP workshop with Guidance Navigation and Veripos was well attended by over 50 industry experts. Held in Houston, the event focused on the latest advances in DP reference sensor technologies, reviewing current state-of-the-art solutions and discussing the industry’s future requirements. Significant focus was given to the integration of inertial technologies with acoustics, GNSS, laser and radar sensors, using real world examples whilst discussing opportunities for DP integration that would improve performance, increase availability and reduce risk. Other discussions ranged from influencing vessel design for optimal navigation sensor placement to maximise availability and minimise interference through to the detail of NMEA (National

Marine Electronics Association) input strings.The afternoon was dedicated to highly interactive, hands-on sessions which generated in-depth discussion and debate on technical and regulatory issues. “This is our first joint event for the DP and drilling market,” said Mark Carter, Sonardyne’s Global Business Manager, DP and Drilling.“The day was well received with one of the oil majors thanking us for running the event and facilitating an open exchange of views and opinions between industry experts. As a result, Sonardyne has been invited to an upcoming MTS acoustic PME working group. A summary of the day is also being presented at an international DP conference later this year and we’ve had requests to repeat the workshop for customers’ technical and operations teams.”

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CONTRACTS

Rental round-up f you’re an infrequent user of subsea technology, renting your equipment can make sound financial sense. Sonardyne has established long-standing relationships with the world’s leading subsea rental companies. As big investors in our technology, they ensure you have access to the latest Wideband 2 and 6G technology so you can focus on what you do best. Here’s a round up of some of the latest rental company investments:

● Forum Subsea Rentals has invested almost US$3million over the past year, increasing its rental pool with additional Compatt 6 transponders and a Ranger 2 USBL system.

● Seatronics has added a Ranger 2 system to its Aberdeen-based rental pool, ensuring it has fully stocked 6G shelves. ● Sonar Equipment Services is having a busy 6G year, adding more Compatt 6s, Wideband Mini Transponders (WMTs), ROVNav 6s and Ranger 2 systems to its holdings in Great Yarmouth. ● Ranger 2 seems to be the system of choice at the moment for Survey Equipment Services in Katy,Texas, having purchased five systems since the beginning of 2013. If you’re interested in renting any Sonardyne equipment, get in touch with sales@sonardyne.com and we will provide you with a list of companies in your region. PRODUCT UPDATE

TRAINING

Upgrading our training centres s part of our ongoing investment in training, we’ve been upgrading our facilities across our regions. Both our Aberdeen and Houston offices now house newly decorated and equipped training rooms for both in-house and customer sessions whilst our static training vessels in Plymouth (UK) has undergone a major facelift after 12 years of service. Refurbished to include new systems and electrics, there are now two work areas, each with dual screens to offer a more immersive and ergonomic training environment.With multiple 6G ROVNavs,WMTs and Dunkers, available with a dual Compatt 6 transponder

array deployed in Plymouth bay, two separate live training sessions can now be run in parallel onboard the vessel.The Support section of our website contains more information on the courses available.

e recently issued new guidelines on the re-export licences required for our Lodestar GyroUSBL and GyroCompatt products.Under the US Export Administration Regulations (EAR),these products no longer require a re-export licence from the Department of Commerce for all countries except those embargoed for US exports.However, these rules are not applicable to exports from the USA;if a Lodestar GyroUSBL or GyroCompatt is shipped to the USA, it then becomes licensable under the EAR for any export from the USA. Please note,these guidelines only affect the Type 8084-000-0445/0447 Lodestar GyroUSBL and Type 8084-0003164/3154 Lodestar GyroCompatt range of products.All other Lodestar and derivative products still require a US Department of Commerce re-export licence. If you would like any further information, please contact our Sales Office Manager, Louise Davies, on: +44 (0)1252 872288 or email at: louise.davies@sonardyne.com

“Our Aberdeen and Houston offices now boast newly decorated and equipped training rooms.”

Lodestar export guidelines

In-house and customer training is even more popular with the new facilities.

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Our People Focus on Health and Safety

ADOPTING A SAFER APPROACH

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John Ramsden (right) and Carl Holland (left) are at the forefront of Sonardyne’s commitment to an incidentfree workplace, both on and offshore.

As the offshore industry remembers the 25th anniversary of the Piper Alpha disaster in the North Sea, Baseline talks to Sonardyne’s Managing Director, John Ramsden, and new HSE Manager Carl Holland about how the company is responding to the challenges of operating in an industry where health, safety and the environment is now at the heart of every decision.

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Our People Focus on Health and Safety

42 YEARS since it was founded, the world in which Sonardyne finds itself now working has changed beyond all measure. When the company’s first products entered service in the North Sea in the early seventies, everything about the offshore industry was in its infancy; the technology, the techniques, the people and not least, the approach to safety and risk management. “In those days, the whole industry was learning something new every day; issues or problems were identified and resolved as they happened,” recounts John, himself a veteran of many years offshore. “From a HSE perspective, formal risk assessments were unheard of – you just got on with the task in hand, whilst the concept of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) extended only as far as a hard hat and possibly an orange boiler suit. It was common to see guys walking around the back deck in casual footwear with no life jackets.” N THE

Lesson learned The industry’s history books regrettably contain details of incidents that have had a seismic impact upon the offshore community. This July saw the 25th anniversary of the Piper Alpha disaster which claimed the lives of 167 workers when it exploded on the UK continental shelf. “Piper Alpha taught the industry a lot – it became one of the earliest catalysts for change, introducing the need for safety management, training and regulation,” continues John. The Deepwater Horizon explosion in 2010 is another tragic entry in the history books, the aftermath of which seems to have affected the industry perhaps more than most.

“Sonardyne has always placed a great deal of emphasis on safety, but in these ‘post-Macondo’ years, the legislative, cultural and operating environment in which we conduct our business has changed beyond all recognition. As an organisation, we have responded by doing everything in our control to further reduce risk, remove hazards, learn from incidents and keep our people safe no matter whereabouts in the world they are carrying out their work.” Contractor verification “It’s a challenge, but it’s a challenge everyone in our organisation is responding to,” adds Carl. Part of this challenge includes conforming to the latest developments in contractor verification and management systems. “Portals like ISNetworld allow the oil majors and their contractors to examine the competencies and HSE training history of each individual heading out to work on one of their rigs, vessels or fields before they are accepted on the job,” he explains. Sonardyne has put a lot of resource into fulfilling contractor requirements and making sure all the company’s offshore personnel register the necessary qualifications and relevant skills. It has been hard work but the organisation is already seeing the benefits. “Our engineers now need to complete over 17 different modules and as a result, one was recently able to join a rig and begin work straight away thanks to his complete and concise HSE preparation before he travelled,” points out Carl. “An engineer from another company who arrived at the same time wasn’t so well prepared so he required additional training and full time supervision by the rig’s operator.” As part of the growing commitment to safety and contractor (This page, clockwise from left) Offshore engineers conform to all HSE requirements while preparing equipment for deployment; Sonardyne has implemented wideranging safety measures and procedures at all of its sites including the creation of designated walkways; Carl Holland seen here with one of the new company-wide emergency defibrillators. (Opposite page) The safety team based at Sonardyne’s Blackbushe campus review policy progress and statistics before addressing and debating any issues or ideas that have arisen between the monthly meetings.

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verification, this year saw Sonardyne introduce SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) for every action its field engineers may be required to take. “We have always had SOPs, it’s just now they are fully documented and available for review. There are no shortcuts, the days of reading the manual on the plane and learning on the job are long gone,” remarks John. Looking inwards Sonardyne isn’t only focusing on its external offshore business; the company is radically changing internally as well. “Safety is at the heart of all of our operations and we are committed to an incident-free workplace, both on and offshore,” comments John. “We work with

“In some cases,our corporate standards will be higher than the legal requirements for some of the regions we operate in,but that’s the approach we want to take.” some of the most forward thinking companies in the world, in some of the most challenging environments it has to offer and we recognise that our global workforce and the visitors we welcome everyday can be affected by our day-to-day business operations.” Sonardyne's Safety Team invites employees from different departments across its headquarters campus to volunteer their time and expertise. “The team formalises and improves communication and

consultation with our people,” says Carl, who oversees the team. “They play a vital role in our goal of implementing a Health & Safety Management system in line with OHSAS 18001.” The 15-strong team meet once a month to review working practices, comment on upcoming policies, monitor progress and debate key safety issues from each individual work area. The team addresses issues ranging from safe access between the three Blackbushe buildings, the provision of emergency defibrillators and the review of the PPE requirements.“We also have similar employee safety teams established in each of our regional offices to ensure we are consistent throughout the company.” Training employees to identify and manage risk is another of Sonardyne’s priorities. “We regularly run externally accredited safety courses tailored to each employee’s role. For example, all of our Directors, Managers and Team Leaders undertake internationally recognised IOSH (Institution of Occupational Safety and Health) courses. It may sound overcautious but through educating our employees about even the smallest of risks, it will help towards achieving an incident-free workplace.” “Regular reporting of accident statistics allows the Board to closely monitor the success of the measures we’re putting into place,” explains John. “We monitor our Lost Time Accident (LTA) rate, Recordable Incident Rate (RIR), the number of accidents per 100 employees, near misses and the Reporting of Injuries, Disease and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR). We’re seeing a year-on-year improvement in all areas as we head towards our stringent target of OHSAS 18001. Safe and reliable operations are the number one priority at Sonardyne today. Our corporate standards will be higher than the legal requirements for some of our regions, but that’s the approach we want to take.” BL

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Technology Acoustic and Inertial Metrology

Sonardyne’s 6G Wideband 2 acoustic technology has, and continues to be, the primary tool used for the subsea metrology measurement phase. Now, the company has expanded its offering to include acoustic-inertial capability and a complete software solution for all stages of the metrology process. Reporting for Baseline, Edd Moller, Global Business Manager – Construction and Survey, and Malik Chibah, Subsea INS Manager, take a look into Sonardyne’s metrology toolbox.

SUBSEA METROLOGY: WE’V E G Using GyroCompatts for metrology structure positioning and orientation enables spoolpieces to be installed in less time than previously possible.

E T V O ER G Y

UBSEA METROLOGY

CO VE RE D

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E L G N A

requires accurate, precise and robust measurements which are critical for successful fabrication and installation of spools and jumpers. Since its introduction, Sonardyne’s Wideband 2 signal technology has increased the speed, robustness and simplicity of acoustic measurements. Now, with the development of a dedicated software tool called Connect, complementary 6G inertial techniques and instruments, the scenarios in which Sonardyne can assist clients with their metrology campaigns have greatly expanded. Connect Connect is Sonardyne’s new metrology software, designed to assist the user with all phases of a metrology campaign. The software eases operator burden and complexity by introducing ‘expert’ settings, automated data collection scripts and robust reduction of measurement from planning to report delivery. Tailored customer reports are generated containing the final results with supporting data and QC, improving the speed and integrity of data processing for acoustic, inertial and implied metrology techniques. Guiding the user through the key stages of metrology including planning, data collection, quality control, processing and reporting, both traditional and horizontal metrologies are supported. Measurements can be directly collected from the metrology instruments, including Sonardyne’s own 6G transceiver and transponders, depth

sensors and gyrocompasses whilst the software can also provide results for points on the structures that are not directly measured by using implied methods. All collected data is displayed for checking before proceeding to processing and reporting; this includes any intermediate processing stages and users are able to easily select which data they wish to include or exclude. The final metrology report contains summaries of calculations to support the results including hub-to-hub horizontal distances, slant range, depth differences, attitudes and more. Connect: What you need to know •Supports all metrology stages •Supports vertical,horizontal and implied metrology •Compatible with the latest Sonardyne 6G hardware and acoustic-inertial techniques •Supports multiple metrology campaigns in parallel •Fast set up,calibration and operation with Compatt 6 and ROVNav 6 •Provides a direct interface to metrology instruments including 6G hardware,depth sensors and gyrocompasses •Supports export of final results and raw data to third party processing software for QC •A single interface for measurement collection and processing helps avoid data entry mistakes

SPRINT inertial metrology ROVs equipped with our SPRINT (Subsea Precision Reference Inertial Technology) technology can now perform hub-to-hub metrology using the acoustic inertial SLAM (simultaneous location and mapping)

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Technology Acoustic and Inertial Metrology

Connect guides the user through all the key steps of subsea metrology. Data collection is fully customer configurable according to their specific operational procedures.

technique. Uniquely, ROV operators can seamlessly switch from construction and survey operations to metrology without recovering to mobilise specialist metrology equipment. This solution combines Sonardyne’s trusted 6G acoustic technology, the field-proven SPRINT INS platform and Janus post-processing software. Metrology-ready ROVs combined with streamlined data collection and processing offer significant time savings compared to existing techniques, without compromising integrity and quality of data or increasing risk. The 6G hardware platform provides a uniquely reliable set of measurements rich in QC, speeding up traditional acoustic metrology and lending itself to inertial integration, resulting in SPRINT acoustic-inertial metrology. How does it work? The SPRINT-equipped ROV is used to place 6G transponders in each metrology hub and then manoeuvres around the hubs to collect acoustic ranges between each one. If there is direct line of sight between the transponders, an acoustic baseline will be collected and used as an independent QC measurement – in this scenario, no additional seabed transponders are required. The attitude of each hub can be measured using a Lodestar GyroCompatt or a Compatt 6 transponder with an inclinometer endcap.

All data is logged in real time by the SPRINT surface software with ROV backup available. The unique architecture of Sonardyne INS provides real time performance monitoring, detecting systematic errors in the data. Once collected, Janus post-processing software is used to determine the position of one transponder relative to the other using the afore-mentioned SLAM technique. In combination with the hub orientation measurements, the transponder positions determined from the SLAM can then be used to provide hub-to-hub horizontal and depth difference along with the relative bearing between the hubs. Real world results An example of performance is given by a recent metrology campaign where SPRINT metrology has been compared to traditional techniques as a reference: • SLAM computed horizontal transponder difference compared to acoustic baseline: 0.02m • SLAM computed vertical difference compared to conventional depth loop: 0.01m • Significant time savings were realised during mobilisation and data collection referenced to alternative techniques • Quality checks and post processing of results were completed onboard using Janus software

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SPRINT: What you need to know

•Potential time savings of 2.5 to 4 hours per typical vertical hub-to-hub metrology

•Uses existing ROV survey equipment (SPRINT) •Optimises performance through integration with established acoustic hardware

•Minimises risk with the flexibility to fall back on acoustic techniques

•Independent measurements for QC •Data logged in real time and backed up using SPRINT’s internal memory

•Results available immediately,no need to recover ROV Lodestar GyroCompatt The Lodestar GyroCompatt (LGC) integrates Sonardyne’s Wideband acoustic positioning and Lodestar Attitude and Heading Reference technology in one small, highly versatile and robust instrument. This provides high update rate wireless attitude, heading, heave, surge, sway, pressure, sound velocity and acoustic positioning of any subsea object. Compatible with USBL and LBL positioning systems, the LGC 6 product family provides real time motion data for structure deployment via the integrated high speed acoustic modem. It is small and light enough to be ROV installed and a mechanical stab enables precision alignment to any structure. Position and orientation can be accurately determined during lowering, set-down and as-built surveys. Using the Lodestar GyroCompatt 6 for metrology delivers the measurements required for pipe-end coupling while autonomous logging negates the need for a vessel and ROV to be on standby for taking measurements. 15 hours saved Using Lodestar GyroCompatts, a leading offshore survey company recently completed an acoustic metrology project 15 hours quicker than anticipated. Taking place in the Gulf of Mexico, acoustic metrology was performed on four proposed jumpers, measuring from the manifold pressure caps to the wellhead casings. Typically, the time taken for one measurement is approximately 12 hours, resulting in a total operational time for this project anticipated at 48 hours. However, using Sonardyne’s 6G® GyroCompatt technology, all metrologies were completed in just 33 hours with accurate results. BL Lodestar GyroCompatt: What you need to know

•Wideband acoustic positioning and Lodestar AHRS in a single subsea housing

•Upgradable to LBL aided INS •Simultaneous ranging and sensor data recovery in one transmission

•Real time diagnostics on range measurements for QC •Autonomous data logging mode

The SPRINT-equipped ROV can fly a circular (above) or ‘survey line’ (below) trajectory during data collection.

(Below) GyroCompatts are manoeuvred into position using ROVs.

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Products iWand: User Guide

Installing the PC software iWand is used in conjunction with the iWand 6G Configurator software. Once installed on your PC, it allows you to easily review the settings of your 6G instruments and change their configuration for your next subsea project.You’ll find a copy of the software in the iWand’s carry case.

GET, SET, DEPLOY iWand is our new handheld, acoustic transponder test and configuration device. Use it with your 6G acoustic subsea hardware to set up transponders like never before – whether you’re in the workshop getting ready for your next job or out on the back deck and just about to deploy. Here’s our Quick Start Guide to getting you and your iWand up and testing. Download the full version PDF booklet by scanning the QR code above.

Generating system reports To view the full configuration of an instrument, a report can be generated by pressing the Generate Report button at the top of the iWand 6G Configurator page.This will create a PDF test report for your records.The Generate Report button is only available when the traffic light next to the instrument UID is green.

6 Connecting to iWand 6G Configurator With all your instruments interrogated, you’re now ready to download the stored data on the iWand to the configurator software. Connect via Bluetooth, USB or Serial.To use Bluetooth, make sure this feature is enabled on both the iWand and your PC. It is enabled via iWand > Setup > Communications >

Bluetooth and by pressing ENT. In the iWand 6G Configurator software toolbar, select Configuration and from the drop down menu select Find Port. In the Select Active Port window, the software will seek a Bluetooth connection. Once the iWand has been detected, it will appear at the top of the list. Confirm the iWand UID is correct and click OK to connect. If a successful connection has been made, the iWand

Charging and time setting Before using your iWand, it will need to be charged using the supplied wall plug charger connected to the USB port. It can also be charged directly from your PC via USB. A green LED means your iWand is fully charged.

Sensor testing If the iWand detects sensors fitted to the instrument, the configuration sequence will ask if a sensor test is required. If the test is selected, the iWand will display the current measurements of each sensor available.When all the tests have been completed, the iWand will display Success Got Configuration and the instrument address.

6G Configurator homepage will appear. To connect the iWand using a USB port, make sure the instrument is connected to the PC using the supplied USB cable.To connect the software, follow the same procedure as if connecting via Bluetooth but select the correct port the USB is connected to.The ‘Type’ field on the Select Active Port window will show USB. Refer to the iWand manual UM-8315 for instructions on installing the USB drivers.

Set configuration Once your instruments have been configured, disconnect the iWand from the PC. Go up to any instrument and hold the iWand acoustic transducer against the instrument transducer and select Set Configuration from the main menu. Press ENT. iWand automatically downloads the new settings for that specific instrument and when it’s finished, will display Success Configured together with the instrument’s address. Repeat for every instrument you’re working with.To make sure all the configuration changes have been successfully transferred to each instrument, re-connect your iWand to your PC and check the traffic light status is green. You’re now ready to deploy your instruments.

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Once this is active, stand outside and hold the iWand so it has a clear view of the sky. After a short period of time, the iWand time will appear on screen. Remember, iWand time is shown in the UTC time, not local time.

To set the UTC real time, turn on the iWand using the ENT button. Ensure the GPS is enabled by scrolling to iWand setup > Power saving > GPS enable.

Detecting a release mechanism If the iWand detects a release mechanism fitted to the instrument, you’ll be asked if a release test is required. If the test is selected, the iWand will display what state the release is in – select a position to move the release mechanism to, and then press ENT.When the release has finished moving, the iWand will display the new state before asking for confirmation the mechanism has operated.

Get configuration iWand requires no pre-programming; it will automatically discover the address and download the instrument status. From the iWand main menu, select Get configuration and hold the iWand’s acoustic transducer against the transducer of the instrument. Press the ENT button to start the configuration sequence. Once the iWand has found the instrument, an address will appear and it will begin to interrogate the unit for its current configuration.

Operating the iWand 6G Configurator software To view an instrument’s properties, select it either from the History list or the Asset list. Alternatively, enter the UID of the instrument (if known) in the Find UID drop down box; the status tab will provide information about the selected instrument. Configuration of an instrument can be changed by selecting the Configuration tab. Sliding bars down the side or across the bottom of the screen allow power and gain settings to be changed according to operational requirements.The instrument task can also be changed by selecting a different positioning technique (USBL, LBL etc) and the navigation settings can be altered by enabling options and then selecting values from the drop down lists.

Traffic light status As you’re working, a traffic light system indicates the status of the equipment: Green – The instrument configuration is fully up to date. Orange – Changes have been made to the configuration on the iWand 6G Configurator and transferred to the iWand but not yet on to the instrument. Red – Configuration changes have been made on the iWand 6G Configurator software but have not yet been transferred to the iWand.

Changing instrument addresses To change an instrument’s address select the Set Address button on the bottom of the Configuration tab. Choose the new address according to the Wideband being used then click OK. Notification of the address change and the new address will appear at the top of screen.

8 HPR support In the HPR Support section, the Enable HPR Channel can be activated. If selected, the Set HPR button will appear. If pressed, the HPR channel

screen will appear – select the required HPR channel and click OK. As an optional extra, iWand can also test other manufacturer’s beacons in HPR300 or 400 mode.

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Feature Maritime security technologies and systems

“NOAS is a high resolution multi-beam forward looking sonar designed to detect, classify and avoid potentially hazardous underwater objects. It provides navigation and intruder detection over a 180˚ field of view.”

“Solstice development has reached a major milestone with the first production systems being installed in vehicles... ...from how the market’s reacted to the imagery Solstice is producing,we’ve got people very excited.”

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THE NEW LINE OF DEFENCE Sonardyne’s Maritime Security division has at its disposal an unrivalled portfolio of sonar imaging, subsea positioning and non-acoustic technologies available for the most challenging undersea defence applications. Nick Swift, Sonardyne’s new Business Manager for Maritime Security, talks to Baseline about the ongoing evolution of the business as it resets its sights on the underwater domain.

“Sentinel continues to set the benchmark for reliable,long range underwater detection. It provides 360˚detection, tracking and classification of underwater threats approaching strategic and high value marine assets.”

I “

’VE SWAPPED SIPS for Sentinel,” begins Nick, a reference to his first time with Sonardyne a decade ago when he had commercial responsibility for the company’s geophysical products and markets. After heading out into the world of defence and gaining experience with a number of the big ‘primes’, Nick returned to the company in 2012. “It’s great to be back and leading the Maritime Security team in the next stage of its growth and development. We have well established product families, emerging technologies and many upcoming opportunities and exciting plans for the future.” Sonardyne’s new strategy focuses exclusively on the continued development, sales and support of its diverse, low risk underwater sensing, positioning, imaging and communication capabilities. “Over the last few years much of our effort has been spent on promoting our dedicated maritime security products. Clients I speak to don’t always appreciate that we have products and technologies developed for other

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Feature Maritime security technologies and systems

industries that are applicable to their needs so we’ll be working towards promoting Sonardyne’s full capabilities,” points out Nick. “Take Ranger 2 for example, our long range target tracking system. When I tell people it’s used by the oil industry, that’s all they need to know about its pedigree.” 2013 also saw Sonardyne sell its stake holding in its security software subsidiary company MARSS (Marine and Remote Sensing Solutions) to FLIR Systems Inc., a US security systems specialist. “We’ve successfully worked with FLIR on a number of security contracts to protect critical infrastructure and assets around the globe. So when the decision was made at the start of this year to re-align Sonardyne’s strategic direction with those of our core technical and commercial competencies, FLIR was the right choice to move forward with MARSS. Added to this, FLIR has become our exclusive reseller for Sentinel in the US maritime security and defence markets and we’ve already seen multiple purchase orders since the transition in May.” Sonardyne has created an enviable maritime security product range and with these new plans in place, Nick was keen to bring Baseline up to date on the latest developments. Meet the new Sentinel range “Our diver detection sonar, Sentinel, has been a big part of the Sonardyne Maritime Security story for the last few years and will continue to be so as we move forward,” says Nick. Introduced in 2007, Sentinel quickly became the world’s best selling underwater surveillance system providing protection for strategic and high value marine assets including oil and gas installations, power stations, ports and harbours, luxury and naval vessels. “It continues to set the benchmark for cost-effective, long range underwater intruder detection. The first half of 2013 saw record sales with installations across the US, Europe and Asia-Pacific.” An ongoing development programme has ensured that Sentinel has kept pace with users’ needs with Sonardyne also taking the opportunity to rename the different variants available in the family to reflect the application scenarios to which they are most suited. “The core system that we specify for most applications is now simply called Sentinel. Sitting underneath is Sentinel RD (Rapid Deployment) which meets the need for a simple, low cost solution where ultimate detection range is not an issue. With its new, smaller footprint, it can be moved from one installation to another yet still out-perform its competitors straight out of the box,” Nick explains. “The extended capability variant of the system is now Sentinel XF (eXtra Functionality). It meets the requirements of military and government security agencies as it has both active and passive detection and classification modes and can protect an area of greater than 7 km2 underwater.” Solstice – It’s all about the imagery “All side scan sonars are judged on the imagery they produce,” points out Nick, “and from how the market’s reacted to the imagery Solstice is producing, we’ve got people very excited.” Designed for use on a variety of underwater platforms, Solstice is a low power, compact sonar that provides world class imagery of the sea floor beneath it. Several proprietary technologies allow Solstice to

Sentinel has been deployed worldwide to protect strategically important waterside facilities, ports, vessels and military assets.The top-of-the-range XF variant has both active and passive detection and classification modes and can protect an area of greater than 7 km2 underwater.

Solstice waterfall imagery from Plymouth Breakwater.The waterfall intensity indicated the reflectivity of the seabed and the colour indicates the depth of the seafloor below the sonar.

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continue providing this high fidelity imagery even as platform stability and acoustic conditions deteriorate - as is often the case with shallow water deployments on smaller vehicles. This year the development programme reached a major milestone as it moved from engineering development to delivering the first production units to customers. “We now have multiple Solstice systems currently being integrated into a number of different customer platforms including AUVs and SDVs (Swimmer Delivery Vehicles). In fact our real-time demonstration system based on Sound Surveyor has been so successful in showcasing realworld Solstice performance that several clients now appear to be rewriting their CONOPS (concept of operations) around its capabilities." NOAS – Detect and avoid A recent study on maritime shipping accidents concluded that as the global shipping fleet continues to expand and operate in more risky areas, the probability of accidents caused by impacts with subsea obstructions will increase unless precautionary measures are put in place. Sonardyne’s Navigation and Obstacle Avoidance Sonar (NOAS) is one such precautionary measure. Launched in early 2013, it enables surface ships and manned underwater vehicles to detect, classify and avoid potentially hazardous underwater obstacles in their path. With both 2D and 3D operating modes, NOAS redefines the capabilities of forward look sonar technology, allowing vessel captains and underwater vehicle pilots to navigate at speed with confidence and accuracy.The optional diver detection mode provides a further layer of protection.

“Sonardyne’s new strategy focuses exclusively on the continued development,sales and support of its diverse,low risk underwater sensing,positioning,imaging and communication capabilities.” In 2D operating mode, the compact sonar provides crucial long range navigation for vessels to steer a safe course. When combined with its 3D capability, the sonar scans the water column to enable more detailed detection and classification of obstacles and the seabed, in front of the vessel or vehicle. Engineered by the same team behind Sentinel, diver detection capability was incorporated as an option from day one. “When the vessel is at a standstill or moving slowly, NOAS monitors the surrounding area for approaching intruders. Only genuine tracks with threatening intent are displayed, minimising false alarms. It’s a feature we think makes NOAS unique amongst other sonars of its kind and we look forward to the contribution it’s set to make to improving vessel safety.” Over the next few months, Nick and his team will be presenting Sonardyne’s line up of technologies at a number of marine, offshore and military events and user workshops. All the details can be found on the events section of Sonardyne’s website. BL

Product Focus Calibration free USBL positioning

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RANGER 2 GyroUSBL: SAVING TIME AROUND THE GLOBE Setting up a USBL tracking system can be a time consuming exercise, often requiring many hours of transceiver calibration checks before you and your vessel can get to work. But thanks to Ranger 2 and GyroUSBL you can be survey-ready in less than 60 minutes. Since its introduction in 2011, the system has been in action around the world, across a variety of vessels, industries and applications. Baseline takes a look back at some of the stand out projects.>>

Task 1: EM Streamer positioning Recent trials off the US West Coast demonstrated the ability of GyroUSBL and SPRINT to track the position of an electromagnetic dipole and receivers towed behind an EM source. GyroUSBL was installed on an over-the-side deployment pole and primarily used to track a directional responder mounted on the EM source whilst the iUSBL transceiver was located on the source to track the dipole and receivers.Reliable,high precision tracking of the source was demonstrated by GyroUSBL and SPRINT whilst the dipole and receivers were accurately tracked at depth (~1,000 metres) at distances of at least 4,200 metres from the iUSBL system.

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Product Focus Calibration free USBL positioning Task 2: Hybrid ROV/AUV tracking GyroUSBL was used to track and position the hybrid ROV/AUV Nereus as it trialled our new BlueComm wireless optical communications and control system in deepwater.The trials also produced what is believed to be the world’s first wireless ROV intervention where the AUV’s robotic arm successfully ‘stabbed’a connector into a purpose-built platform designed to mimic a subsea manifold.

Task 3: Geophysical surveying: diamond deposits To accurately and efficiently map mineralised targets on the sea floor,GyroUSBL is being used with Ranger 2 to track AUVs fitted with high resolution mapping and image sensors.The AUVs perform multiple dives to the same site,requiring reliable positioning to guarantee the integrity of the survey data.All survey equipment is containerised for rapid mobilisation.

Task 4: Gas pipeline route surveying

Task 5: Pipeline touchdown monitoring Several leading offshore engineering and construction companies have innovatively mounted their GyroUSBLs on the end of their pipelay stingers so the transceivers are away from the vessel’s thruster noise and wash.The systems are being used to acoustically track ROVs positioned at the touchdown points to ensure the pipes are being accurately laid in the permitted corridors.

Task 6: Template installation To ensure the accurate deployment and positioning of a subsea template for deepwater offshore field development,an early GyroUSBL transceiver simultaneously tracked multiple Compatt transponders attached to the structure.Using this configuration, a positioning tolerance of just 10 centimetres was achieved in a situation where ± 2.5 metres would have been acceptable.

Task 7: Deep water environmental surveying

To complete the pre-installation phase of the Liwan 3-1 gas field development,COFG in China used Ranger 2 with GyroUSBL deployed on an over-the-side pole to track an ROV conducting a route survey of the proposed 260 kilometre pipeline.

CSA Ocean Sciences was the first GyroUSBL customer.It was installed on on the HOS Sweetwater and tracked an ROV to almost 1,478 metres at a 1Hz update rate.It has since been moved from vessel to vessel,eliminating the need for repeated calibrations.

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Task 8: Crash site identification

GyroUSBL: Reasons to invest

In 2012,Ranger 2 GyroUSBL was used to accurately track an ROV and AUV surveying the waters surrounding Nikumaroro Island in the Western Pacific for the proposed crash site of pioneering aviator Amelia Earhart.The short term nature of the project dictated that the system should be deployed over-theside and despite the shallow water,AUV tracking to beyond 1,000 metres was achieved.

Inside GyroUSBL, we’ve integrated our high grade attitude and heading reference/ INS sensor, Lodestar, with a Sonardyne sixth generation HPT transceiver. This combination eliminates the alignment errors seen in conventional USBL systems and is proven to deliver unrivalled levels of accuracy and precision – even when installed on vessels-of-opportunity using temporary deployment poles.

Task 9: Rig re-location ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

To accurately position a new DP drilling rig,a conventional LBL transponder array was deployed on the sea floor.However,the customer required a back up system which provided the perfect opportunity for a positioning accuracy comparison with GyroUSBL.The transceiver was deployed on a pole co-located with a Compatt transponder for ranging to the LBL array.The data sets showed sub-decimeter accuracy between the two systems,reinforcing the calibration-free benefits of GyroUSBL. Here at Baseline,we’re always keen to hear from our readership about interesting projects using Sonardyne subsea technology. So if you’re using a GyroUSBL,6G,or indeed any other product in our range,why not get in touch with the editorial team at marketing@sonardyne.com

Class leading positioning performance Acoustic transceiver with built-in INS Rapid mobilisation < 1 hour Unbox,install,start working Two versions:standard and deepwater optimised Integrated high speed communications Fit on any type of vessel-of-opportunity Low cost of ownership;no hidden extras Backed by Sonardyne’s global support network

So if you’re looking to cut the costs of your subsea positioning operations without cutting performance, take a look at GyroUSBL.

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Case Study Long life surveys, autonomous data acquisition and custom engineering

90 million measurem

ver the last three years, a long endurance wireless sensor network custom designed and manufactured by Sonardyne has continuously logged almost 90 million sensor readings as part of a life of field survey. In depths of up to 1,200 metres (approximately 3,900 feet), the company’s Autonomous Monitoring Transponders (AMTs) log nine measurements every three hours from a range of sensors built into each unit including pressure, temperature, roll and pitch. In addition each logging event consists of measuring highly repeatable ranges to every other AMT up to four kilometres apart, recording local and remote sound velocities.

Development of the technology first began back in 2007 when an oil major approached Sonardyne with the challenge of creating a method of precisely measuring movement of the seabed caused by reservoir depletion. It would need to be deployed for many years without intervention, make thousands of stable, highly precise measurements, safely log the data and, on command, efficiently transmit it to the surface. “Precise ranging, acquisition of sensor data and telemetry is a common element of many subsea applications and one which our Wideband acoustic signal technology is particularly suited,” commented Sonardyne’s Engineering Director, Simon Partridge, at the time of the technology’s development.

“When we looked in detail at the requirements, we immediately recognised that we had the technology to provide a unique monitoring network that could not only be used for seabed studies but a whole host of other long term monitoring applications.” A three-year prototype trials phase for performance assessment followed before the finalised technology was deployed in 2010. Now in 2013, the system in place is halfway through its planned six year operation to meet the customer’s research and production monitoring requirements. Over the course of 24 hours, approximately 400 data records are collected resulting in 4KB of accumulated binary data from each transponder on the sea floor.This adds up to a total of 29 million measurements per

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ments and counting The AMT’s were deployed in 2010 as part of a six year life of field survey. Every three hours, each AMT logs nine measurements from inbuilt sensors including pressure, temperature, roll, pitch and sound velocity. (Bottom left) A Sonardyne HPT modem transceiver, like the one pictured, is deployed from a chartered vessel to wirelessly recover the data before sending it to the client’s FTP site for analysis.

year producing 2GB of data for analysis. The time-stamped data logged within each AMT is available for recovery at the surface via the integrated high-speed acoustic telemetry modem. Every six months, a vessel of opportunity is tasked with wirelessly recovering the data using a Sonardyne modem transceiver deployed through the hull of the vessel. At each AMT location it takes approximately 10 minutes to upload the data at 15kbits/second to the vessel, from where it is immediately sent to a client FTP site while the vessel continues to move around the site. “This project really gave us a chance to showcase our custom engineering services where we designed and manufactured this AMT version to fulfil

specific requirements,” continued Simon. “The client has been impressed with the fact that the Wideband 2 acoustic communications allow reliable collection of high speed data to their chartered vessel in weather conditions and sea states that are normally considered well beyond the cut off point for most survey operations. Not to mention that the project is halfway through and the AMTs are still showing a battery life of more than 50%.” With a little under three years of the planned survey operation left to run, the system is expected to produce another 90 million measurements for review, providing the client with continued in-depth analysis for future developments in environmentally similar oil and gas fields.

AMTs: What you need to know Sonardyne’s AMT is a long-endurance Compatt 6-based transponder.It is extensively used for subsea survey and construction tasks and is capable of autonomously acquiring acoustic ranges and sensor data without surface control.AMTs are available with a range of omni and directional transducers,depth ratings and pressure housings dependent on deployment duration and application. Additional external sensors can also be easily integrated via the power and communications port.

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International News from our Regions Around the World SE Asia – Singapore

Continued DP interest

Speedy servicing

We’re continuing our focus on DP having recently held a very successful technical workshop in partnership with Veripos and Guidance Navigation (see page 08). Our latest systems have also been commissioned on multiple rigs in the Gulf of Mexico whilst others have upgraded their analogue systems to the latest digital technologies.

Strengthening our customer support team is Trainee Workshop Technician Andrew Fischer.With Andrew onboard we can reduce the turnaround time for product servicing. It also means we can now offer pre-deployment servicing, maintenance and end-cap calibration. If you’re interested in any of these services before your next deployment, call us. ■

Successful sales Anthony Gleeson Vice President – Sales

Demonstrating 6G We’ve had a busy few months in Asia with some sizable 6G sales and huge interest in our Lodestar-based GyroUSBL, SPRINT and DP-INS.We’ve also seen an increase in demand for product demonstrations and, as a result, now retain dedicated Ranger 2 Pro GyroUSBL and SPRINT systems for these purposes.

2013/14 is shaping up to be one of our best years with some significant purchase orders coming through for Ranger 2 and emergency acoustic BOP systems. Additionally, the US-based rental companies are continuing to place large orders – a sign of how buoyant the industry is at the moment.We’re also starting to see increasing interest in our leak detection and optical communications technologies.

Show season DP workshop roadshow Following the technical papers we gave at the DP Asia conference, we’ve held a series of subsea INS workshops.With limited spaces, the sessions were quickly oversubscribed with more than 50 people attending from 14 different companies across four countries.The workshops will soon be travelling elsewhere in the region including Australia, China and the Middle East.

We’re taking this technology to many shows throughout the rest of this year and into next. If you would like more information or to find out where we are going to be, visit our website for a list of the upcoming shows we will be exhibiting at. ■

UK – Aberdeen

Growth in China China is seeking to rapidly expand its offshore and ocean science capabilities and this was this was reflected in the strong attendance at the inaugural OI China exhibition. At the supporting conference, we presented the results of trials using our new high speed optical communications system, BlueComm (Baseline 9, page 10) ■

Barry Cairns VP Europe and Africa

A 6G summer USA – Houston

Simon Reeves Senior Vice President

The summer months have flown by in the Aberdeen office with more of our projects coming online earlier than anticipated so it’s shaping up to be our best year to date. GyroCompatt and GyroUSBL are in hot demand thanks to their speedy deployment and ease of operation. Demand for 6G is at previously unseen levels with stock leaving the shelves as quickly as we can fill them. We’ve recently expanded the office to include new training facilities (see page 09) so that we can meet training demand.

Brazil – Rio das Ostras

Richard Binks Offshore Business Development Director

Busy in Brazil As Brazil bathes in winter sunshine, local sales and system support have been heating up.We’ve recently installed Ranger 2s for Subsea 7 and C-Innovation whilst at the other end of the water depth spectum, HidroMares, a Brazillian hydrographic company, has reported it is exceptionally happy with its Homer Pro relocation system. Brazil’s first fully commissioned and operational DP-INS system is now on the Sedco 706, complementing its dual redundant LUSBL system. The Brazil office has been making good use of its new facilities; sensor calibrations are on the increase whilst our test tank equipment is being set up so that we can offer source level and sensitivity calibrations. Our training courses have also resumed with back-to-back Ranger sessions having recently been completed.

UK Energy Ministerial visit We recently hosted a visit from MP and Minister of State for Energy, Michael Fallon, who was in Brazil looking at the growth of the offshore industry and the expansion opportunities for British companies. After touring our facilities we discussed our experiences and lessons learned from operating in the region. ■

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Help & Advice Your questions answered

Ask theTeam Customer Services Manager, Darren Taylor and his team are the front line of Sonardyne’s customer support network. If you have a question, they can give you the answer. down towards the seabed and the alignment mark (also referred to as navigational groove) aligned to the forward direction of the vehicle reference frame.Installation and calibration procedures are covered on the SPRINT training course which we recommend all users attend ahead of their first survey. You can find out more about our training courses on our website.

Contact support@sonardyne.com with all your non-urgent technical questions for a fast response from Customer Support.For emergency assistance offshore,please contact Sonardyne’s 24hr helpline:+44 (0)1252 877600 We have Dynamic Positioning Transponders onboard, how can we be sure the unit is off when it is stored? Can this only be done using Test Terminal.exe as there is no physical on/off switch? Additionally, if the unit is accidentally switched off during deployment, can it be triggered to on-mode by the Sonardyne software?

When the unit is placed into storage and it doesn’t have an external on/off switch,we recommend opening it up as described in the manual and disconnecting the battery.Providing the battery is physically connected when the unit is deployed,it can be enabled either via the test terminal software or by using an acoustic command:EN.To avoid mistakes,always perform thorough back deck checks before deploying your equipment. Hi Support.When using a GyroCompatt for metrology, do we still need to turn the unit through the four quadrants like you would for an inclinometer Compatt?

If your stab and receptacle can mate precisely,you do not need to rotate the GyroCompatt.There are two reasons for rotating a Compatt;the first is to remove the errors of mounting the

Lodestar GyroCompatt removes the need for lengthy pre-deployment calibration.

internal inclinometer (i.e.misalignment to the Compatt base) and the second is to account for stab/receptacle slop. GyroCompatt automatically eliminates the first reason as it is calibrated to the base but there could still be receptacle slop.You can check this by completing a couple of rotations to determine misclosure in the mating.Once identified, and if the results are within approved accuracy ranges,you can save time by not having to perform any more.

We’re just undertaking the installation of our SPRINT INS, how well aligned should it be with the DVL on our ROV?

Only ‘coarse’alignments and offsets from the INS to the DVL are needed from the user.Fine offsets and misalignments are then calculated in the field using SPRINT’s calibration routine.This approach allows for more flexible mounting configurations to be considered.SPRINT’s default configuration will assume that the DVL is mounted with the transducers facing

Hi Support, is there a procedure I should follow for maintaining my O-rings when opening and servicing my equipment?

O-ring maintenance is very simple if you follow the correct procedure.This will prevent water leaking into your product and damaging it beyond repair. You can see how easy it is for yourself to change and maintain your O-rings by watching our simple ‘How To’video.Just head to our website or YouTube channel where you can also view the rest of the videos in our library. We would like to use our Sonardyne Lightweight Actuation Transponder to control an electrical subsea valve but it has two actuators to open and close it. Can the LAT control two separate solenoids?

LATs only have one output so you would need to use one LAT to open the valve and another to close it.An alternative option would be to use a WSM 6 transponder which has the capability for two independent release controls.

ÂŠ Copyright Sonardyne International Limited. Specifications subject to change without notice. Printed 10/13

6G. At the centre of your subsea operations