Not every inspection challenge can be solved with an ROV alone. Geo Oceans works alongside Sonomatic and AUAV to deploy advanced magnetic crawler systems capable of performing detailed structural inspections and NDT activities in locations that would traditionally require personnel access, diver intervention or large support campaigns.
Magnetic Crawler Inspection & Advanced NDT
Why Use Magnetic Crawlers?
Magnetic crawlers provide a highly stable inspection platform on steel structures. This allows advanced NDT sensors to be deployed with greater precision while maintaining consistent probe contact and positioning.
Applications include:
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Cargo oil tank weld inspections
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Crack investigation
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Hull inspections
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Corrosion mapping
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Coating defect assessment
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Structural condition monitoring
Advanced NDT Capabilities
Inspection payloads are selected based on the inspection objective and engineering requirements of the scope. Our crawler systems can be fitted with a range of specialist inspection tools.
These include:
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Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing
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Conventional Ultrasonic Testing
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Corrosion mapping systems
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Crack detection tools
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High-definition visual cameras
Robotic Collaboration in Action
One of the strengths of our approach is the ability to combine multiple robotic technologies within a single inspection campaign.
A typical inspection may include:
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Drone inspection to assess access and visual condition.
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ROV deployment for preperation or positioning activities
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Magnetic crawler deployment for targeted NDT
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Specialist integrity review by Sonomatic
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Digital reporting and asset integrity integration
This integrated approach allows the most appropriate technology to be selected for each challenge rather than relying on a single inspection platform.
In one FPSO application, a robotic magnetic crawler equipped with a rotary cleaning head and custom PAUT inspection tool was deployed to inspect a suspected crack on a cargo oil
tank bulkhead. A tethered drone simultaneously provided visual oversight and navigation support, enabling detailed inspection without sending personnel into the hazardous environment.
Benefits
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Reduce personnel exposure to high-risk environments
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Access difficult-to-reach structural areas
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Obtain high-quality NDT data
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Improve defect characterisation
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Reduce inspection campaign costs
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Support long-term asset integrity programmes