Sonomatic is proud to showcase a groundbreaking achievement in offshore inspection technology. In collaboration with ExxonMobil Guyana, we successfully completed the first-ever robotic Flex Joint inspection in Guyana. This milestone project, conducted on the Liza Destiny FPSO, underscores the transformative role of advanced robotics in offshore asset integrity management. Using our cutting-edge E-CAP Stingray robotic crawler, Sonomatic delivered a fully remote, high-precision inspection in a challenging offshore environment, reinforcing our commitment to innovation, safety, and operational excellence.
Sonomatic Supports ExxonMobil Guyana in Achieving the First Robotic Flex Joint Inspection in Guyana
PROCESS
The project focused on the inspection of a Flex Joint, a critical component in offshore production systems. The inspection process involved two key stages:
- Cleaning: The first step was the effective cleaning of the Flex Joint to ensure accurate data collection. The E-CAP Stingray robotic crawler was deployed to remove any marine growth and contaminants that could interfere with inspection results.
- 3D Photogrammetry Inspection: After cleaning, the advanced 3D photogrammetry capabilities of the E-CAP Stingray were utilised to capture detailed imaging and measurements of the Flex Joint. This non-intrusive method allowed for high-resolution data acquisition.
Despite the challenging metocean conditions in offshore Guyana, the inspection was conducted entirely through remote robotic methods. This project demonstrated the resilience and capability of Sonomatic’s technology in delivering high-quality
inspection data while eliminating the need for divers or manual inspections in hazardous environments.
Outcome
The successful completion of this inspection marks a significant advancement in offshore robotic inspections. Key outcomes include:
- Enhanced Safety: By utilising a fully robotic approach, the project mitigated the risks associated with human intervention in offshore environments.
- Operational Efficiency: The remote methodology allowed for swift and precise inspection execution, minimising downtime and maximising productivity.
- High-Quality Data Acquisition: The use of 3D photogrammetry provided ExxonMobil Guyana with accurate, detailed imaging to support informed decision-making regarding asset integrity.
ExxonMobil Guyana’s commitment to safety and operational excellence was instrumental in the success of this project. Sonomatic is honored to have played a key role in this achievement and remains dedicated to pioneering the future of robotic
inspection solutions in the offshore energy sector. We look forward to further innovations and collaborations that redefine the possibilities of asset integrity management.