Robotic Inspection

For decades, Sonomatic has been the vanguard of designing and delivering state-of-the-art inspection tools, marked by our exceptional ability to create solutions from the ground up and tailor them precisely to meet the distinct requirements of our clients. We take pride in our unwavering commitment to precision and excellence, and Sonomatic has emerged as the trusted partner in the realm of robotic inspection.

Our adaptability and versatility have become the cornerstones of our success, for we firmly believe that a one-size-fits-all approach simply does not suffice. With years of expertise under our belts, we bring to the table a wealth of experience that enables us to take projects from conception to realisation, providing unparalleled on-site proficiency every step of the way.

Our approach to robotic inspection is both innovative and dynamic. We harness an extensive array of cutting-edge technologies to craft solutions that address a broad spectrum of applications. What truly distinguishes us is our unparalleled capacity to modify and fine-tune these technologies, ensuring they harmonize seamlessly with the specific demands of each unique inspection task.

From initial design and customisation to field deployment and ongoing support, our unwavering dedication to excellence ensures that we remain at the forefront of the industry, delivering our clients the finest tools and expertise to address their inspection needs. 

ROBOTIC TYPE AND APPLICATION - SPIRO

Sonomatic specialises in providing comprehensive inspection and integrity services for offshore risers and caissons. These critical tubular structural and pressure elements are essential for the effective operation of offshore assets. Sonomatic offers both internally and externally deployed inspection approaches to ensure the integrity of these items. Our internal inspection tool, developed using industry-leading ultrasonic inspection techniques, allows for effective deployment and data capture.

One of the challenges in conducting ultrasonic inspections is inspecting corroded surfaces. Sonomatic has developed the SPIRO (SPIral-ROtation) technology to address this challenge. This technology provides a tailored inspection survey based on the client’s integrity requirements and available budget. Using advanced ultrasonic data analysis, Sonomatic can interrogate signals as if from a non-corroded surface, ensuring reliable measurements and supporting integrity management decisions.

KEY FEATURES:
  • Inspection Technique: Water gap corrosion mapping. Water column technique used for inspection of dry section.
  • Diameter Range: 16” - 44” with potential for 48" where required
  • Wall Thickness Measurement: 12.5mm to 30mm
  • Scan Length: 600mm (including+/- 50mm overlap)
  • Scan Speed: 10 mins per 600mm length
  • Working Environment: Air and water (100m max depth)
  • Scan Technique: Continuous rotation spiral
  • Weight: 55kg in air, 35kg in water
  • Body Dimensions: 1950mm length, 260mm diameter

RAPTOR II

The Raptor II is a significant update to Sonomatic’s field proven Raptor automated ultrasonic scanner. It retains the industry leading ultrasonic performance and includes a range of improvements in mechanical performance. These provide increased scanning speeds and faster, more straightforward deployment on site.

As with the original scanner, the main application of Raptor II is for rapid corrosion 

mapping of large areas, as would typically be a requirement in Non-Intrusive Inspection (NII) of pressure vessels and storage tank wall inspection.

Additionally, Sonomatic, has the platform to make modifications and customise not only this tool but all our robotics to meet specific client needs, ensuring versatility and precision in inspection.

KEY FEATURES:
  • Accurate ultrasonic corrosion mapping with industry leading performance as validated by the HOIS Joint Industry Project.
  • Ability to deploy 0 degree corrosion mapping, TOFD, Multiskip and CHIME.
  • Rapid coverage inspections, suitable for NII of pressure vessels and storage tanks.
  • Customisable
  • Integrates with Sonomatic's Microplus ultrasonic systems.
  • Real time imaging and review of data during inspection.
  • Up to 16 channels of ultrasonic data, with storage of full waveforms for subsequent processing.
  • Data suitable for statystical analysis, e.g. in support of sample inspection approaches. Easy integration into SIMS.
  • Generate composite thickness maps automatically with both corrosion mapping and TOFD screening data.
  • Data suitable for Fitness for Service Assessments including Level 3 assessment based on finite element analysis.
  • Immersion probe for water gap inspection.
  • Capability to drive axially and circumferentially on vessels, piping and tanks, even to small diameters.
  • Steerable during the inspection.
  • Cross arm widths (defining corrosion mapping coverage) between 500mm and 1200mm.
  • Light weight for ease of deployment.
  • Strong magnetic wheels, allowing travel on vertical and uneven surfaces.
  • Ability to operate with an umbilical length of 25m with water supply to a height of 20m.

EDRIS

Sonomatic has developed an End Dome Robotic Inspection System (EDRIS). This miniature scanner revolutionises the inspection process by eliminating the need for manned entry. With its advanced deployment system, the scanner can be easily attached to the skirt, allowing for seamless deployment to the domed end. Currently, the scanner is equipped with a video-tracked corrosion mapping inspection technique, but we are continuously developing and engineering alternative attachments and inspection tooling in collaboration with our clients.

One of the most critical areas to inspect in vertical pressure vessels is the bottom head, particularly the domed end. This area is highly susceptible to corrosion due to fluid movements caused by differential pressure. Traditionally, inspecting these locations can be challenging, as the skirt is welded to the tangent line of the head, creating an inaccessible area or requiring confined space entry. However, Sonomatic has successfully addressed this issue with the development of the EDRIS Scanner, ensuring efficient inspection that meets the Non-Intrusive Inspection (NII) requirements for vertical pressure vessels.

The EDRIS Scanner offers significant safety benefits by reducing the risk of confined space entry. In the past, personnel would have to enter the confined space with conventional NDT methods to fulfill the intrusive inspection requirements. With EDRIS, this risk is minimised, enhancing overall safety protocols.

BENEFITS:
  • Exceptionally small size and profile to maximise coverage for remote automated scanning.
  • Data suitable for use in statistical analysis as part of NII justification.
  • Remote inspection for areas of restricted access.
  • Fully steerable plus ability to turn on own axis.

SONAR

The floors of storage tanks can be susceptible to internal and/or external corrosion which may lead to failure with severe consequences. Safe management of tanks therefore relies on inspection of the floor at appropriate intervals. Historically this inspection has been carried out by tools and techniques that rely on internal man entry following emptying and cleaning. This type of inspection relies on the tanks being taken out of service.

 

Sonomatic has developed and applies robotic technologies to deploy its world leading automated corrosion mapping to tank floors in-service. This approach gives a high degree of assurance of tank floor integrity while avoiding the need for costly shut downs and minimising the hazards associated with confined space entry.

Sonomatic’s SONAR represents a range of robotics capable of tank floor inspections that have been developed over the years. Our robotic tank floor capability is part of a comprehensive inspection offering in which we deliver an API 653 or EEMUA 159 compliant inspection with the tank remaining in operation throughout.

KEY FEATURES:
  • Integration with Sonomatic inspection project management and analysis software (multimap)
  • Umbilical cord and carrier with 106m to 115m cable length
  • Purge system for products below 37.5°C flashpoints
  • Advanced navigation system
  • Temperature range 20°C to 50°C
  • Sonomatic advanced ultrasonic immersion transducers system
  • Camera and light system
  • Suction & Discharge pumps

Project Examples:

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