Acoustic Release Work Instruction

Survey Operations
Acoustic Release Work Instruction
Document Number
Prepared by: Approved by:

1.0
Ver.
P.P. Syratt PJ Jansen

Issue for Use
Reason for Issue
Project Surveyor Chief Surveyor

Jan.17.02
Issue Date Prepared by Approved by
Acergy
Survey Operations
Jan.17.02
GR-SRV-443 Ver. 1.0
Page 2 of 9
This is an electronically generated document, which has been reviewed and approved in accordance with the Acergy Management System. An audit trail of review and approval is available within the electronic system. The screen version of this document is the CONTROLLED COPY at all times. When printed it is considered a FOR INFORMATION ONLY copy, and it is the holders responsibility that he / she holds the latest valid version. , Acergy or a subsidiary thereof, Copyright 2006 and design right reserved. Copying and/or disclosure of the confidential information contained herein is prohibited without written permission of the proprietor.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. SCOPE.................................................................................................................3 2. OBJECTIVE..........................................................................................................3 3. REFERENCES.......................................................................................................3 4. DEFINITIONS......................................................................................................3 5. RESPONSIBILITIES.............................................................................................4 6. PROCEDURES......................................................................................................4 6.1 SYSTEM DESCRIPTION..................................................................................4 6.1.1 GENERAL..........................................................................................4 6.1.2 ACOUSTIC RELEASE TRANSPONDERS..................................................5 6.1.3 SURFACE CONTROL UNITS.................................................................6 6.1.4 ACOUSTIC CODING............................................................................6 6.2 SYSTEM INSTALLATION AND OPERATION........................................................7 6.2.1 MOBILISATION..................................................................................7 6.2.2 INSTALLATION..................................................................................7 6.2.3 DEPLOYMENT....................................................................................8 6.2.4 RECOVERY........................................................................................9
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Acergy
Survey Operations
Jan.17.02
GR-SRV-443 Ver. 1.0
Page 3 of 9
1.
SCOPE This Work Instruction covers the description, deployment and recovery of Acoustic Release Systems.
2.
OBJECTIVE The objective of this work instruction is to enable suitably qualified personnel to operate Acoustic Release Systems in the various offshore applications.
3.
REFERENCES QA Practices QA Practice GR-SRV-051 GR-SRV-052 GR-SRV-053 GR-SRV-054 GR-SRV-055 GR-SRV-056 GR-SRV-057 GR-SRV-058 GR-SRV-059 GR-SRV-060 GR-SRV-061 GR-SRV-062 GR-SRV-063 GR-SRV-303 GR-SRV-304 GR-SRV-409 : : Mobilisation and Demobilisation Shipping, Handling and Packing Route / Site Survey Operations Pre-Lay Survey Operations Umbilical / Cable Lay Support Laybarge Navigation Support As-Laid Survey Operations Trenching Support As-Trenched Survey Operations Pipeline Ploughing and Backfilling Support As-Built Survey Operations Pipeline Inspection Operations Structure Installation Operations LBL Operations Rig Positioning Operations ROV Operations Practice AUV Operations Practice LBL Acoustic Work Instruction
4.
DEFINITIONS COMPATT DORT DP HF LF LRT MF OBC ORT ROV SCU : : : : : : : : : : : Computing and Telemetering Transponder Deep Oceanographic Release Transponder Dynamic Positioning High Frequency Low Frequency Lightweight Release Transponder Medium Frequency Ocean Bottom Cables Oceanographic Release Transponder Remote Operated Vehicle Surface Control Unit
Acergy
Survey Operations
Jan.17.02
GR-SRV-443 Ver. 1.0
Page 4 of 9
Breaking Load Proof Load Release Load SWL
: : : :
The load that induces structural failure in one or more parts of the instrument causing the load to part from the release. The load to which the actual unit has been tested in the factory. The maximum in-line load that the whole assembly can release whilst guaranteeing safe and reliable operation. Safe Working Load: The maximum recommended working load, set as a ratio of 1:6 of the Breaking Load and allows for factors of corrosion, fatigue, shock loads, harmonic loads, manufacturing defects and material defects.
5.
RESPONSIBILITIES It is the responsibility of the Senior Surveyor to ensure that all equipment mobilised is checked off the equipment manifesto. The Senior Surveyor is also responsible that any damage or loss is reported to the Project Surveyor at the earliest opportunity. It is the responsibility of the Senior Surveyor to ensure that all equipment is tested and fully operational according to the mobilisation procedures. The Senior Surveyor should ensure that deployment / recovery instructions are in place and understood by all personnel involved with the acoustic release operation, including crane operators. It is the responsibility of all survey personnel involved in the operation of acoustic releases to comply with this procedure and provide any comments on improvements to the Project Surveyor.
6.
6.1
6.1.1
PROCEDURES
SYSTEM DESCRIPTION
General
Acoustic Release systems have been used successfully for years throughout the oceans of the world for marine construction, salvage, defence and oceanographic research. Acoustic Releases provide a means by which equipment can be placed on the seabed, in shallow or deep water environments, providing a quick, efficient and controlled means of recovery without the need for divers. The use of acoustic release systems in the marine construction industry is predominantly in the deployment of COMPATT transponders for use in spoolpiece metrology and installation, template positioning, ROV tracking / emergency relocation, subsea plough tracking and long-term wellhead marking.
Acergy
Survey Operations
Jan.17.02
GR-SRV-443 Ver. 1.0
Page 5 of 9
Acoustic Releases are also used in the deployment of transducers for DP position referencing, salvage, and in seismic exploration for the positioning of hydrophone arrays and OBC cables. In the more traditional market of Oceanographic Research, acoustic releases are also used as part of a more complex taut-line mooring in the deployment of tide gauges, current meters and wave rider buoys. Acoustic releases are designed to be compact, reliable, and provide low maintenance and running costs, as well as withstand harsh marine environments. Each system has characteristics designed specifically for certain conditions and the task to be performed. Acoustic releases can be categorised depending on the following criteria:
6.1.2
Actuation Method mechanical or electrical Release Load 250 kg to 30 000 kg Acoustic Frequency Low Frequency (LF) for long range and high frequency (HF) for shallow water or short-range operations Operating Depth up to 6000 metres Transducer Beam Pattern - spherical for omni-directional use, cylindrical for shallow water use or piston for deepwater applications. Battery Size / Type alkaline or lithium
Acoustic Release Transponders Electrical Release
The most common units utilised in the offshore construction market are the Oceanographic Release Transponder (ORT) and the Deep Oceanographic Release Transponder (DORT) manufactured by Sonardyne. These acoustic releases have been specifically designed around the application and intelligence of COMPATT Transponders. The DORT is constructed from aluminium bronze / stainless steel and can easily be incorporated into seabed instrument frames. These units use LF communications and have a depth rating of 6000 metres. The DORT incorporates a spring assisted gravity hook that increases the breaking load to 5100 kg. The ORT is a MF version of the DORT with a range limitation of 2000m. Parallel Release devices are available to allow two releases to be coupled together, thus providing added security and additional load bearing capacity. The Lightweight Release Transponder or LRT uses HF communications and is generally used to the seismic industry for accurately position seismic receiver nodes. The Receive and Transmit modes allow accurate slant ranges to be measured, release actuation to be confirmed and its position to be determined. The unit, which comprises a screw-off release mechanism, has a depth rating of 500 metres Other acoustic releases available include the 1900 Series from InterOcean systems, the 8000 series from Edgetech, the MA1309 from Marine Acoustics and the 865 series from
Acergy
Survey Operations
Jan.17.02
GR-SRV-443 Ver. 1.0
Page 6 of 9
Benthos. The depth rating of these units varies from 100 metres to 8000 metres with breaking loads of between 100 kg and 4100 kg.
Mechanical Release
The ORT and DORT units can be upgraded to a greater load capacity (9000kg) by incorporating a positive drive-off mechanism. With this device the hook is forced open by a motor when activated and load link is actively released. This system is designed for use in areas of extreme marine growth. The load capacity of ORT and DORT units can also be increased significantly by using a heavy duty release frame. This corrosion resistant frame is designed for use with all spring assisted units without any modification. The frame acts as a load amplifier so that only a fraction of the mooring load passes through the acoustic release providing a breaking load of 30000 kg. The frame provides industry standard lifting rings for use in marine salvage, defence and oceanographic research. The MR5000B manufactured by InterOcean Inc, incorporates also comprises a motor driven release which can support release loads of between 2250 to 4500 kg as well as heavy duty releases with breaking loads of up to 450 000 kg.
Battery Options
Acoustic release systems have been designed for the use of alkaline, NiCad or lithium batteries. Lithium battery packs are, however, recommended as they offer redundancy against single cell failure as well as having a far superior battery life. Long life lithium batteries can operate for a period of up to 36 months (in listening mode).
6.1.3 Surface Control Units
The operation of an acoustic release is controlled using a Surface Control Unit or SCU. Most surface units consist of deck unit and remote (dunking) transducer. The frequency of operation of a surface control unit will be dependent on the operational range. For shallow water applications, for instance, a high frequency SCU will utilised. Low frequency surface control units can operate to ranges up to 8000 metres. The release electronics is generally incorporated into the base of the transponder but on some units can be triggered externally. The command for release is provided by the SCU. Each transponder will have its own unique address enabling a number of releases in the same area without the risk of interference.
6.1.4 Acoustic Coding
The principle problem with acoustic coding systems is the presence of ambient background noise and multi-path distortion. The common effect of this interference would be apparent when an acoustic release does not respond to a given command. Manufacturers have incorporated highly secure sequential coding techniques such as Frequency Hopping in a serious attempt to eliminate these effects.
Acergy
Survey Operations
Jan.17.02
GR-SRV-443 Ver. 1.0
Page 7 of 9
6.2
6.2.1
SYSTEM INSTALLATION AND OPERATION

Mobilisation
During mobilisation the acoustic releases should be inspected to ensure no damage has been suffered. Any loss or damage should be reported to the Project Surveyor at the earliest opportunity to arrange replacement. The design of the mooring should in line with the job requirements as defined in the contract documentation and should consider the following criteria: water depth position and type of instrumentation used type and weight of anchor(s) degree of floatation maximum release load
Sufficient mooring line (rope or cable) should be available to account for the water depth. Correct shackles and swivels should be used to attach equipment to the mooring line to prevent twisting and snagging. The design of the seabed mooring and the position of the instrumentation should be detailed in the specific deployment procedure that should form part of the Project Plan. This should include the deployment of specific instruments as per the client specification. As part of this design the Senior Surveyor should ensure that the acoustic release is positioned in the correct manner and that the load on the release is not exceeded. Pre-deployment checks should be carried out on the acoustic release themselves to verify functionality. These checks should include: testing battery status replacing faulty batteries (if required) checking for corrosion or water ingress activation and re-arming release testing telemetric communications
The identity for (each) acoustic release should be programmed into the SCU, the details of which should be noted in the field log. Final checks should include wet testing activating and re-arming the releases.
6.2.2 Installation
It is the responsibility of the Survey Engineer to position of the acoustic release in line with the designed mooring layout. Care should be taken to ensure that the release is mounted in the correct fashion at the base of the mooring to allow correct release from the anchor (or sand bag).
Acergy
Survey Operations
Jan.17.02
GR-SRV-443 Ver. 1.0
Page 8 of 9
The mooring should be laid out on deck in a correct fashion in order to avoid entangling of mooring ropes or cables during deployment. Any instrumentation used in the mooring should be secured to the mooring line using the correct shackles and knots (where applicable). Care should be taken in the securing the correct choice and position of floatation aids to ensure the mooring remains vertical. The depth of water of each installation should be considered. In order to accurately position the seabed mooring the array should be deployed using a crane or davit. To release the mooring a separate acoustic release should be fitted to the end of the crane cable. The Senior Surveyor should ensure that the weight of the installation does not exceed the SWT of the crane used in the deployment as well as the acoustic release itself.
6.2.3 Deployment
It is the responsibility of the Senior Surveyor to ensure that all survey personnel are fully aware of the hazards of back deck operations and that the procedures for deployment are adhered to. Prior to deployment the Senior Surveyor should review the full workscope. The requirements, specifications and position of each mooring should be addressed with the survey personnel and approved by the Client Representative onboard. A list of the proposed locations should be given to the on-line surveyor. Prior to deployment the vessel should be positioned stationary at the proposed location and the mooring should then be hoisted from the deck and lowered to the seabed in a controlled manner. The Senior Surveyor should ensure that care is taken to avoid snagging of rope, cable, floatation aids and instrumentation during deployment. The anchor is normally deployed first. If long mooring are used it may be advantageous to stream the equipment from the stern of the vessel. Care should be taken to avoid snagging mooring lines in the propellers. In cases where precise positioning is required, such as in to deployment of an array of transponders, an LBL system is used to determine the transponder range from the survey vessel. In support of the deployment of transponders an ROV is used with sub-sea (USBL) positioning. A visual appraisal from the ROV also confirms the installation is in tact. There are some designs of acoustic release transponders that incorporate sensor options for monitoring tilt. For the deployment of tide gauges and current meters the use of ROV support would not be warranted since only an approximate position is usually required.
Acergy
Survey Operations
Jan.17.02
GR-SRV-443 Ver. 1.0
Page 9 of 9
When the anchor is on the seabed the mooring may require to be re-positioned. With the assistance of the ROV the anchor can be moved to the desired seabed co-ordinates. The on-line surveyor should record this position in the field log. Once in position the mooring can be released by triggering the acoustic release attached to the crane wire (at the top of the mooring line). This is achieved by sending a release activation signal from the SCU via a dunking transducer deployed by the survey vessel. Once detached the crane wire, complete with attached release, should be recovered.
6.2.4 Recovery
When the seabed mooring has completed the task, the installation can be recovered in the same fashion as deployment. In this instance, however, it is the acoustic release at the base of the mooring line that is activated. A release activation signal is sent from the SCU via a dunking transducer specific to that responder. Once the Release Code has been received a response pulse is sent to confirm release. A motor driven actuator then disengages the release arm allowing the release lever to swing free. With some designs once a release has been fired an acoustic release transponder enters a ranging mode so that the unit can be tracked to the surface and recovered. The release lever and arm are easily re-engaged for later deployment.

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