The Sirius-X performing a caisson inspection (illustration: AISUS)

Aberdeen-based AISUS has invested a six-figure sum in upgrading and developing cutting edge inspection technology as it looks to further broaden its range of services and increase its geographical reach to provide its customers with the most efficient, cost-effective technological solutions.

AISUS has launched an improved internal gravity deployed ultrasonic scanning tool, SIRIUS-X, for completing ultrasonic corrosion mapping within offshore caissons, risers and conductors.

Following successful field trials, it recently completed its first caisson inspection programme for a major UK oil and gas operator. The projects were completed in 14 days and included internal inspection of the largest diameter caisson AISUS has delivered to date.

The SIRIUS-X is controlled from the topside, allowing inspection data to be captured above, within and below a variety of obstacles and diameter variations commonly encountered within caissons, without removing the tool.

It has been developed to maximise data accuracy and minimise the duration of inspections to meet the increasing demands of the offshore industry. Featuring a high torque rotary drive and a scanning speed of up to five metres per hour, its small cross-sectional footprint with minimal hydro-dynamic drag also allows it to perform during elevated sea states.

The SIRIUS-X’s simplified and lightweight design means it can be easily configured and adapted in-field where required, further limiting the duration of offshore inspections and reducing costs. It can be deployed to depths of up to 200 metres and adjusted for a range of caisson sizes, from 14 inches to 60 inches, at the touch of a button.

Stuart Lawson, managing director of AISUS, commented: “This investment demonstrates our ongoing commitment to the global oil and gas market by offering the latest, most efficient technologies to support even the most complex inspection projects worldwide. SIRIUS-X, and other inspection application tools which we are currently developing, will bring real benefits to operators with a range of challenging requirements. Our technology is capable of transmitting data in real-time and can be deployed and recovered easily by smaller, highly-skilled teams, offering increased efficiency over traditional inspection approaches. This allows us to provide our clients with the data they need, when they need it.”

Establishing itself as leaders in the inspection of caissons, conductors, J-Tubes and risers, the firm has made significant progress in solidifying its reputation in its initial markets and is now growing its international footprint by exporting its custom engineered technology and expertise to exploit global opportunities. The firm’s long-term commitment to research and development activities will see AISUS launch new technology offerings to the market every year in a bid to address both the current and future challenges facing the energy sector.

“We have listened to our customers and adapted our approach to ensure everything we do is in line with exactly what they need to achieve their operational goals. Innovation and continuous improvement is what sets us apart in this increasingly challenging market. The process of providing innovative inspections solutions for gathering accurate and reliable inspection data from challenging and difficult to access areas is what AISUS is becoming world renowned for,” adds Lawson.

“This investment will enable us to harness and expand our expertise to broaden our product range and geographical reach as we look to fulfil our ambition of becoming a world leader in advanced inspection solutions.”

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