Oceaneering has introduced its most recent innovation, a deepwater Phased Array ultrasonic inspection capability for subsea applications down to 3000m (10,000 feet).

According to Oceaneering, the new system is already validated for use by a number of operators following trials carried out in Houston, Texas.

The system is deployed by ROV using Oceaneering’s Neptune scanner, a deepwater ultrasonic scanner, rated to a 3000 meter operating depth, that’s been in global subsea service since 2009.

“Phased Array (PA) or multi element transducers have been in use topside for a number of years, this is the first time they have been fully marinised. The graphic PA imagery brings enhanced data collection and analysis to subsea asset operators. The benefits of PA over other ultrasonic inspection techniques come from its ability to use multiple elements to steer the ultrasonic beam, focus and scan with a single transducer assembly,” said the company in a press release.