EV
Offshore introduces CamScan EVO2
Posted: 22 April 2004
New subsea camera inspection system reduces production
downtime with 360° viewing and diagnostic capabilities
EV Offshore Ltd, a leading provider of camera inspection systems,
introduced the new CamScan EVO2, a turnkey subsea camera inspection
system designed specifically for the offshore oil and gas industries
to visually inspect conditions downhole and subsea.
The new system made its debut at EV Offshore’s Stand Number
357 at Oceanology, a major international tradeshow in London from
March 16 – 19, 2004.
The robust CamScan EVO2 is the latest addition to EV Offshore’s
CamScan family of subsea camera inspection systems that have been
used to carry out more than 100 successful inspection operations
on assets around the world since 2000.
System Offers Engineers the Big Picture: 360° Viewing
Critical
Unlike other camera inspection systems, the CamScan EVO2 was designed
specifically for inspecting conditions downhole and subsea. “The
success of a project can hinge on making sure that every element
is installed properly, and, when problems arise, that the cause
is quickly identified and remedied,” said David Clover, Director
of EV Offshore. “To achieve these tasks efficiently, engineers
must be able to inspect the targeted area comprehensively, and with
great precision. This level of scrutiny can’t be effectively
achieved with cameras that offer anything less than full hemispherical
imaging. Engineers can now inspect an entire hemisphere from every
angle, meaning that the resulting inspection offers a much higher
degree of accuracy. The odds of missing a potential problem are
substantially reduced, while other subsea activities, such as fishing
and clean-up operations, are greatly enhanced, saving time and money,”
he added.
Versatile Inspection System Saves Time and Money
The CamScan EVO2, which operates effectively in depths to 6,500
ft (2,000m), is a complete turnkey system that can be used to visually
inspect wellheads, analyse risers, completions, tieback threads
and pressure seals. Its predecessor, CamScan, has been utilised
on a wide variety of operations, from inspection during subsea equipment
installation, through to assistance in downhole fishing operations.
Because it may be used while “free-hanging,” or mounted
on drill pipe, subsea tools or a variety of structures, the CamScan
EVO2 is highly versatile. It has proven to be extremely useful for
carrying out more efficient fishing and cleanup operations, as well
as for retrieving subsea tools and structures, and assisting in
deploying and aligning subsea structures.
Clear Viewing in Poor Visibility
Not only is the CamScan EVO2 versatile, it offers drilling and completion
engineers, construction and installation engineers the ability to
see clearly what is happening hundreds of metres below, even in
situations where visibility is poor. With a black and white, low-light
camera and a high definition colour camera mounted in the same head,
users can more easily adapt to conditions downhole or subsea.
Another unique feature of CamScan EVO2 is that it offers a main
viewing console, with recording on digital tape. It also offers
remote viewing on a separate console, and records on standard VHS
tape. This allows the user to clearly view the screen, and immediately
watch pre-recorded tape allowing further analysis.
“Two Systems in One”
To offer operators complete peace of mind, the CamScan EVO2 includes
a duplicate unit of every essential system element. In the event
that a critical part of the system is lost or damaged, the duplicate
unit may be used in its place so that inspection operations can
continue on schedule. The CamScan EVO2 consists of two of the following
items: camera module, control console, umbilical, deck leads and
a slave console that provides an additional monitor and recording
for simultaneous viewing.
CamScan EVO2 Delivers Enhanced Image Definition
The camera module incorporates two cameras, with a continuous rotate
and tilt, and with the pressure housing at 4?” (120mm) O/D,
it is the smallest of its type in the world. The camera features
infinitely variable internal LEDs, each of which is mounted in a
ball and yolk that provides continuous 360° rotation and 360°
tilt utilizing miniature sliprings. Rotary encoder technology with
onscreen graphics gives feedback for exact position of the camera
to the operator. The system comes complete with a drill pipe running
tool, and is available from EV Offshore with trained operators.
Control of the camera and image monitoring is carried out with
a self-contained control console weighing just 18kg. It includes
full camera control with camera switching, rotate and tilt, light
intensity, recording and auxiliary controls, LCD monitor and digital
recording.
Compact System Easy to Transport
Given its compact size, the entire system is easily transported
in two small containers that weigh just 200lbs (90kg) each. As a
result, it can be mobilized immediately via helicopter. Finally,
it is so simple to set up that it requires just 15 minutes from
set-up to activation before real-time images appear on the screen.
In fact, from the moment the CamScan EVO2 is submerged, technicians
may begin viewing the subsea environment immediately for inspection
purposes, so problems can be remedied as quickly as possible.
Innovations and Benefits at a Glance
•Key module duplication giving 100% backup – no downtime
has been associated with this system.
•Helicopter mobilization and set-up time of 15 minutes –
when problems occur CamScan EVO2 can respond immediately, putting
operations back on stream faster.
•Enhanced image definition through particulate – improved
opportunity to assess worksite.
•Modular, traceable construction for global service, maintenance
and upgrades – wherever the operation is located, CamScan
EVO2 can be relied upon.
EV Offshore specializes in the design and manufacture of downhole,
subsea and topside camera inspection systems for the international
upstream oil and gas industries. Founded in 2000 in Norwich, England,
EV Offshore is known throughout the world for its CamScan family
of camera inspection systems that improve safety, and reduce production
downtime and operating costs. Over time, the CamScan inspection
system has been deployed on behalf of major operators to carry out
subsea inspection services in every oil and gas-producing region.
The company also provides a range of design consultancy services
for a wide variety of subsea activities. Since 2001, EV Offshore
has twice received the Innovation Award from subsea technology specialist
VideoRay of Exton, Pennsylvania, most recently for designing a dual-powered
version of the company’s miniature remote-operated vehicle.
In 2002, EV Offshore was granted a SMART Award from the UK’s
Department of Trade and Industry to fund feasibility investigation
of a highly specialized subsea camera inspection system called “EVOLeye”
for use at depths to 20,000ft for HPHT deployment
EV Offshore is a sister company of the EV Group which was founded
in 1986. EV Group is a highly successful designer and manufacturer
of specialized camera and inspection systems for use in the broadcast
and industrial inspection industries, as well as on-board cameras
for the motor sports industries. The company’s specialized
mini-cameras have operated successfully on air, land and sea, including
Formula One racing cars, World Rally cars, BT Global Challenge yachts,
Tornado fighter jets, Apache Ground Attack helicopters and World
Class powerboats. In December 2003, EV Group was listed on the Inner
City 100 Index for 2003. The company was selected as one of just
13 manufacturing companies on the list of the United Kingdom’s
fastest growing companies in an inner city area, based on its turnover
growth between 1999 and 2003.
For more infoarmation see http://www.evoffshore.com/
Posted by Richard Price,
Editor Pipeline Magazine
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