Wireless CP Monitoring, UK North Sea
Imenco were contracted by Deepwater EU Ltd to develop a solution making use of acoustic communication for the purpose of long range CP monitoring, an industry first for this type of remote CP monitoring. Deepwater provided an Impressed Current Cathodic Protection (ICCP) system with acoustic remote CP monitoring as a pilot project for Shell, to be installed on the Leman Alpha production platform complex in the North Sea.
NASCoM, the Imenco acoustic control and monitoring system, was identified as the ideal solution. NASCoM Subsea Control Units (SCUs) were deployed to wirelessly monitor Deepwater reference electrode sensors, allowing measurement of distribution of protection across the structure. Installation included the provision of Deepwater’s specialist heavy duty RetroClamps providing an integrated installation package of monitoring equipment, enabling the installation contractor to install subsea monitoring equipment quickly and effectively.
The SCUs adopted enhanced power control of electronics to minimise power consumption between sensor readings, maximising battery life. Based on log data to date, battery life is predicted to exceed the 5 year deployment target, subject to continued use of power saving techniques. Plastic housings along with PEEK connectors were implemented to avoid corrosion issues over the expected deployment duration, avoiding need for ROV service or intervention.
