Tritech, the underwater technology specialist, has developed its 360° real-time anchor-chain and riser integrity system for Floating Production Storage and Offloading Units (FPSOs) to include a full design service that ensures optimum deployment.

A field-proven technology, RAMS™ offers continuous monitoring of the presence, integrity and position of mooring lines and risers 24/7 from proprietary sonar technology deployed beneath the FPSO turret. Launched at Offshore Europe 2011, this unique 360° sonar technology has beam steering capability that allows the system to be configured upon installation. This ensures its deployment provides the optimum sonar return from the mooring lines and risers in order to provide 100% target detection and reliability.

Tritech are now able to offer a full design service using in-house software that allows an extensive feasibility and visibility study to determine the best configuration for the customer. This simulation programme allows Tritech’s engineers to assess the best position for deployment and calculate the expected accuracy of the RAMS™ system once it is installed, meeting customers’ safety needs.

Image shows a Plan Display simulation of anchor chains, risers and umbilical positions.

Leading the developments in RAMS™ technology is Tritech’s Business Development Manager Angus Lugsdin. Previously US Business Development Manager, Angus led early research and market planning into key customer markets in North America, contributing to the opening of Tritech North America last month.

Angus Lugsdin explains: “Unlike other mooring line and riser monitoring systems, Tritech’s RAMS™ technology is deployed through the FPSO turret and requires no additional sensors to be mounted on the mooring lines or risers, making it far more suitable for long-term maintenance-free deployment. Long-term deployment is also aided by sonar design which has no mechanical moving parts. Furthermore, continuous data recording allows for detailed data export for offline trend analysis, further enhancing the attractiveness of this technology to FPSO operators. The success of the Petrojarl Foinaven deployment has shown BP, and hopefully other service providers, the value of the system.”

Image showing RAMS™ software screen; here a simulation shows potential alarms in Riser Movement, Anchor Chain, Storage Low and Noise.

Tritech is showcasing its RAMS™ system at the following exhibitions: Rio Oil & Gas, 17 – 20 September, Rio de Janiero, Brazil and the 2nd FPSO Vessel Conference, Houston, 17 – 18 October where Angus Lugsdin will be presenting a paper entitled ‘Real-Time Riser & Anchor Chain Monitoring Technology for Enhanced Asset Integrity Management’.

RAMS™ will also be the focus of Tritech’s exhibition at Deep Offshore Technology, Perth, Australia, 27 – 29 November where Angus will also be presenting a paper in the Track 1, Session 6: Asset Integrity, on Thursday 29 November.

Comments (0) »

Underwater technology specialist Tritech is expanding its global reach with a new office in Houston, Texas.

Tritech North America will focus on developing new opportunities in the North American region and establishing closer working relationships with its OEM partners and customers. Opening in the company’s 21st year in business, Tritech North America now offers full Sales & Customer Support Services in the region, complementing Tritech’s UK office in Westhill, Aberdeenshire, Scotland. Maurice Fraser has been appointed President of Tritech North America and will lead the operation.

Maurice Fraser comments:
“This is a very exciting venture for Tritech which has been in development for the last 12 months. I have been encouraged by the positive feedback and support that this new initiative has received from all of our customers and business partners, as we aim to develop new opportunities for our business in North America. In collaboration with both our distributors and partners in the USA, a local presence means improved support for our customers across the region.”

Simon Beswick, Managing Director, Tritech, comments:
“Establishing our first overseas office is an important step for Tritech. The North American region is already the largest of our overseas markets and we recognise the need to invest in further support and development of our key customer relationships. We have seen many of our customers adopt an increasingly global approach to their businesses and our new office will seek to reflect this.”

For more information about Tritech North America, visit: www.tritech.co.uk or email Maurice Fraser:maurice-fraser@tritech.co.uk

The Tritech North America office address is:
1323 Price Plaza Drive
Katy, Texas 77449 USA
Phone: +1 281-398-5600
fax: +1 281-754-4401
email: info-usa@tritech.co.uk

Comments (0) »

Marine and engineering company Tyne and Wear Marine (TWM) Ltd. used Tritech’s StarFish 990F for a survey of the dock wall on the Tyne River, Newcastle during a port survey and inspection project.

StarFish Seabed Imaging Systems use the latest in advanced CHIRP (Compressed High Intensity Radar Pulse) acoustic technology and digital-signal-processing (DSP) techniques to offer greater image clarity and range resolution compared to conventional fixed-frequency side scan sonars. This technology enabled the operators at TWM to image the dock wall and capture the targets as clearly and as representatively as possible. In post processing, the operators were then able to overlay the data onto a photographic image of the dock walls.

Image of Tyne River harbour wall, the overlaid sonar image clearly shows the wall supports.

Mike Broadbent, Business Development Manager, comments: “For both survey and security markets the StarFish 990F is a very useful tool. StarFish Seabed Imaging Systems are known as the side scan for shallow-water survey and this application on the Tyne River, Newcastle proves the capabilities of the unit as a universal survey tool.”

John Cramman, Tyne and Wear Marine, comments: “We are extremely pleased with the results that we have achieved with the StarFish 990F. Its compact size facilitates easy mounting to our vessels, allowing us to carry out vertical scanning of quay walls and other port and marine structures. As a survey tool, it enables us to collect a vast amount of information in a relatively short time frame. It has proven invaluable for pre-dive and ROV exercises, literally giving both the client and our team a picture of underwater structures and assets.”

Alternate angle of the Tyne River harbour wall with the Tyne Bridge which runs from Newcastle to Gateshead visible in the foreground.

Newcastle docks, visible targets from the StarFish 990F data includes the dock struts and supports.

TWM are a well-established company with over 27 years’ experience in the Marine and Engineering industry. For more information, visit: www.tyneandwearmarine.com.

Comments (0) »

Gemini SeaTec provides an early warning of the presence of marine mammals in the vicinity of marine current turbine structures. The Gemini SeaTec system has been successfully field tested on the Marine Current Turbine (MCT) SeaGen installation in Strangford Lough, Northern Ireland, overseen and tested by the Sea Mammal Research Unit (SMRU) Ltd.

Launched at last year’s All-Energy exhibition in Aberdeen, Scotland, the latest version of Gemini SeaTec system includes improved software algorithms for analysing moving marine life targets according to their size, shape and swimming behaviour. Targets are categorised using a traffic light system, indicating the probability that a moving target is a marine mammal.

‘Possible’ (green) targets are the correct size and shape; ‘Potential‘(amber) denotes upgraded ‘Possible’ targets that also have a path that suggests the object is not moving with tidal drift. ‘Probable’ (red) targets are upgraded from ‘Potential’ when they have a high probability of being a marine mammal. Using this scheme also allows the software to eliminate a large number of false targets such as marine debris moving passively with the tide and fish that are both too small and identified as part of a group.

A visual proximity alarm can be set to alert a human observer to the presence of a target that has a high probability of being a marine mammal. This can aid in precautionary shutdown decisions, where necessary.

Reports can also be generated that reference presumed ‘marine mammals’ and display their path history and classification status at each step. These reports are cross referenced with visual log data for effective post-hoc analysis and can be used for analysing marine mammal behaviour as part of environmental impact assessments.

Gordon Hastie from SMRU Ltd, comments: “The development of the Tritech Gemini has allowed us to effectively measure the close range interactions between marine mammals and tidal turbines in a far more efficient way than was previously possible”

Visit http://www.tritech.co.uk/gallery/gemini-seatec-marine-mammal-detection-system to view a short movie on the movement detection software.

Comments (0) »

The SeaKing Hammerhead high resolution, 360º mechanical scanning imaging sonar is the solution for a variety of detailed survey tasks according to manufacturer’s Tritech.

Now available as a package complete with top box, tripod, cable on reel and transit cases, the SeaKing Hammerhead can be deployed on the tripod for many survey tasks, such as bridge or pier inspections, as well as underwater engineering projects.

The SeaKing Hammerhead utilises a wide transducer aperture, very fine mechanical step size and proven Digital Sonar Technology (DST) to create even higher resolution imagery than other mechanically scanning sonars, such as the Super SeaKing sonar.

To promote higher visibility of small targets, the SeaKing Hammerhead offers a market-leading CHIRP (Compressed High Intensity Radar Pulse) dual-frequency option as standard. The 675 kHz frequency is used for large area surveys up to 100m radius and the 935 kHz frequency performs high-definition target examination up to 40m radius.

The Hammerhead unit can also be networked with compatible Tritech products such as the MicronNav UBSL Tracking System which runs from Tritech’s standalone software, Seanet Pro. The package also offers the user post-processing capabilities with an optional Image Tiler Program to produce an accurate map of the surveyed area.

Commenting on the development, Tritech’s Business Development Manager, Mike Broadbent said: “The Hammerhead sonar package offers a complete survey solution for the survey market and also Law Enforcement and Search and Rescue (SAR) operations, for applications such as area survey, object location and diver monitoring or training. By bringing this package to the market we are providing a complete solution for area surveys.”

Comments (0) »

StarFish Seabed Imaging Systems, the shallow water, sidescan sonar system from Tritech, is proving to be the standard Search and Rescue (SAR) tool.

StarFish has been successful in a SAR operation for body recovery. Where other sonars failed to locate the missing person, StarFish 990F’s high resolution imagery was able to lead the rescuers to recover the body of a sailor who had drowned and had been missing for over 10 years.

StarFish demonstrations at the Dublin Water Rescue Conference in October 2011 generated strong interest from the SAR community. The meeting brought together key SAR professionals as well as underwater technology companies and included Tritech, SeaBotix, manufacturers of SARbot™ the underwater and surface water search and rescue package and the Irish Coast Guard.

StarFish Seabed Imaging Systems are the most portable, high-performing and easily operated side scans on the market. StarFish is available as an entry level system (450F), higher resolution (452F) and a higher frequency & resolution (990F) system, offering users a variety of options depending on their specifications.

Derek Flanagan, Divisional Controller, Irish Coast Guard comments:

“Searching for a submerged victim can be long, frustrating and dangerous for our boat teams, Police and Navy Divers. Using the StarFish side scan sonar will enable the Irish Coast Guard to search large areas relatively quickly and safely, adding an extra dimension to our search team’s capability.”

StarFish systems are an ideal tool for shallow water surveys through the application of Compressed High Intensity Radar Pulse (CHIRP) and digital-signal processing (DSP) techniques. The sonars are operated with ease, offering true plug-and-play technology, powered by user-friendly StarFish Scanline software. A Software Development Kit (SDK) is also available from the StarFish website to allow ease of integration into the users own software package.

For more information visit the StarFish website: www.starfishsonar.com.

The SARbot™ rescue package includes the high-frequency StarFish 990F side scan sonar as well as Tritech’s high resolution imaging sonar, Gemini 720i. For more information on SARbot™, please visit: http://www.seabotix.com/products/sarbot.htm.

Comments (0) »

Tritech has sold 3 Gemini 720id multibeam sonars to DPS Offshore, the subsea rental division of Forum Energy Technologies (FET), as part of a recent package worth in excess of $400K.

This sale reaffirms DPS Offshore’s commitment to increase its global rental pool of equipment, placing orders locally in Houston to cover the Gulf of Mexico (GoM) requirements, whist also ordering from its UK office to cover territories outside the USA.

The deep Gemini purchases, alongside earlier purchases of Tritech’s high-performance imaging sonars, will allow DPS Offshore to meet the requirements of their clients’ work-class ROVs (Remotely Operated Vehicles), from its USA, UK and Singapore offices. DPS Offshore has now spent well in excess of $1M with Tritech over the past 12 months; ensuring they are able to meet the increasing global demand for Tritech equipment.

Colin Erskine, DPS Offshore Global Business Director, commented:
“As DPS Offshore continues to increase its fleet of rental products and resource its regional offices, we recognise the need to ensure our clients have access to the latest in underwater technology. The purchase of Tritech’s deepwater Gemini 720id sonars and other sensory equipment allows DPS Offshore to enhance the capabilities and performance of our global fleet. DPS Offshore is recognised for our commitment to service and this purchase reflects our confidence in Tritech’s reputation as a provider of reliable, high-performance ROV sensors.”

The Gemini 720id is Tritech’s deepwater multibeam imaging sonar (rated to 4,000m) which delivers real-time, accurate data and is increasingly being recognised as the sonar of choice for real-time multibeam imaging, complimenting the industry-standard, mechanical scanning technologies.

DPS Offshore’s confidence in Tritech products is furthered by their knowledge that Tritech’s products can be operated together. Offering an integrated solution, the Gemini can be easily networked on Tritech’s SCU5 alongside other Tritech sensors.

Comments (0) »

Tritech International reaches a milestone in 2012 as it celebrates its 21st year in business.

Tritech began with the idea to develop industry-standard sonars that rivalled the competition in both cost and size. Tritech continues this ethos to innovate, providing high performance subsea technology and continually enhancing its product lines to meet ever changing market needs.

One of Tritech’s first small, low-cost sonars, dubbed the ‘beer-can’ sonar due to its size.

The range of high-technology products designed and manufactured by Tritech includes the Super SeaKing DST Sonar. With its distinctive blue boot this is a high-performance mechanically scanning sonar and the industry-standard for obstacle avoidance. The Super SeaKing is a popular choice for many of the World’s ROV fleets and is also available as a MCM option.

Tritech’s industry-standard sonar, present on most of the World’s ROV fleet, the Super SeaKing DST Sonar.

With growing industry demand for greater underwater visibility, particularly in murky conditions, Tritech developed the Gemini sonar, an award-winning multibeam imaging sonar suitable for a variety of tasks from underwater inspection to body search and recovery. Launched in 2009, Gemini is now available with a 4000m depth rating and also as a titanium option, most recently deployed within the renewables industry for Mammal Detection, the Gemini SeaTec System.

Tritech’s Managing Director, Simon Beswick comments: “Our business has gone from strength-to-strength in over two decades of providing leading technology underwater equipment. As we continue to innovate and invest in new technologies for existing and emerging applications, new markets are opening up to us, from very large scale subsea mining projects to micro ROVs performing potentially life-saving rescues in Search and Rescue operations. We are also seeking opportunities in new regions as we recognise that many of our customers are increasing their global approach. We therefore need to move forward and provide support and services accordingly for the next 21 years.”

Simon Beswick, Tritech’s Managing Director

Visit Tritech at this year’s Oceanology, stand J400, to learn more about our technology.

Comments (0) »

Tritech or one of our distributors, will exhibit at the following exhibitions during the first half of 2012…we look forward to welcoming you onto our stand!

Underwater Intervention | 24-26 January 2012
Morial Convention Centre, New Orleans, USA
Stand 411 (Subsea Technologies Inc)
www.underwaterintervention.com

Hypack 2012 | 30 January – 1 February 2012
The Sheraton Hotel & Marina, San Diego CA, USA
Stand 17/18 (Subsea Technologies Inc)
www.hypack.com/hypack/2012/

Subsea 12 | 8 – 9 February 2012
Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre (AECC), Aberdeen, UK
Stand A9 (Tritech)
www.subsea2012.com

Australasian Oil and Gas (AOG) | 22 – 24 February 2012
Perth Convention Exhibition Centre, Perth, Australia
Stand C43 (Seatools Pty Ltd)
www.aogexpo.com.au

Oceanology International | 13 – 15 March 2012
ExCel Centre, London
Stand J400 (Tritech)
www.oceanologyinternational.com

On & Offshore | 27 – 29 March 2012
Evenementenhal/ Gorinchem, Holland
Stand TBC (Seascape)
www.evenementenhal.nl/gorinchem/beurzen/view/72/on-offshore

Ocean Tech Expo | 21 – 24 May 2012
Newport, RI, USA
Stand 710 (Subsea Technologies Inc)
www.oceantechexpo.com

All-Energy 2012 | 23 – 24 May 2012
Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre (AECC), Aberdeen, UK
Stand AB19, Aberdeen City & Shire Pavilion
www.all-energy.co.uk

Comments (0) »

StarFish Seabed Imaging Systems, the shallow water sidescan sonar system from Tritech International, has proved a market success since its launch in 2007.

Sales of the range have continued to rise since the launch of the original StarFish 450F. StarFish applications have included search and rescue (SAR) operations as well as recognised applications for port and harbour surveys and wreck diving expeditions.

In 2010 Tritech introduced the higher frequency (452F) and higher resolution (990F) systems to the range, offering users variety from the same high specification, portable, side scan sonars on the market.

For 2011, Tritech introduced new features, enhancements and accessories to the range, including a re-engineered top box electronics module with improved noise immunity, thermal and operational reliability and improvements to the sonar connector.

Mike Broadbent, Tritech Business Development Manager comments: “The market response to our latest releases has been positive and this is evident in increased sales and enquiries. The new high-resolution models bring StarFish technology to many new applications including SAR operations, where rescuers have a need to quickly carry out large-area, high-resolution underwater searches.”

StarFish systems offer three key features: advanced design, high-performance and simple operation. All systems* built with the signature three-fin hydro-dynamic design offer high-performance shallow water surveys through the application of Compressed High Intensity Radar Pulse (CHIRP) and digital-signal processing (DSP) techniques, able to identify small, closely spaced targets at far greater distances than conventional style frequency monotonic systems. StarFish systems are also operated with ease, offering true plug-and-play technology, powered by user-friendly StarFish Scanline software. A Software Development Kit (SDK) is also available from the StarFish website to allow ease of integration into your own software package.

*With the exception of the StarFish 450H: a compact slim-line sonar design combined with our flexible mounting bracket ensures the system can be positioned correctly on any vessel helping you capture the best images possible.

Comments (0) »