Hybrid underwater imaging for the tri-dimensional inspection of critical structural elements in offshore platforms

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2024

Authors

Leite, PN (Author) Other; Pereira, PN (Author) Other; Dionisío, JMM (Author) Other; Pinto, AM (Author) FEUP

Journal

Title: Ocean Engineering

Vol. 314

ISSN: 0029-8018

Publisher: Elsevier

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 2 Citations

Scopus - 2 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-017-ABM

DOI: 10.1016/j.oceaneng.2024.119658

Abstract (EN): Offshore wind farms face harsh maritime conditions, prompting the use of sacrificial anodes to prevent rapid structural degradation. Regular maintenance and replacement of these elements are vital to ensure ongoing corrosion protection, maintain structural integrity, and optimize efficiency. This article details the design and validation of the MARESye hybrid underwater imaging system, capable of retrieving heterogeneous tri-dimensional information with millimetric precision for the close-range inspection of submerged critical structures. The optical prowess of the system is first validated during low turbidity trials where the volumetric properties of a decommissioned anode are reconstructed with absolute errors down to 0.0008 m, and its spatial dimensions are depicted with sub-millimeter precision accounting for relative errors as low as 0.31%. MARESye is later equipped as payload in a commercial ROV during areal environment inspection mission at the ATLANTIS Coastal Test Center. This experiment sees the sensor provide live reconstructions of a sacrificial anode, revealing a biofouling layer of approximately 0.0130 m thickness. The assessment of the high-fidelity 2D/3D information obtained from the MARESye sensor demonstrates its potential to enhance the situational awareness of underwater vehicles, fostering reliable O&M procedures.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 16