Feature Technology Our People New Product How Sonardyne ... · Our People Design, planning and operational support. How the Survey Support Group can help 28 New Product Highlighting

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08FeatureHow Sonardyne Wideband®

technology is re-defining subseacommunications

16TechnologyLodestar and WidebandUSBL; The right attitude makesit perfect

18Our PeopleDesign, planning andoperational support. How theSurvey Support Group can help

28New ProductHighlighting the new featuresin the latest release of FusionLBL software

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3 Baseline

Operating as either a stand-alone Attitude andHeading Reference System (AHRS) or as partof an integrated acoustic navigation system,Lodestar is the marine industry’s multi-tool; a ringlaser inertial reference system for highly dynamicmarine environments that can be configured for

any position reference application. Available insurface or subsea versions rated to 5,000 metres,Lodestar is building a successful track record asa DP reference and subsea positioning instrument.It’s heading in the right direction, are you?www.sonardyne.com/products

Lodestarmyknife.

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04 News Products and People08 Feature Data Communications12 Technology Subsea Control Systems16 Feature Lodestar + Wideband USBL18 Our People Survey Support Group

22 Maritime Security Sentinel IDS26 Case Study British Antartic Survey28 Technology New Products 30 International News around theWorld31 Help & Advice Ask DaveC

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Front CoverLong term, multi-sensorplatforms awaitingdeployment.The units logtemperature, high accuracypressure, sound velocity,inclination and autonomouslymeasured acoustic ranges.More about the technologyon Page 08

Marketing ManagerDavid Brown

Marketing Co-ordinatorAndrew Covey

Strategic Developmentand Marketing DirectorRob Balloch

Design and Art-DirectionMichael Lindley at TruthStudiowww.truthstudio.co.uk

PhotographyAstonleigh Studios,Alton,Hampshire, UKwww.astonleighstudio.co.uk(Pages 09, 12, 16, 20, 23,and 31).

Baseline Magazine is editedby Rob Balloch with DavidBrown and Andrew Covey.

Published by SonardyneInternational Ltd. BlackbusheBusiness Park,Yateley,Hampshire GU46 6GD.United Kingdom.© Sonardyne InternationalLtd 2008.www.sonardyne.com

No part of this magazinemay be reproduced withoutpermission of the publisher.Colour repro by ProCo PrintLtd. Printed by ProCo PrintLtd. Every effort is made toensure that information iscorrect at time of goingto press.

THIS LATEST ISSUE of Baseline is designed to coincide with one of the most

important dates in Sonardyne’s calendar; the bi-annual Oceanology

International exhibition in London.

For three days in March, we present our latest technological

developments to the gathered audience of industry professionals from

around the world. For those of you who will make the journey to OI this

year, applications for our successful Wideband technology will form the major theme

of our stand (No. 926) which will be divided into themed zones.

But don’t worry; if you can’t make it to the show or are reading this magazine after

the event, you’re not missing out. Many of the products and technologies making their

debut at OI, are showcased right here in Baseline Issue 3 and at the many other events

we will be exhibiting at during 2008. Our website has our full show calendar.

Building upon the USBL optimisation article in Issue 2, we explain on Page 16 how

to achieve unrivalled performance from your Sonardyne Wideband® USBL system

by integrating it with a Lodestar AHRS.

When operating Wideband systems in the presence of other acoustic systems,

users need to be aware of the issues surrounding frequency management. In an

interview with Sonarydne’s new Survey Customer Support Group (Page 18),

we reveal how appropriate planning in advance of operations beginning, can avoid

problems arising in the field.

In general news, we report on deep rated Compatt 5 transponders heading for

the Gulf of Mexico and a new system for LNG tankers that allows them to quickly

and accurately relocate submerged turret buoys.

We hope you enjoy reading Baseline 3 and as always, look forward to hearing

from you soon.

The Baseline Team

04

12 22 31

18

08

04 Baseline » Issue 3

NEWS

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Installed in numerous offshore fields around

the world, Submerged Turret Loading (STL)

buoys were first introduced in the 1990s to

allow loading and unloading of tankers and

FPSOs in nearly all sea states.

STLs are typically moored 25-40 metres

below the surface when not in use.When a

vessel is required to load or unload, the

buoy is winched up and ‘docked’ into the

turret mating cone of a tanker where oil or

gas can be transferred. For LNG tankers the

key requirement is for frequent and rapid

connection, whilst for FPSOs the connection

process is only required after extreme

weather or a period of vessel maintenance.

The challenge of this process is to know,

in real-time, precisely where the buoy is

relative to the vessel during the critical

docking process.

With Sonardyne’s track record for

positioning targets in difficult environments,

the company was approached to design

a tracking system specific to this application

that takes into account all of the unique

elements of submerged loading.

The solution lay in a USBL-based system

that utilises a forward looking digital

transceiver and customised software

with algorithms that enable the position of

the centre of the buoy relative to the turret,

to be determined and not just the position

of a transponder somewhere on the buoy.

Long life, ‘gas safe’ transponders

mounted on the turret buoy are an integral

element of the system and are designed for

flexible installation.These include; at the top

of the buoy, removable by hand from within

the turret which is particularly suited to

FPSOs, or at the base of the buoy which is

more suited to third party maintenance in

support of a fleet of shuttle tankers.

Multiple systems are now deployed,

and with LNG as a key source of energy,

demand for safe and continuous tanker

offloading via submerged buoys will

continue to grow.The buoy environment,

both as far as a hazardous zone and

acoustic positioning, is challenging and one

where Sonardyne’s technology has been

essential to provide the right solution.

NEW PRODUCTS

Keeping track of submergedloading buoys

The challenge is to know inreal-time precisely where thebuoy is relative to the vesselduring the docking process”

“

A Submerged Turret Loading (STL) buoy is prepared for installation.(Right) Illustration showing an STL docked with a tanker. Images:APL

Baseline » Issue 3 05

ORDERS AND CONTRACTS

ETS goes deep with Compatt 5Equipment and Technical Services (ETS)

Inc. based in Houston has made a major

commitment to supporting its customers’

deepwater operations with the purchase

of Sonardyne Wideband® Compatt 5

transponders.

As specialists in subsea equipment

management and rental, ETS will now have

the capability to supply operators in the

Gulf of Mexico with high accuracy Long

BaseLine (LBL) positioning equipment for

construction survey applications in water

depths up to 5,000 metres.

This order for Compatt 5s compliments

ETS’s existing inventory of Sonardyne

equipment which includes RovNav 5

transceivers rated to 7,000 metres. Both

products incorporate Sonardyne’s successful

Wideband technology that has been

repeatedly demonstrated as the best solution

for use in deepwater and acoustically

crowded operating environments.The

fast position update rate and immunity to

signal interference offered by the Wideband

digital technology has been shown to

overcome the problems commonly

experienced with conventional analogue

acoustic positioning systems.

Commenting on the order during the

recent Underwater Intervention exhibition

in New Orleans, ETS Vice President, Mike

Knight said,“From talking to our customers

in the region, it’s clear that future contracts

will find them operating in increasing water

depths. By investing in appropriate acoustic

positioning technology now, ETS will be

ready to supply the rental market with the

products it needs whatever the water depth.”

Global Geophysical Services Inc.of

Houston has invested in an Ocean Bottom

Cable (OBC) acoustic positioning system.

The system will be used to support the

company’s expanding shallow water

seismic survey activities and employs

a large network of low cost acoustic

transponders to accurately position

hydrophone ground stations in water

depths up to 500 metres.

The order also includes Radio-

Frequency Identification (RFID) tags

for each of the transponders so they can

be accurately logged as the hydrophone

cables are deployed from the ship.

Deliveries of the equipment have already

been completed in readiness for a major

survey offshore India.

Global Geophysical will use its new

acoustic positioning system in

conjunction with Sonardyne’s ‘HydroPos’

seismic control software.This monitors

time tags and logs raw data from the

vessel’s acoustic transceiver and its surface

navigation systems such as GPS and gyro.

This will make it possible for Global

Geophysical’s surveyors to obtain real-

time positions of the transponders quickly

and accurately,thus making for very

efficient surveys.Raw acoustic data can

also be passed to an external navigation

system so that absolute positions for the

hydrophones can be obtained.

(Left to right) Mike Knight (VP, ETS), Spencer Collins, Andy Bogle (President, ETS), Kim Swords


OBCs for Global Geophysical

ETS will now be ready tosupply the rental market withthe products it needswhatever the water depth”

“


NEWS

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CUSTOM ENGINEERING

In 1985, Sonardyne was approached by

British Nuclear Fuels PLC’s Transport

Division (now International Nuclear

Services Ltd) with a unique engineering

challenge; to develop an emergency

relocation and remote monitoring system

for fitment to vessels transporting irradiated

nuclear fuel worldwide.

For over 20 years, the systems installed

on the BNFL/PNTL fleet of vessels have

been ready for action, but thankfully, that

day has never come.

BNFL’s original requirement was for

a custom designed acoustic system that,

in the event of a disaster, would enable the

vessel to be relocated from a safe distance

and allow the status of the cargo to be

determined prior to any attempt to salvage.

The equipment supplied to each vessel

comprised four specially designed subsea

acoustic transponder modems, interfaced

to two Data Acquisition Units (DAUs).

The transponders were located on the

fore, aft, port and starboard superstructure

ensuring a clear acoustic transmission path

to the surface could be provided by at least

one unit regardless of the ship’s final

resting position.

Each DAU has internal pitch, roll and

depth sensors and is in-turn connected

to radiation sensors and hatch cover

sensors in each hold.

The ‘Pacific Sandpiper’ was the first

vessel to be equipped with the Sonardyne

system in August 1985 and has just become

the latest to be upgraded.

As part of the upgrade programme,

the original equipment has been replaced

with the latest Wideband technology for

improved speed and robustness of acoustic

communications.New,easy-to-use operating

software allows the crew to test the system

prior to each voyage and monitor it at sea.

Commenting on the refurbishment

programme, Ian MacDonald, project head

said,“We’re delighted with the performance

and reliability of the first generation of BNFL

equipment.The transponders have

remained fully operational despite being

exposed on deck to the elements for over

two decades. By upgrading to Wideband,

the Sonardyne systems will provide many

more years dependable service for our

customer, International Nuclear Services

Ltd,” he added.

Upgrading th

(Clockwise from top) The Pacific Osprey is part

of International Nuclear Services’fleet of vessels

carrying irradiated nuclear fuel worldwide;

monitoring software allows the system to be

tested prior to each voyage;an original 1985

subsea transponder modem and to its left, the

new Wideband replacement;a bulkhead-mounted

Data Acquisition Unit and power supply


In April, Sonardyne will be

hosting the next meeting of the

Marine Measurement Forum.

The MMF is a non-profit making,

one-day event that provides

opportunities for the informal

exchange of ideas, knowledge,

techniques, activities, projects

and developments across an

extensive range of marine

scientific measurement

activities.Attendees typically

include scientists, surveyors,

engineers and business

people from a variety of

organisations including

research centres, academia,

manufacturers, survey

companies, consultants,

monitoring authorities,

dredging companies, port

authorities and oil companies.

Please visit: www.mmf-uk.org

for full details.

EVENTS

Sonardyne to host 42nd MarineMeasurement Forumhe Fleet


US Navy chooses Sentinel forswimmer defence

The DeVere Warbrook House

and Grange, Hampshire, UK;

the venue for the 42nd MMF

The US Naval Sea Systems Command

(NAVSEA) has chosen Sonardyne to supply

multiple Sentinel sonar heads for the new

Integrated Swimmer Defence System led

by the Program Executive Office, Littoral

Mine Warfare (PEO-LMW - PMS480).

In addition to the equipment provision,

Sonardyne has also been awarded a contract

related to the integration and deployment

of Sentinel systems as part of an

expeditionary warfare requirement.

The contracts, valued in excess of US$1

million, follows successful trials in October

2007 when Sentinel was shown to meet the

US Navy’s performance requirements for

diver detection. Sentinel demonstrated

rapid deployment and performance in an

equipment package that is smaller, lighter

and more cost effective than previous

generations of anti-swimmer sonars.

Sentinel was developed by Sonardyne

to meet the specific requirements of the

expeditionary warfare community yet the

system has already proven itself equally

adaptable to other applications. Rob Balloch,

Strategic Development Director for

Sonardyne commented,“Our team’s

success in developing Sentinel in such a

short period of time has proven the benefits

of a close working relationship with the

customer and a dedicated engineering

team focussed on the task.”

Despite the use of sophisticated surface

perimeter protection systems, underwater

security has, until now, been acknowledged

as the weakest link in the defence of ships

and on-shore facilities.These have been

vulnerable to underwater threats that include

attack, sabotage or smuggling. Because of

this, uses for Sentinel are expected to range

from the protection of vessels such as cruise

ships and superyachts, to underwater

perimeter security for sensitive coastal

assets including power stations, oil and

gas terminals, strategic industry and ports

and harbours.

Sentinel was developedby Sonardyne to meetthe specific needs of theexpeditionary warfarecommunity yet the systemhas already proven itselfequally adaptable toother applications.”

“

Message inasubsea bottleAcoustic systems to date have been largely limitedby the bandwidth available meaning that only smallpackets of system data could be transferred. However,the introduction of Sonardyne Wideband® technologyis re-defining what is possible. Baseline speaks toDr. Darryl Newborough, to get the message.


Feature

Data Communications

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IN THE FIELD of communications, aprotocol is the set of standard rulesfor data representation, signalling,authentication and error detectionrequired to send information over acommunications channel. To facilitatethe sending of user data, Sonardynehas developed two main protocols;

Sonardyne Messaging Service (SMS) and aGuaranteed Data Delivery Service (GDDS).

SMS and GDDSAs Darryl explains, “The SMS protocol issynonymous with mobile phone textmessaging; our version is a short ASCII textmessage of up to 128 characters that can besent to any SMS enabled acoustic instrument.The protocol operates as a ‘send-and-forget’link, however the receiving unit can

acknowledge receipt if the message arriveserror free. This is a low overhead protocol thatenables the user to control whether data isre-sent and is ideal for simple command andcontrol functions. For real-time data transfersthe SMS protocol provides a minimum latencydata delivery service, which is ideal in highlydynamic situations where the data is only validfor a short period. For example tracking anAUV or sending gyro data.”

“The GDDS protocol will only deliver dataif what has been sent is received completelyand without data errors. Should a data packetwith errors been received, this protocol isable to first request the re-sending of theaffected data packet and then, seamlesslystitch the packets back together to optimisethe communication bandwidth.

Due to the increased protocol overhead >>


A member of Sonardyne's highly experienced

R&D team, Darryl Newborough is enthusiastic

about the possiblities that Wideband technology

presents for subsea communications


Feature

Data Communications

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the data latency can increase in harsh acousticoperating environments, therefore this methodis often used to retrieve logged data for post-processing analysis,” adds Darryl.

Next generation productsAcoustic telemetry is a core technology of mostSonardyne subsea systems. It provides thecapability to configure navigation transpondersand receive status, range and sensorinformation. This allows the navigation systemto be optimised for various environments andoperational scenarios. SMS and GDDSprotocols enhance this task and enable usersto utilise the increased bandwidth for theirdata transfer needs.

Sonardyne also provides safety criticalsystems that rely on robust communication forvalve control, such as Blow-Out Preventors (BOP)and Work Over Control Systems (WOCS).

“As users’ confidence in acoustic telemetryincreases, more systems are using the acousticlink as a back-up, but also in some cases asthe primary control method,” notes Darryl.“This can provide large cost savings bypotentially removing the need for umbilicalsand control lines or replacing umbilicals thatmay have been damaged. These systemsoften occupy Sonardyne’s Low-MediumFrequency (LMF 14-19kHz) band, which canprovide long range (>5km) communicationlinks thereby not requiring an vessel overheadto send commands or receive data.”

Sonardyne’s Tsunami Detection System(Baseline Issue 2) is one such example. It usesLMF Wideband telemetry and SMS protocolsto send pressure data to a surface monitoringbuoy every hour, which in turn relays theinformation back to land via a satellite link.The robustness of the telemetry is paramount,as this link provides vital warning to vulnerablecommunities of an approaching tsunami wave.

Custom applicationsSonardyne has always provided customengineering services or modification of existingproducts to give customers exactly what theyneed for their own niche telemetry applications.

Over the past five years Sonardyne hasbeen developing its high speed communicationcapability, which can yield data transfer ratesof over 10kbps.

The Sonardyne Messaging Service (SMS) Protocol

SMS:0102,0|061021170000;1,39866;1,40022;1,40157;1,40288SMS:0102,0|V142,U019,B0,O0,T0,S+1550,SMS:0102,0|061021180000;1,40394;1,40492;1,40569;1,40635SMS:0102,0|V142,U019,B0,O0,T0,S+1550,

Example of a Sonardyne SMS message from a tsunami monitoring transponder deployed in the

Bay of Bengal, India.Up to 128 ASCII characters are available for a customer defined message which

can be received to an email account anywhere in the world

YMDHMS

Transponder ID % Used Battery On Temp

F/W Version Battery Alarm Tilt˚

SMS Type P1 P2 P3

Pressure Log Status

P4


(Far left, top) Deployment

of a multi-sensor, data

logging platform and

(below) a Compatt 5

subsea transponder

configured for tsunami

detection in the Bay of

Bengal

(Above) The Petrobras

P-52 platform will be able

to process and treat

180,000 barrels of oil per

day.Photo:Geraldo Falcão/Divulgação Petrobras

(Left) A buoy-mounted

surface transceiver which

receives regular SMS

messages and sends them

via an Inmarsat-C

satellite terminal to a

shore monitoring station

As an example of this, towards the endof 2007 a permanent subsea riser monitoringsystem was installed for a major operator thatcomprises an integrated high speed modemand positioning system. The monitoring systemsends strain, motion and position informationfrom a subsea data logging module up to areceiver on the rig every four hours. In less thansix months, this amounted to over 90 Mbytesof data being transferred.

The system uses Sonardyne’s High DataRate Link (HDRL) with multi-element adaptivesignal processing. The GDDS protocol usedensures that the logged data subsea istransferred to the surface error free and asefficiently as possible.

In another project, Sonardyne developeda long term multi-sensor platform that canlog temperature, high accuracy pressure,sound velocity, inclination and autonomouslymeasured acoustic ranges with the datatransferred via high speed telemetry. Designedto be deployed for three years, a numberof these systems were deployed in 2007and have been logging data ever since withperiodic trips by a vessel of opportunity toretrieve many Megabytes of data.

The system is ideal for long term subseastructure monitoring and oceanographicparameter monitoring (tideguage, temperature,salinity, sound velocity etc.). The systemis adaptable with different sensors that canbe integrated as required.

Despite these recent successes, Sonardyneis continuing to develop its acousticcommunications signal processing capabilitiesthrough research into channel characterisationand new transducer and array designs.Darryl and his team are currently focusing theirefforts on increased robustness, longer range,increased speed, improved error correctioncoding and greater doppler tolerance.

“By investing heavily in R&D to furtherimprove acoustic communications andnavigation signal processing technology,we aim to remain at the forefront of subseacommunications developing products andcustomised systems for a range of subseaapplications that have until now, alwaysneeded a cable. With our robust telemetry,the wireless oil field is even closer to reality,”concludes Darryl. BL

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Technology

Acoustic Subsea Control Systems

A Wideband BOP

System;Dunking

transceiver with cable

drum, portable control

unit, Subsea Electronics

Module and either side,

two DARTs

Cuttingthetiesof


SONARDYNE BEGAN

DELIVERING acousticBOP (Blow-Out Preventor)control systems more than10 years ago. Thisemergency back-upsystem allows a subseawell to be shut in and

the riser disconnected if control via the riserumbilical is lost. With systems installed inBrazil, West Africa and the Gulf of Mexico,an excellent track record for reliable operationhas been established.

Building on this reputation, Sonardynehas now incorporated its Wideband acoustictechnology into the latest generation of acousticBOP controllers with the first batch of newsystems being delivered to Noble Drilling for

installation on the new-build rigs ‘DavidBeard’, ‘Danny Adkins’ and ‘Jim Day’.

A typical installation consists of a surfacecontrol system, which may be portable orpermanently installed on the vessel, andsubsea components fitted to the BOP stack.

The permanently installed surface systemcan operate either via a dedicated hull-mounted transceiver or a Sonardyne WidebandUSBL positioning system, if one is fitted.The portable surface system is a self-contained,battery powered control unit that is used witha lightweight acoustic transceiver and a strain-relieved deployment cable. It can be operatedfrom a small workboat or even from a life raft.Acoustic commands and their replies useForward Error Correction techniques combinedwith Sonardyne’s proprietary Wideband >>

Well known for providing pinpoint accuracy in positioningsystems, Sonardyne’s Wideband® acoustic technology isnow being used as the foundation for a range of highintegrity wireless control systems utilised in critical subseaapplications.The same signalling and receiver processingtechniques that offer outstanding positioning performanceby allowing precise time-of-arrival measurement, alsoenable highly reliable acoustic transfer of data throughwater and Sonardyne has incorporated these techniquesinto its latest generation of wireless wellhead controlsystems. Baseline speaks to Ted Kenny, Business Manager,Subsea Control Systems.

umbilical control


Technology

Acoustic Subsea Control Systems

acoustic telemetry protocol to ensure thehighest integrity through-water data transfer.

Subsea hardwareThe subsea components mounted on theBOP stack consist of a Subsea ElectronicsModule (SEM) and two acoustic transceivers,referred to as DARTs (Deep-rated AcousticRemote Transceivers). The DARTs are locatedon opposite sides of the riser to ensure that thestructure cannot mask the acoustic signals fromthe surface system.

The SEM contains dual redundantelectronics and battery packs for drivingthe pilot valve solenoids within the BOP andreading back pressure switches to indicatecorrect actuation of the valves. The SEM candrive up to 12 pilot valve solenoids and read12 status switches and four 4-20 mApressure sensors.

The dual redundant SEM can operate withup to four DART transceivers to provide multipleacoustic communication paths and ensurereliable communication even under the most

demanding conditions. This level of acousticand functional redundancy, combined with theinherent robustness of the Wideband signalsachieves an acoustic link with reliability that iscomparable to that of a cabled link and maybe considered as a direct alternative to anumbilical cable.

This means that the use of acoustics is nolonger restricted to that of a back-up systemand it is equally suitable for use in applicationswhere it provides a primary control function,for example, as seabed shut-off device, usedin conjunction with a Surface BOP system(see opposite). BL

The inherent robustnessof the Wideband signalsachieves an acoustic linkwith reliability that iscomparable to that of acabled link and may beconsidered as a directalternative to an umbilicalcable.”

“

Sonardyne began delivering acoustic BOP control systems over 10 years ago.This emergency back-up

system allows a subsea well to be shut in and the riser disconnected if control via the riser umbilical is lost.


The latest delivery of Sonardyne’s

Wideband Subsea Acoustic Control

System is to the Helix ‘Q4000’ vessel,

operated by Well Ops (A Helix company).

This will be the first such system to gain

regulatory approval for use in the Gulf of

Mexico and marks a milestone in the

acceptance of wireless acoustic control in

mission-critical applications.The acoustic

system includes extensive self-diagnostics

and a regular, automated ‘health check’

to ensure constant availability.

The Q4000 is a multi-purpose semi-

submersible vessel currently undergoing

a drilling upgrade to include the

installation of a Surface BOP drilling system.

Surface BOP drilling differs from

conventional subsea drilling in that the

BOP is located at the top of the riser

(typically in the moonpool) rather than at

the seabed.This requires the use of a high

pressure riser, of smaller size than the

conventional 21 inch marine riser.

The use of a smaller riser means less

riser and mud weight, so reduced riser

tension and buoyancy requirement.This

significantly extends the operating depth

capability of the rig, compared to

conventional drilling, and is increasingly

Helix Q4000 Acoustic Control System

used to allow the depth rating of 3rd or

4th generation rigs to be increased, so

that they can be used in place of more

expensive 5th generation rigs in locations

with suitable metocean conditions.

With the BOP at the surface, it is

necessary for environmental protection,

to have some form of shut-off device at

the seabed to allow the well bore to be

isolated and the riser to be disconnected

under emergency conditions.

This seabed disconnect device typically

comprises two shear/blind rams and two

latches, to unlatch the riser or the complete

package. Pre-charged accumulators

provide hydraulic power and control is

via a single lightweight umbilical and

an acoustic control system.

While connected, the cable provides

the primary control, with the acoustics as

back-up, but if a disconnection is carried

out, the acoustics must provide primary

control and monitoring, until re-connection

takes place.

This places greater demands on the

integrity of the acoustic control system

than would be the case for a conventional

back-up system.

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Technology

Lodestar + Wideband USBL

Building upon the Lodestar and USBL features in Issue 2, Baseline reports on how, whenused together, these Sonardyne systems can deliver the ultimate survey grade positioningperformance, so reducing operational costs and enhancing both DP and survey operations.

SONARDYNE WIDEBAND®

SIGNALLING technology hasbrought about dramaticimprovements in theperformance attainablefrom USBL (Ultra-ShortBaseLine) acousticpositioning systems.

Amongst the most significant benefits that thisnew digital technology offers users are;

● Improved repeatability or precision due toas much as a four fold improvement in the effective Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR)

● Improved accuracy● Immunity to interference to and from

other vessels ● Hundreds of ‘channels’ available for true

simultaneous vessel operations● Coherent signal processing provides robust

performance and tolerance to multipath

However, to gain the full effect from theseimprovements, Wideband USBL operatorsmust consider both the acoustic positioningsystem itself and importantly the externalmotion sensors that the system is interfaced to.

All types of USBL positioning systems mustcompensate for the motion of the vessel onwhich they are installed. For cost andconvenience reasons, installations have in thepast tended to utilise whatever motion sensors

USBL: The rightattitudemakes itperfect

Lodestar AHRS;available in surface (above) and subsea versions rated to 5,000 metres


cc

were already installed on the vessel, the ageand quality of which vary dramatically.

For many vessels, motion sensors wereonly ever installed for Dynamic Positioning(DP) purposes where high accuracy was nottypically required so cost drove specificationsdown. On some survey vessels, better sensorshave been installed but most of these havetended to be older generation technology.

For this reason, Sonardyne developedLodestar, a combined heading, attitude andinertial reference sensor that utilisesaccelerometers and gyroscope componentsthat are the perfect specification for USBLcompensation, whilst still being affordable andsuitable for export. IMO certification enablesLodestar to be used within the DP system or asthe master heading device on a vessel.

The high quality Ring Laser Gyroscopes(RLGs) used within Lodestar have excellent biasstability and a long Mean Time Before Failure(MTBF). These combined with high qualityaccelerometers, provide exceptional pitch,roll and heave data, essential for deep waterconstruction survey operations.

In deepwater, the accuracy of the motionsystems used to compensate USBL data is oneof the most critical factors. Lodestar is morethan10 times more accurate than many typicalmotion sensors fitted for DP purposes. This hasa significant effect upon performance enablingUSBL tracking to be used in deeper waters.

Another major benefit of combiningLodestar with a Wideband USBL system comesfrom understanding in detail the algorithms inboth the motion sensing and acoustic signalprocessing systems and any inherent delays.

Tightly coupledBy tightly coupling the motion and acousticdata carefully any delays in data can beremoved and so improve positioningperformance. Lodestar has the option of beingable to provide power to a vessel’s USBLtransceiver and directly process USBL dataachieving an even more tightly compensatedsolution. This cannot be achieved with othermotion sensors. This option means that theSonardyne Navigation Controller Unit (NCU)normally supplied with a Fusion or Rangersystem, is not always required so reducingthe total system cost.

The chart above shows a USBL positionin ultra-deepwater from a Wideband USBLsystem using a Lodestar. Operating alongsidea dual antenna GPS augmented inertial system,Lodestar dramatically out-performed itscompetition. This performance simply couldnot be achieved without the tight integrationbetween Lodestar and Wideband USBL.

Another benefit comes from the ‘all-in-one-box’ solution. With attitude and heading datacoming from one device, alignment errorscommonly encountered with separate roll and

pitch and heading sensors, are eliminated.As highlighted, Lodestar is also a full aided

Inertial Navigation System (INS). In INSmode, the USBL position reference data aidsthe INS which is sensing the vessel’s motion.The ‘smoothed’ position output can be utilisedby the vessel’s DP system. Benefits include;rejection of erroneous position jumps,improved operations in heavy weather,position ‘fill-in’ during acoustic signal drop-outsand improved update rate into the DP.

Lodestar INS, in its subsea variant, willshortly be available for ROV operations, wherethe USBL and DVL aided INS can be used toimprove deepwater survey positioning.

The combination of high accuracy attitudeand heading data from Lodestar tightlyintegrated with Wideband technology andits advantages, unlocks the true potential ofSonardyne USBL. BL

The scatter plot below shows real data from

Lodestar in ultra-deepwater, indicating what

is achievable.Ultimately, however, performance

is dependent on the vessel installation and

noise signature.

The figure left shows the total system level

performance that can be achieved with

existing USBL configurations of reference

systems as typically used today, and the

significant improvement in performance

seen with Wideband USBL and Lodestar tightly

coupled together.

With many fields being developed in 1,500m

the improvement in total error from 10m to

2m (1drms) enables positioning specifications

to be met more cost effectively and can

certainly provide performance “headroom”

against weather and other factors.

To

tal

erro

r (m

1d

rm

s)

1.95m (1drms)

4.86m (1drms)

10.54m (1drms)

500 750 1000 1250 1500 1750 2000Depth (m)

14.00

12.00

10.00

8.00

6.00

4.00

2.00

0.00

USBL Performance with Different Attitude and Heading Sensors

Key: –– Standard DP reference sensors –– Standard survey reference sensors –– Lodestar AHRS & Wideband

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Our People

Survey Customer Support Group

Preparation is the key

The discovery and commissioning of new fields, together with the ongoing develop-ment of established fields, continues to increase the volume of work for companiesacross the offshore oil and gas industry. Survey companies especially, are having toutilise new technology in their procedures whilst maintaining sufficient levels ofsuitably experienced and skilled offshore staff. Baseline visits Sonardyne’s Sea TrialsCentre in Plymouth, to speak to the new Survey Customer Support Group.


y to offshore success

Survey Customer Support Group

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Our People

THROUGHOUT THE COMPANY’Shistory, Sonardyne hasrecognised its role inhelping companies inthe offshore survey andconstruction industryovercome the challengesof offshore field

development and sees the abundant wealthof knowledge and experience throughoutSonardyne as a prime asset that can positivelycontribute to its clients’ success.

The company has always had a very‘hands on’ approach to being involved withsurvey planning and operational supportservices on large, offshore developmentprojects. In an exciting new initiative,Sonardyne is making these services morereadily accessible to all of its constructionsurvey customers with the creation of a formaldepartment within the company; the SurveyCustomer Support Group (SCSG).

“In creating the Survey Customer SupportGroup, we have brought together senior surveystaff from across the organisation, each onepossessing unique skills and experience, tocreate a resource that the offshore survey industrycan tap into when it needs to,” said DavidRiches who leads the new group.

Objectives“The objectives of the new group are two-fold,”continued David. “Firstly, to improve andoptimise the use of Sonardyne’s suite of subseaacoustic positioning systems. A key componentof this task is better product training with theaddition of regular refresher courses to ensurecustomers are always kept up-to-date with thelatest developments.

Secondly, to enable us to have a betterunderstanding of the needs of our customersand the ever changing markets in which theyoperate.This will have a direct impact upon

future product development as we will channelfeedback straight into the relevant Sonardynedepartment with a view to ensuring that newtechnologies and products more closely meetmarket requirements.”

67 years experience “It is important to state that the new groupis not designed to be, and will never, bea commercial survey department bidding oncontracts in competition with offshore survey

companies,” David emphasised during thegroup’s inaugural meeting in Plymouth inearly 2008.

In the same vein, the SCSG will not actas a “body shop” supplying personnel to runSonardyne acoustic systems in place of theexisting offshore personnel employed for thatpurpose. In doing so, Sonardyne’s commitmentto providing an unbiased service that does notseek to compete at any level with surveycompanies is clear.

The SCSG consists of six permanent members of staff who between them have

67 years offshore experience with 28 yearsof that being Sonardyne specific.

Overseen by David, the team consistsof Survey Manager, Nick Smedley, and fourSurveyors; Rob Dixon, James Hope, EdwardMoller and Darioosh Naderi.

All members of the team are certifiedto work offshore, but the aim is to keep theSurvey Manager as an office-based rolesupported by at least two of the Surveyorsat any one time. It is envisaged that this

It is important to state that it is not designed to be and willnever be, a commercial survey department bidding oncontracts in competition with offshore survey companies.”

“

The SCSG is a service run by Sonardyne for its

offshore survey customers whilst giving

Sonardyne improved lines of communication

through which the next generation of products

will be developed.Pictured here during a

recent meeting (From left to right):David

Riches, Director;Rob Dixon, Senior Surveyor;

Nick Smedley, Survey Manager;Edward

Moller, Project Surveyor;James Hope, Project

Surveyor and Darioosh Naderi, Senior Surveyor


arrangement will ensure coverage of theSCSG’s responsibilities can be maintainedeven in the busiest periods.

ResponsibilitiesNick Smedley explained that the responsibilitiesof the Survey Customer Support Groupinclude;

● Supporting customers in the effective useof Sonardyne systems

● Assisting in the launch of new products and their use offshore

● Providing technical sales support internallyand more importantly to our customers

● Analysing and interpreting the subsea construction survey market

● Helping to improve and promote Sonardyne’ssurvey related business

“The SCSG’s primary and most immediate roleis that of supporting customers in the effectiveuse of Sonardyne equipment” said Nick. Suchsupport includes the following key duties;

● Seabed array planning and QC● Acoustic system performance modelling

and evaluation● Reviewing systems, identifying deficiencies

and recommending improvements● Acoustic system specification based on

Sonardyne products● The generation of “best practice” technical

guidelines● Training and education● Onshore and offshore operational support

The Ormen Lange project is a recent notable

example of the benefits that thorough planning and support bring to a field development.

From a very early stage, a detailedacoustic study was conducted to ensure thatthe subsea positioning services would becapable of meeting the operator’s requirementfor verifiable and repeatable high accuracypositioning in an extremely harsh acousticoperating environment. This level of supportwas maintained right through to the project'ssuccessful completion in late 2007.

In another example of how meticulousplanning benefits complex subsea operations,a complete in-water simulation exercise ofa deepwater project in the Far East wasconducted in Plymouth so that any potentialproblems or operational complications couldbe identified and overcome beforehand.

Explaining further, Rob Dixon said,“You can factory test individual componentsbut not the entire system, so a complete projectsimulation was seen as the logical risk minimiser.Here in Plymouth, we can simulate all LBLand USBL operations with real hardwarein the water. Being able to offer this capabilityto clients, together with dedicated on-sitetraining, is a valuable and unique asset theSCSG has at its disposal.”

Summing up the Survey Customer SupportGroup, David Riches said, “The offshore surveyindustry is demanding continuous improvementsin subsea acoustic positioning systems. Improve-ments in accuracy have been largely appeasedwith the implementation of new technologysuch as Sonardyne Wideband®. To optimisethe benefits of such technology, there is arequirement for a supporting infrastructure forthe design, planning and operational stagesof any complex subsea projects; the SCSGprovides this infrastructure. BL

There is a requirement for a supporting infrastructure for thedesign, planning and operational stages of any complexsubsea projects; the SCSG provides this infrastructure.”

“

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Maritime Security

Sentinel Intruder Detection Sonar


A diver wearing re-breather

equipment enters the water

during recent trials of

Sentinel.The demonstration

showed how Sentinel IDS is

able to counter the threat

of underwater attacks on

ships, harbours, coastal

industrial installations

and offshore oil platforms


Is your underwaterperimeter secure?

What lies Beneath?

THE RELIABLE DETECTION ofunderwater intruders,and their discriminationfrom marine fauna, isa notoriously difficultproblem. Any intruderdetection system must workin the most challenging

acoustic environments where many largevessels come and go, depth sounders maybe continually active and relatively still watercreates a complex thermal structure. In additionto the environmental factors that increase thedifficulty of detection, once a target has beendetected, it must also be classified.

The same challenges face vessels inoverseas ports. Expeditionary warfare units arehighly visible and vulnerable targets; the attacks

In recent years, more and more effort has been invested in securing maritime assets againstthe actions of terrorists and saboteurs. Above water surveillance and access control is a crucialpart of this task, and can be addressed through a number of conventional technologies suchas CCTV, FLIR, Radar and swipe card access systems.

Underwater security has however, until now, been acknowledged as the weakest link in thedefence of ships, harbours and on-shore facilities. Andy Meecham, Technical Manager SonarSystems, explains how Sonardyne is addressing this situation with the introduction of Sentinel;the world’s smallest underwater intruder detection sonar.

on the USS Cole in October 2000 and theLimburg in 2002 serve as stark reminders.

In order to address these problems,Sonardyne decided to design an IntruderDetection Sonar (IDS) without the compromisesthat most existing sensors have had to make.

What does the customer want?The decision to look at the feasibility of theIDS project, which was named Sentinel, wasmade in early 2006 and as part of this initialwork one of the first tasks was to determinewhat the market actually wanted.

High frequency intruder/diver detectionsystems have existed in one form or anothersince the early 1980’s. These systems hadwidely different characteristics, but none hadever sold in significant numbers. Sonardyne,>>

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Maritime Security

Sentinel Intruder Detection Sonar

therefore, decided to actually go out and askpeople what they wanted in an underwaterintruder detection system. The results of thesediscussions then formed the core of the Sentinelsystem requirements.

● The system should be designed to be easy tooperate. The system has to be built around automated detection and tracking capabilitythat should be no more difficult to use thana CCTV system

● Initial set-up could be performed by atrained engineer, but after that no further“tuning” or “tweaking” should be required

● The system has to have a low false alert rate.The system has to strike the balancebetween reliable detection/tracking ofpotential threats and low false alertsthroughout its operating range, not justtransitory performance in ideal conditions

● A system should have no parts that are morethan a two-man lift

● Systems have to be capable of operatingwith each other in a networked deployment and be capable of communicating with andbeing controlled by an external Command-and-Control system

● The cost must be reasonable, this is not amilitary mine-hunting system

Taken in isolation all of these requirementsseem reasonable. Surprisingly, though, therewas not a single system available that met allof them.

Meeting the requirementsIn order to meet the requirements set bycustomers, and not just become a “me too”,a whole system approach was taken fromthe outset. The design team that had beenassembled were given the opportunity to worktogether, undistracted on the Sentinel project.

One of the first decisions made was thatSentinel was to be a broadband system,using a matched filter receive processingmethod. The use of a long, frequencymodulated (high bandwidth) pulse combinedwith a matched filter allows for a significantsignal processing gain; for Sentinel this isequal to approximately 30dB.

Sonar head deployment

Automated tracking

Target classification


The first challenge that must be met byany sonar system is to detect the target. Manyexisting intruder detection systems have evolvedfrom echo sounders and fish finders whichtypically emit a narrow band pulse at a singlefrequency. In these second generation systems,in order to maximise performance againstnoise, more energy must be transmitted into thewater whilst to maximise performance againstreverberation, the sonar resolution must beincreased. This was always a compromise;increase in pulse length (to increase pulseenergy) necessarily decreased bandwidth.

In a broadband system, the performanceagainst reverberation is no longer governedby pulse length but by the reciprocal of thebandwidth. Therefore, both the bandwidthand pulse length can be increased givingimprovements in performance over both noiseand reverberation.

In order to utilise the increased bandwidth,the signal must be transmitted into, andreceived from, the water in a smooth, well-behaved manner.

Conventional transducers would not becapable of delivering the required performance.Using the experience of the assembled team,1:3 composite technology was chosen. Aswith all other aspects of the system, the leadersin this field were brought into the team andgave input into the design discussions at theearliest possible point.

Keep the power downTypically, systems of this type would operateat a centre frequency in excess of 100kHz.Instead, for Sentinel, the decision was madeto bring the centre frequency down to 70kHzreducing the two-way transmission loss by18.6dB so that the source level could bereduced to 206dB re 1µPa @ 1m.

This, coupled with the highly efficientcomposite array meant that for the maximumrequired 10% duty cycle the input electricalpower to the transmitter falls to an averageof only 65W. In turn this has a direct impacton the size of the internal energy store required,the power rating (and therefore size and cost)of the transmit and receive electronics, theamount of electro-magnetic interferencegenerated when transmitting and the electricalpower supply requirements.

Still need a filler line here

Is it robust?One of the key requirements was to providea realistic, robust measurement of systemperformance.

Existing systems of this type often quotetheoretical ranges based on wholly unrealisticenvironments, uniform sound speed profilesand low reverberation conditions. However,Sentinel was designed for performance realistic,non-ideal conditions. Crucially, although thefinal design gave theoretical detectionperformance well in excess of 600 metres italso provided robust and reliable tracking inexcess of 500 metres using real, challengingenvironmental data.

One of the single most importantrequirements identified was that the systemshould be man portable.

In order to achieve this great use wasmade of the expertise that could be drawnfrom Sonardyne’s experience in their coremarkets. The same approaches used to makeexisting equipment were applied to Sentinel. Inaddition to the manufacturing and productionengineering skills drawn from Sonardyne’score expertise, the experience of the digitalelectronics designers allowed boards to bedesigned with much smaller form factors thanare normally considered in this market.

From modelling to realityDuring the remainder of 2006 and themajority of 2007, the Sentinel programmoved forward at a rapid pace. The close

integrated team, along with tight project

management and a whole team approachto any issues meant that the first Sentinel systemwas available for evaluation by the US NavalUnderwater Warfare Center, Newport, RhodeIsland, during October 2007.

These trials were extremely successfuland Sentinel was shown to be one of the bestIntruder Detection Systems to have been putthrough the notoriously rigorous testing program,resulting in a number of systems orders.

A number of tests have also been performedin the UK from Sonardyne’s own vessel ‘SoundSurveyor’. These tests have verified theexpected performance, giving unbrokentracking against 450 metres against open andclosed-circuit divers and 300 metres againstsurface swimmers, with detections at greaterthan 600 and 400 metres respectively.

Instead of setting out to create a poorimitation of existing systems, none of whichhave sold in the great numbers, Sonardyne setout to challenge preconceptions. The resultingSentinel system has been developed in lessthan 18 months and delivered on time for trials,where it exceeded all expectations.Add to this,the facts that the sonar head can be carried byone person, the whole system can be poweredfrom a standard wall socket and that thecoverage cost is well under the US Departmentof Homeland Security’s requirement for$100,000 per1000 feet of coverage. Theseremarkable achievements could only have beenachieved using the dynamic team of expertsthat were assembled for this purpose. BL

The Ray Trace (Above, right) shows the paths that sound transmissions will take in the presence of a

sound speed gradient (Above, left).As sound speed changes, “Rays”will tend to bend, much like light

through a prism.Therefore, in an infinitely deep channel, parts of the water column could remain

unensonified.However, in a shallow channel reflections (multipaths) mean that the whole column is

soon ensonified, even in the most downwardly refracting environments.

British Antarctic Survey

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Case Study

BRITISH ANTARCTIC SURVEY

(BAS) has chosen Sonardyne

acoustic release

transponders to support

the second year of its studies

of whale calls in the waters

around South Georgia and the Scotia Sea.

10 Lightweight Release Transponders (LRTs)

are being used for the seabed deployment

of specialised recording devices in waters

up to 500 metres deep and in temperatures

between 0.2 and 5 degrees Celsius.

Using the Sonardyne LRTs, BAS has now

successfully completed the second year of

its research which entails listening for whale

calls in frequencies below 500 Hz so that

their movement, populations and feeding

habits can be studied.

The ongoing study programme uses

monitoring periods that range from three

to 12 months when typically six LRTs are

deployed with the instrument packages.

The data is collected using MARUs (Marine

Acoustic Recording Units) which are

designed to collect acoustic data in a way

that consumes the least power.This is

achieved by storing five minutes of

recorded data on a buffer then transferring

it to a hard drive which is only activated at

intervals to conserve power.The MARUs

have also picked-up other acoustic events

including earthquakes, volcanic eruptions

and distant seismic survey operations.

At the end of each study period, the

transponders, the instrument packages

and the valuable data they contain are

recovered by transmitting an acoustic

command that activates the LRT’s unique

release mechanism that ensures a positive

drive-off to overcome marine growth so

enabling the unit to return to the surface.

The data is then analysed at the British

Antarctic Survey headquarters in

Cambridge where the acoustic files are

converted into sonograms.

Tony Martin, BAS section head of

marine mammal studies explained,“Each

whale species has a distinctive call and by

carefully analysing the sonograms we are

able to identify the species and work out

how many there are and how far away. We

Sonardyne acoustic releasetransponders aid Antarcticwhale research


can also work out how much they eat based

on our knowledge of their calorific

requirements and the food available in

the area.

“We are looking at the whales’ recovery

since commercial whaling was banned in

the 1960s and when South Georgia was the

world centre for the industry. Happily we

have found that all species are recovering,

even the blue whale which is slowly

returning from a 99 per cent depletion,”

said Martin.

BAS scientists are particularly satisfied

with the operating range and release

reliability of their LRTs.The units enable a

quick turnaround of MARUs and optimise

the available time of the RRS ‘James Clark

Ross’ from which they are being deployed.

Sonardyne LRT – Did you Know?

The Sonardyne LRT is unique amongst

low-cost releases in that it has the

ability to both receive and transmit

acoustic signals.This provides the

operator with confirmation that the

release mechanism has been activated.

It also allows slant ranges to be

measured for accurate positioning

purposes and for relocating it prior

to activation of the release mechanism.

The LRT is depth rated to 500 metres

at which slant ranges of 750 metres are

typical and this makes it suitable for

use in most continental shelf waters.

Constructed from high strength plastics

that offer excellent corrosion

resistance,the transponder has a long

operational life.Field replaceable

alkaline or lithium battery packs give

the LRT a listening life of 18 months

or four years respectively.

The surface control system consists

of a portable deck unit and a dunking

transducer.The deck unit is used to

program the transponder with its

unique,high security acoustic identity

which can be chosen from one of

hundreds available.

(Left) Fin whales are among the important species of cetaceans whose

communications are being monitored by British Antarctic Survey using

recording instruments moored to Sonardyne LRTs.(Above) The RRS James

Clark Ross is fitted with a Fusion USBL positioning system and it was the

crew’s familiarity with this that encouraged BAS to consider the use of

Sonardyne LRTs.Photo:Pete Bucktrout,British Antarctic Survey.(Below) An

example of how an LRT is programmed and tested for deployment

“Constructed from highstrength plastics that offerexcellent corrosionresistance, the transponderhas a long operational life”

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Technology

Systems and Products

Fusion LBL V1.10 SoftwareAs part of Sonardyne’s continuous programme of product development, major changeshave been made to Fusion software, the industries established construction survey tool

The updated software focuses on allowing

users to gain the most advantage from their

Wideband LBL equipment to improve

acoustic performance, QC, simplify the UI

and make it more robust.

USBL support and dialog boxes have

been removed to reduce complexity. USBL

transceivers can still be used in for ‘box-in’

calibrations, commanding Compatts and

for LBL tracking.

Support for older instruments such as

Dual Band Compatt, Mk4 Riser Angle

Compatt, Mk 4 Mini Compatt and earlier

Compatt 5 versions has been removed,

though these are still supported by other

versions of software.

Baseline calibration data collection has been

speeded up using batch commands and

online measurement rejection.Where

previous versions would make a single

baseline measurement,Fusion V1.10 will now

collect measurements in groups so greatly

speeding up the process.The user can now

filter the measurements as they are being

made by setting thresholds in the histogram

display, ensuring that sufficient good quality

measurements have been made.

Calibration processing has been improved

by the addition of tools to allow a baseline

azimuth to be defined and by simplifying

the addition of box-in positions to baseline

calibrations.

During tracking, users now have the ability

to select and deselect reference beacons.

There is also the option to exclude the

measurement from any reference beacon in

the tracking adjustment, a useful tool when

working in large arrays or areas with a high

level of multipath.The measurements to the

deselected beacons are still collected and

displayed but are not passed to the tracking

filter for processing, so the quality of the

measurement can still be monitored and re-

selected when geometry has changed and

range quality improves.

For situations where multiple vessels are

operating within acoustic range, it can be

necessary to work co-operatatively to allow

subsea tracking operations to take place.

Previous versions of Fusion LBL have allowed

co-operation by sharing out the frequency

band but the latest version of Fusion LBL

now has the capability to synchronise itself

with other systems to ensure the minimum

of interference.Acoustic transmissions can

be synchronised to GPS time to ensure that

they only occur within a particular window.

A simpler UI and batch processing of

baseline calibration measurements are

amongst the key improvements in the

new release of Fusion LBL software


Technology

Systems and Products

Over-The-Side Deployment PoleA modular, transportable, over-the-side deployment pole for Sonardyne USBL systems,designed for vessels where through-hull deployment options are not available

Sonardyne’s new modular deployment

pole can help reduce operating costs by

enabling smaller vessels of opportunity

to be utilised

Designed from years of experience on

many vessels and careful modelling, the

high performance pole enables survey

grade acoustic positioning from any vessel

of opportunity so reducing operating costs

and extending capability.The high integrity

design and deck level actuation reduces

potential health and safety concerns seen

on some installations.

Installation is made easy with deck or hull

mounting options.The poles length can be

adjusted by adding or removing sections.

Lower sections are simple and cost effective

to replace. Each section is fitted with lifting

lugs positioned at its centre of mass.

Once deployed, the pole is locked into

place by a heavy duty hydraulically

operated mechanism welded to the ships

hull.When the lock is engaged it increases

the stiffness of the pole and ensures a high

degree of repeatability when raised and

lowered.

Manufactured from high grade steel, the

highly rigid pole includes vortex shedding

strakes to reduce drag and vibration which

can reduce performance. Longevity and

robustness are enhanced by fabrication from

hot dipped galvanised steel which is then

over-coated with a two part marine epoxy.

The poles design makes assembly easy

by incorporating internal protected ducts

for the hydraulic hose (for the locking

mechanism) and two cables to the pole end.

The modular design allows the fabrication

of a range of adapters offering a high degree

of flexibility in the type of equipment that can

be attached and deployed from the pole.

Modular, Over-The-SideDeployment Pole

Facts & Figures

● High performance,high integrity

survey grade USBL deployment

system

● Drag and vortex reducing strakes

● Deck and hull mount options

● Sectional pole allows length to be

configured for each vessel

● Good corrosion resistance

● Adapters to fit all Sonardyne

transceivers.Custom design

available for non-Sonardyne

instrumentation

● Easy to transport and assemble

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International

News from around the World

SE Asia – SingaporeJohn RamsdenVP Asia

USA – HoustonSpencer CollinsVP Americas

UK – AberdeenBarry CairnsSales Manager

Brasil – MacaéGavin HuntingRegional Manager

Business through the Aberdeen

office has grown significantly

over the last year. I've now been

heading up the office since

November and I'm pleased to

be part of the continued growth.

I believe in developing closer

ties with our industry clients

through an active program of

workshops and seminars. My

12 years working at Head Office

helps me bring the right people

from Blackbushe to Aberdeen,

building the links between your

offshore applications and our

engineering teams.

To strengthen the team, I am

pleased to announce that Angela

Fergus has been promoted to

Technical Sales Representative

and Barry Stephenson has been

promoted to Field Engineer.

We are also recruiting positions

in sales, administration and in

the workshop.

Seminars and Workshops

This year we will run more

workshops to give our customers

a better understanding of the

advantages of Sonardyne

technology.The new Survey

Customer Support Group will

be heading up this initiative with

regular visits to our office over

the coming months. Read more

about the role of the SCSG on

Page 18 of Baseline.

Sonardyne Asia has expanded

in many capacities to provide

enhanced structure for both

pre and post sales support.

Staffing levels have been

boosted with the recruitment of

additional technicians to support

Sonardyne products throughout

the region and sales staff to keep

the marketplace fully informed

about our latest products.

ISO 9001:2000

In late 2007, our office became

the latest Sonardyne company

to gain ISO accreditation.A

Risk Assessment Audit was also

conducted to ensure that the

health and safety requirements

of our staff and visitors are of the

highest standard.

In recognition of the expanding

Middle East marketplace,

TES, with Susan Murray at the

helm, has been appointed the

Sonardyne agent covering the

region. Susan has a wealth of

experience in the subsea

equipment marketplace.

With the new people and

processes we now have in place,

the office here in Singapore is

well positioned to meet the

challenges and the needs of

our customers in the months

to come.

Recent announcements of the

giant oil and gas discoveries,

Tupi and Jupiter in the Santos

basin, will place significant

pressure on the drilling and

survey markets in our region.

It will be a challenge to reconcile

Petrobras’ targets with industry

wide capacity to supply

equipment and services but is

one we look forward to tackling.

Survey and construction

The Fusion systems on the

‘CBO Campos’ and ‘Rio’ RSVs

have now been commissioned

and are working for Petrobras.

Feedback from the field is that

both systems’ performance is

“second-to-none.”

Tidewater’s AHTS ‘Richard M.

Currence’ continues work for

Shell on block BC-10.The

vessel operator has decided,

together with Shell, to order

a Ranger USBL system for

delivery later this year.

Training and support

LBL and LUSBL training was

very popular last year and we

continue to see high levels of

demand for more classes.

The Brazilian Navy Training

Centre in Rio, Ciaga has

ordered a Ranger USBL which

will be integrated into their

bridge simulator.

Operational savings

2007 was the year that

Sonardyne Wideband® made a

difference in the Gulf, contribu-

ting to safer simultaneous

operations and averting millions

of dollars in vessel down time.

Wideband facilitated ‘SIMOPS’

between drilling and

constructions vessels which

otherwise could not have

operated in close proximity.

Lodestar debut

Following successful trials of

Lodestar AHRS in the region,

several ROV support vessels

have taken delivery of their own

units.The incredible positioning

performance that can be

achieved when using Lodestar

with Wideband USBL, will in

2008, set new standards for

deepwater operations in the

Gulf of Mexico.

Drilling

Worldwide Oilfield Machine

Inc. and Electro-Flow Controls

have chosen Sonardyne to

supply an acoustic command

system to be integrated within

a BOP Mux control system; the

first of its kind in the GOM.

Operating in the LMF band,

Sonardyne’s robust telemetry

was the deciding factor.The

equipment will be installed on

the Helix vessel ‘Q4000’.

Ask Dave

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Help & Advice

Your questions answered

If there’s something you’ve always been

meaning to ask us,then I’m here to get

you the answer.Whether its a technical

query or a handy hint,email me your

questions at [email protected].

Some of the best questions will appear

in the next issue of Baseline.

QWe’ve had a Fusion USBL

system onboard our DP rig

for about a year and have

recently moved to a new well

location off southern Africa.

We’ve noticed a gradual deterioration

in positioning performance and upon

recovering the transceiver head to

investigate the cause,we have discovered

a lot of marine growth covering the unit.

Please can you advise how best to remove

this without causing damage to the head.

AYour problem is due to your

location which is well known

to have warm,nutrient rich

waters that provide the perfect

growing conditions for marine fauna.

The photos above,right show an extreme

example of what can happen;this build-

up occurred over just eight months!

Firstly,wash down with water to

remove any loose biofouling and then

use a plastic scraper to remove the more

permanently attached marine life.Do not

use anything which could deeply scratch

the front face of the array and keep

the motion of the scraper flat across the

surface. When the worst of the debris is

removed,it is acceptable to lightly hand

sand the face with abrasive paper such

as ‘wet and dry’to remove the final signs

of biofouling.

Use a grade equivalent to 240 grit

and lots of clean water to keep the

process wet,ensure that it is done evenly

across the whole face.Next,carefully

examine the face for damage,such as

small cracks which typically occur around

the edges of barnacles.If you have any

doubt about damage to the array face,

take a photo and send it in to Sonardyne

support for further advice.This would

now be an ideal time to perform an array

‘health check’;a diagnostic tool found in

the software providing you have a suitably

equipped transceiver.

QHi Dave,we are in the process

of upgrading our Nav suite

with some new PCs.What

version of Windows should

we be specifying?

AAll current Sonardyne software

products are fully tested on

Windows XP Service Pack 2,

English (United Kingdom)

version.Compatibility with older versions

or other variants of Windows (including

Vista) is not guaranteed and technical

support for Windows compatibility issues

cannot be offered by Sonardyne.

QDave,we are an EM seismic

crew looking for a release

beacon that we can put

onto our seafloor recording

packages.We need to be able

to track it with our USBL and command it

to release when we want to recover the

recorders.I’ve been on your website and

was wondering whether an ORT would

do the job?

AORTs and DORTs are not USBL

beacons so you need to be

looking at something else.

You could use a short housing

Compatt 5,DPT or PGT or you might

want to consider the new External Release

Wideband Sub-Mini (WSM) which is

very small and ideal if space is limited.

The External Release WSM differs

from standard WSMs in that it has the

ability to activate an external release

mechanism in order to recover the

transponder and any equipment

package back to the surface.

Two release options are available;

a dual contact closure (XRCC) actuation

where the power for your release

mechanism is provided externally to

the WSM (order Version 04) or a dual

voltage output (XRVO) where the battery

voltage of the WSM is used to drive an

release directly (order Version 08).

With over 20 years experience here at Sonardyne, Dave Mould has all the answers

Biofouling:before and after cleaning

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Since its first commercial deployment in 2005,the Compatt 5 subsea transponder has beenadopted in every major field developmentestablishing itself, and Sonardyne Wideband®

technology, as the low-risk trusted workhorse ofthe offshore construction survey industry.

Configurable to meet any customer requirement,Compatt 5 has proven itself to be an adaptableplatform for all LBL and USBL acoustic positioningoperations including template installation, pipelinesurvey,DP referenceand high accuracymetrology.www.sonardyne.com/products

Globetrotter.

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