BATHYMETRIC SURVEY VIA ADAPTED LIDAR
Accurate and reliable information on the features of water bodies and their shorelines is vital to navigational safety. Bathymetric surveys gather this information that is then published for use on nautical charts, meaning it’s absolutely vital that this information remains up to date.
Bathymetric Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) is used to determine water depth by measuring the time delay between the transmission of a pulse and its return signal. Analysis of these pulses is used to establish water depths and shoreline elevations. Bathymetric LIDAR is also used to acquire data in areas with complex and rugged shorelines, where surface vessels cannot operate
efficiently or safely because of rocks, kelp or breaking surf.
It’s not all that long ago that surveyors determined soundings positions by using a three- point sextant, fixed to mapped reference points on shore. The process was labour intensive and time-consuming and whilst the measured depths were accurate, they were often limited in number. Information between the soundings was missing, meaning mariners would often be unaware of features on the bottom and would not have the depth information necessary for safe navigation.
In more recent years, Bathymetric surveys come at a high price. A LIDAR system will typically cost around € 880,000 and that doesn’t include the fixed wing aeroplane or helicopter to fly it. Bathymetric
sensors developed for drones are an emerging technology, allowing this type of survey to be carried out flexibly and at a fraction of the cost. Accurate data concerning bathymetry as well as environmental conditions in shallow waters, can now be acquired using these specialist sensors integrated into drones. To operate effectively in the harsh maritime environment, the technology has been developed to withstand storm force wind and heavy rain, snow and salt spray and as technology advances, so does the flight time available on drones, meaning more area can be covered in a quicker timeframe. Drone technology is therefore revolutionising bathymetric surveys. Faster turnaround times and advanced data is offering more detailed nautical charts, improving global maritime safety.
FLARE TIP INSPECTIONS ON FLOATING PRODUCTION FACILITIES
Drone surveys typically exist to provide close visual and thermal inspections of high, live or difficult to access structures offshore and there’s nothing more challenging to access than a flare tip, 70 metres above water, on a floating production facility.
The latest drone survey inspection techniques for flare tips, remove the need for a shutdown to inspect the flare and provide the necessary survey data required to reduce, delay or better plan a turnaround. Drone surveys offer reduced costs when compared to traditional and expensive aerial surveys carried out by helicopter or plane. With no shutdown required, maximum efficiency is maintained and thanks to detailed survey data, the performance of the flare system can be assured.
62 | The Report • June 2017 • Issue 80
OFFSHORE WIND ENERGY SECTOR: AN EMERGING MARKET
The wind energy sector is a growing fast. There are currently more than 270,000 wind turbines operating globally and recent research carried out by market researchers Navigant, has suggested that the cumulative global revenue for wind turbine UAV sales and inspection services is expected to reach nearly $6 billion by 2024. The emerging wind turbine UAV market is being driven by the vast number of blades that need to be inspected for deterioration and for pre-end-of- warranty inspections.
Storm force winds, erosion, lightning strikes and even a build- up of insects can have an impact on turbines. Although they are relatively cheap to repair, the average costs being around 3-5% of the turbine’s price per year, the key to optimum efficiency is knowing where the issue lies.
Surveying wind turbines has always been a challenging job. To inspect the blades, technicians have traditionally had to scale the turbines with the help of ropes and cables and this type of work at height can be very dangerous.
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