Observer delivers an array of on-board analytics, communication and modular sensor hardware which streamlines data acquisition, reduces operational costs and supports data-driven decision making.
But what can its configurable logging, subsea data processing and acoustic telemetry be used for? Here we look at some typical examples of how Observer can be deployed in your subsea operations.
1. Mooring line monitoring
What’s monitored:
- Line tension
- Angle and motion
- USBL position
To determine:
- A broken line condition
- Fatigue accumulation
- Elongation
- Corrosion / wear
- Vessel excursion envelope
Why it matters.
Warns in the event of mooring failure on floating production, storage and offloading units (FPSOs), floating wind or other offshore platforms. Real-time tension and fatigue data supports targeted inspection, reduces costs and helps operators extend mooring life safely – maintaining safe operation.
2. Production riser monitoring
What’s monitored:
- Local motion caused by vortex-induced vibration (VIV) or flow-induced vibration (FIV)
- Bending and curvature
- Temperature and pressure
To determine:
- Stress and fatigue
- Environmental effects
- Safe operation envelope
Why it matters.
Dynamic risers are high-risk components. Continuous monitoring estimates damage rate and avoids hydrocarbon release or unplanned shutdowns.
3. Subsea pipeline monitoring
What’s monitored:
- Expansion and contraction
- Free spans and seabed interaction from VIV
- Strain and deformation
- Corrosion or wall thickness
To determine:
- Safe operation and potential seabed invention scope
- Environmental effects and mitigation
- Corrosion rates
Why it matters.
Pipelines are exposed to seabed movement, trawling, environmental effects and thermal expansion. Monitoring enables management and early intervention before buckling or releases occur. You can find out more about subsea integrity monitoring in another of our knowledge base articles here.