Corrintec Completes First CP Surveys offshore cameroon

Corrintec Completes First CP Surveys Offshore Cameroon

12-19-2007

Corrintec, a division of Cathelco, specialising in subsea pipeline cathodic protection surveys, have completed their first survey in the Rio Del Ray field off Cameroon. The survey was commissioned by IOTA Survey & SBM on behalf of their client Total and involved inspecting 90 kms of pipeline radiating from KLP1 and KLF1 in the Eastern Complex.

To maximise the usage of the survey vessel Dynamic Installer, the work was undertaken back-to-back with a project for Copco/Exxon covering 16 kms of pipeline. The hybrid survey used a combination of ‘trailing wire’ and ROV methods to verify the effectiveness of the pipelines’ cathodic protection systems.

By using the two methods in tandem, Corrintec simultaneously recorded two sets of data which could be correlated during analysis. This enabled video images of the pipeline to be overlaid with ‘potential’ readings, creating a comprehensive picture of the condition of the cathodic protection system.

The Cameroon survey followed hard on heels of a project in Angola which was commissioned by Fugro B.V. and involved surveying 9 kms of newly laid pipeline within the Total E & P Gas Gathering Project. This was an ROV survey and necessitated gathering data from depths of 1,500 metres using specially strengthened equipment to measure electrical ‘potentials’ along the length of pipeline.

The rigorous nature of the survey involved a full visual inspection of the pipeline including CP ‘stabs’ to verify electrical continuity between the anodes and the structure. It also covered five full structural surveys around pipeline end manifolds and flow line end terminations to ascertain the status of the cathodic protection system. “These are the first projects that we have carried out in West Africa”, said Ian Pownall, manager of Corrintec. “Following their successful mobilisation we are keen to further explore the potential for business within the area”.

Corrintec has surveyed more than 50,000 kilometres of subsea pipeline over a period of more than 30 years in areas as far apart as the Sea of Japan, Gulf of Mexico, Indian Ocean and the North Sea. On new pipelines the surveys are carried out to create ‘baseline’ data which can be compared with readings taken during subsequent surveys. In many cases, this is a prerequisite for insuring the pipeline.

“Corrintec have developed advanced software which enables survey data to be processed accurately and in the shortest possible time”, said David McMullan, the company’s offshore business development manager. Later surveys acquire data to ensure the pipeline cathodic protection system is continuing to function effectively. If remedial work, such as anode replacement, is necessary, the survey can pin-point the area where action is required, enabling repair teams to be mobilised efficiently with significant cost savings.