Sonomatic has successfully completed a groundbreaking remote inspection of a buried closed drains vessel, overcoming significant access and safety challenges to deliver comprehensive corrosion mapping data for a major onshore asset owner.
Since 2023, Sonomatic has collaborated closely with the client to develop a solution that eliminates the need for personnel entry into the vessel. Following a detailed feasibility study, the team deployed a suite of advanced technologies, including remote video surveillance robot and corrosion mapping crawler systems, to conduct internal corrosion mapping via the vessel’s only accessible points—the top nozzles.
The project required bespoke engineering, such as custom deployment and retrieval plates, to facilitate the movement and retrieval of inspection equipment within the vessel’s confined spaces. The integration of Sonomatic’s Microplus data collection system enabled high-quality data capture and analysis, while the SIMS platform provided detailed vessel condition models.
Key challenges included achieving the client’s coverage requirements for the vessel shell, domes, and nozzles, all without direct human access. The team’s innovative approach ensured real-time monitoring and precise control of inspection tools, even in the most restricted areas.
The data collected confirmed the vessel’s ongoing suitability for service and provided a foundation for future analytics. Lessons learned from the project are already informing further enhancements, including improved deployment systems and alternative scanning technologies for complex geometries.
Sonomatic’s achievement demonstrates the potential of remote inspection technologies to enhance safety, data quality, and asset integrity in the energy sector.
