Spool and pipelay ovality checker

Verify pipe ovality during the reeling process to ensure pipeline integrity and prolong asset lifetime.

Key details:

  • Prevent problems caused by excessive pipe ovality

  • Monitor critical factors that can shorten asset life expectancy

  • Verify ovality conforms to design specifications

  • Dynamic measurement of ovality during offshore pipelay

  • Real-time simultaneous measurements from multiple lasers

  • Suitable for multiple types of pipe and cable

  • Flexible systems can be modified for most deployments

  • Suitable for integration with existing systems

  • Accurate and repeatable

  • Traceable measurements and results

Understanding pipe ovality

When pipe is reeled for offshore laying its ovality can increase during the process. The tensioners that reel and unreel the pipe can affect the shape, leading to areas of stress and potential integrity problems in years to come. Developed following a customer request, the OMS ovality checking system uses a removable ring with mounted laser sensors to monitor pipe ovality in real time.

Shape calibration and measurement

The OMS system used eight sensors to sample pipe ovality. Using eight rather than the minimum four increased accuracy, allowed some redundancy and removed the need for perfect alignment. A known diameter and shape calibration ring calibrated the ring and lasers, after which it could be hinged open and then closed around the pipe.  Each laser’s output was fed into a real-time data logger over 1,000 times per second. The odometer’s encoder selects how often to save the data. All data is recorded and stored electronically for subsequent analysis.