Mooring monitoring technology successfully tested in North Sea
By Joanne Liou, editorial coordinator
In conjunction with Pulse Structural Monitoring, InterMoor recently completed a field trial of the Inter-M Pulse in the North Sea, Alan Duncan, managing director at InterMoor, announced during a press conference at the 2012 OTC on 1 May in Houston. Combining H-link design with mooring monitoring technology, the Inter-M Pulse is a long-term mooring connector that monitors tension of each mooring line and transmits tension data acoustically to the topside control room.
In the six-month trial on Diamond Offshore’s Ocean Nomad semisubmersible at Everest 22/10a in the North Sea, the rig experienced sea states of about 39 ft (12 meters). Throughout the drilling campaign, the connector was able to produce accurate line tensions and inclination readings. The field trial mooring system consisted of a combination chain and fiber makeup with the unit installation at the fiber and shackle connection.
The trial also proved that the connector is deployable and recoverable from the back of a boat over a stern roller, according to InterMoor.
Suitable for moored FPSO and MODU, the technology also features on-demand data upload and provides information after a storm or hurricane.
InterMoor will begin a six-month trial of Inter-M Pulse in the Gulf of Mexico in June, Mr Duncan said.
