Worldwide subsea pipeline

cathodic protection surveys


Corrintec are recognised as a
world leader in the field of
Subsea Pipeline Cathodic
Protection Surveys.
Members of the following organisations:
World leaders in subsea pipeline
cathodic protection surveys
Over the last 25 years, the
company has surveyed
more than 30,000
kilometres of pipeline
around the world for
international oil companies
and main survey contractors
working on their behalf.
Corrintec has developed a survey
team of a very high technical calibre,
providing the expertise to gather,
analyse and interpret data to the
most exacting standards. They have
also continued to set the pace within
the industry for the development of
the latest surveying software.
This is backed by the practical
resources of equipment located
at strategic sites around the world
which can be made ready for rapid
deployment to meet customers
urgent requirements.
As a division of the Cathelco Group,
Corrintec continues to develop within
an organisation which is involved in
many different aspects of cathodic
protection. In addition to its survey
operations, the company provides
cathodic protection systems for
ships, drilling rigs, offshore platforms
and petrochemical plants.
Today, Corrintec is more strongly
placed than ever before to provide
reliable, comprehensive and
accurate information on which to
base effective decisions concerning
the protection of Subsea Pipeline
Cathodic Protection systems.
Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV)
Surveys
Trailing Wire Surveys
Hybrid ROV/Trailing Wire Surveys
Trailing Wire Landfall/Outfall
Surveys
Data for
effective decision
making
The quality of the information that the end client
receives will be vital in helping them to arrive at
effective maintenance planning decisions.

Trouble spots can be identified when the survey is in

progress so that extra attention can be focused on
these areas to give you a clearer picture of the nature
and extent of the problems.

There is less need for re-surveying and repair crews

can be accurately positioned with consequent
savings in repair times and costs.

Year to year comparisons can be made with ease,

including comparisons with as laid and baseline
surveys.

Trends can be identified more clearly which enable

predictions to be made on the long term integrity of
the pipeline coating as well as the performance of the
cathodic protection system.

Advanced software for

more accurate
reporting
With the introduction of the CP PRO potential
monitoring package, Corrintec provide the
advantage of state-of-the-art software running
in a Windows environment for greater ease and
compatibility.

Fully programmable video overlay.

Fully configurable navigation input and output via

RS232, TCP/ IP or USB.

User definable event buttons for all features and

anomalies.

Historical database of previous surveys can be

presented as an overlay on real time data.

Storage of client configurations enabling faster

mobilisation.

Option of reporting in any standard format including

HTML.
 Setting the standard
Stage 1

1
The Bid
Before making our bid we carefully examine all of the
relevant factors to determine the most practical approach
to the survey and the equipment needed to meet the
client’s requirements in full.

Because the quality of expertise is fundamental to the

success of the survey we will provide detailed CVs of our
team members covering their qualifications, career history
and experience in the field.

2
Stage 2
UK Mobilisation
Careful preparation is reflected in the process of checking
and re-checking every item of equipment at our UK base
prior to mobilisation. This involves essential calibration
procedures as well as pressure tests on specific items
of equipment. Surveys are carried out using the latest
technology including:

Robust, lightweight digitisers capable of operating at

depths of 1,000 metres.

Pressure equalised probes designed to minimise weight

with thinner cables enabling the ROV to make faster
progress.

Faster and more reliable contact readings with less

stopping time.

Stage 3
Overseas Mobilisation

3
The essence of our business is the very close technical
co-operation with survey companies to achieve the most
reliable results in the shortest practical time.

Computers are networked to achieve the most effective

data transmission and navigational ‘strings’ are established
between Corrintec’s and the survey company’s computers.
A key aspect of these operations is the routing and
screening of cables to eliminate ‘noise’ and get the
clearest possible trace. Particular care goes into selecting
the conductors in the ROV umbilical cable which are
independently screened for maximum protection.

On completion of the mobilisation, the system is tested

and calibrated to the necessary standards prior to the
commencement of the survey.
at every stage...

4
Stage 4
Surveying
As the survey proceeds, graphical information
is displayed on screen in ‘real time’ enabling
problem areas to be studied in extra detail.
The condition of anodes and the coating are
continuously monitored and all relevant details Data gathered at mean rate of 10 readings per
are ‘event listed’. The ‘weight coat’ is examined second for extremely detailed potential profile.
visually and ‘stab’ readings are taken to assess
the condition of the di-electric coating, especially Rate can be modified from one potential reading
where damage has occurred. Areas directly per metre to one reading every 10 centimetres
around the platform are also carefully studied to to meet client specifications.
ascertain the condition of the anodes and detect
any problems such as ‘long line current flow’ Enables an extremely detailed potential profile to
where anodes are prematurely consumed. be produced.

Stage 5
Data Processing

5
On board preliminary processing highlights any areas
of concern while the spread is still operational.

As an integrated processing and reporting package,

the CP PRO software increases the speed with
which the final report can be generated. This covers
the full analysis of the gathered data, highlights
areas of damage and anode activity as well as
a full listing complete with current output and
calculated anode life predictions. Final reporting
and charting options include:

Stand alone format or supplied as section of

client’s final report.
HTML or Word format, electronically cross
referenced and indexed.
Chart plots supplied in PDF format.
Charting scaling options available.
Chart data supplied in DXF format for inclusion in client’s
summary pipeline charts.
Data sets available as CSV file.
 ROV Surveys
ROV
The CP PRO/R system has been developed
Ship
by Corrintec as a highly accurate and reliable
method of gathering cathodic protection survey
data. A major advantage is that it does not
To ROV require continuous contact with the pipeline,
Hydrophone & Power Supply
relying instead on the ‘remote’ electrode
Remote Reference
Electrode technique between direct contacts.
TDS Probe Digitiser CP Probe
(Mounted in
(Optional) Bottle Manipulator Arm)
Umbilical Highly detailed results.

ROV Tether Cage Accurate to within ±2mV.

(Optional Configuration)
Locates and measures the magnitude of the
current flow.
ROV
Calculation of anode current output and life
Anode Pipeline predictions.
Compiled with video/bathymetric survey
Anode data which provides a full picture of pipeline
status.

Trailing Wire
Platform Surveys
Ship
The trailing wire system (CP PRO/T) is a fast
Insulation Flange (If fitted) and convenient method of undertaking cathodic
protection surveys on buried pipelines, where
ROV methods are not practical or cost effective.
It is ideally suited to infield pipelines up to 40km
in length. Beyond this distance, operational
difficulties and increased inherent inaccuracies
Remote Reference can make the method ineffective. The system
Trailing Wire Electrode
has the following advantages:
Riser
Indicates the effectiveness of cathodic
protection.
Towed Fish & Allows rapid rate of survey.
Close Cell
Ideally suited to buried pipelines.
Pipeline
Hybrid ROV/
Trailing Wire Surveys Platform
Ship
Corrintec are the only company in the world to use
this dual survey method which combines the best Insulation Flange (If fitted)
features of the ROV and Trailing Wire techniques.

It has been developed in response to the

Remote
requirements of major operators who need highly
Reference
accurate measurements of the status of corrosion Trailing Wire
Electrode
protection systems on covered pipelines in the area
immediately surrounding platforms.
ROV
Riser
Umbilical
Ideal for surveying ‘rock dumped’ pipelines and
other specialised in-field requirements.

Field joints, anodes, flanges and areas of bare

ROV
metal can be clearly identified.

Contact readings can be made which is

impossible with the conventional trailing wire
technique.

Trailing Wire Landfall/

Outfall Surveys
This survey technique has been developed from
the trailing wire method to enable in-shore surveys
Shore Connection Inshore Support
to be carried out more efficiently. It is designed for
Vessel
surveying cathodic protection systems on offshore
pipelines leading to landfall and sewerage outfalls.

The CP PRO/L system is a quick and convenient

method for surveying the levels of cathodic
protection for buried pipelines where ROV surveys Trailing Wire
are not possible.

Ideally suited to pipelines up to 10km in length. Towed Ag/AgCI

Reference
Longer pipelines up to 40km can be surveyed by Electrode
trailing wire or ‘cell to cell’ methods. Outfall Pipeline

Provides detailed illustration of potential trends

along pipeline.
 Reference List
Other Divisions
Industrial Division

A complete service covering all

aspects of the design, supervision and
commissioning of ICCP and sacrificial
anode systems for harbours, jetties,
offshore oil platforms, petrochemical
plants, surface and subsea pipelines.

Marine Division

ICCP systems for specialised commercial

and military vessels including aluminium
hulled high speed craft, waterjets and bow
thrusters. Incorporating Marine Protection
Services Ltd (MPSL) formerly known as
F.A.Hughes.
Your Corrintec agent is:

Engineering/Consultancy

A Division of the Cathelco Group

World leading expertise in consultancy,
engineering and design for specific Marine House, Hipper Street South, Chesterfield S40 1SS
cathodic protection requirements. These United Kingdom
services can be offered separately or as a
complete package, supported by qualified
Tel +44 (0) 1246 246701 Fax +44 (0) 1246 206519
engineers operating worldwide. Email sales@corrintec.co.uk Web: www.corrintec.co.uk

Photographs by kind permission of:

AS Geoconsult
Seaeye Marine Ltd
Stolt Offshore Ltd
Vosper Thornycroft plc