Platform life optimisation: Advanced strain monitoring system

17 Oct 2023

Set-up of platform strain monitoring system.

Project overview

Project name

Platform life optimisation

Location

Gulf of Mexico

Solution

Long-term asset integrity

UTEC, Acteon’s Geo-services business line, supported a major offshore platform operator with an advanced strain monitoring system for their deepwater semi-submersible platform, securely anchored in 2,000 m of water. We detected and analysed structural strains in real-time, enabling proactive maintenance, ensuring platform integrity and extending asset life

Supporting asset life in ageing infrastructure

The addition of three tieback wells raised concerns about structural fatigue. Real-time strain monitoring helped assess platform capacity. 

A digital monitoring system that provides clarity 

We delivered an advanced strain monitoring solution using Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) strain monitoring devices. We used a network of sensors and analytics tools to measure local tension, bending and shear loads at discrete locations across the platform.  

This monitoring enabled the operator to track fatigue accumulation and identify emerging risks before they became critical. 

We used the data collected from the monitoring campaigns to  

  • validate platform response
  • assess local fatigue damage and accumulation
  • confirm structural fitness for the duration of the project.  

This proactive approach potentially eliminated the need for additional structural reinforcements, streamlining installation efforts. Furthermore, the insights gained supported future life extension and optimisation strategies. 

The solution integrated seamlessly with existing integrity management systems. Our data-led approach helped the client better understand structural health, optimise inspection schedules, and extend platform life safely and cost-effectively. 

Innovations in action

  • System combined INTEGRIstrain FBG sensors, INTEGRIpod hubs, and Integrated Vessel Monitoring
  • Live data enabled real-time movement tracking and predictive maintenance insights
  • Engineers adopted a proactive approach to structural integrity using real-time insights 

The result

We provided the customer with invaluable insights into the structural behaviour of their offshore platform. Real-time data enabled proactive maintenance strategies, reducing the risk of unexpected failures and extending the platform's operational life. 

We leveraged our unique product and service portfolio to deliver a tailored and cost-effective monitoring solution.

We developed, designed, built, installed, and commissioned an innovative platform strain monitoring system. The tailored solution will deliver comprehensive data to provide the operator with the insight they need to benchmark platform loading fatigue predictions, validate the system and help them to make strategic decisions for future operations.
Paul Smith, EVP

Paul Smith, EVP Acteon Geo-services

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