Current Recording Work Instruction

Survey Operations
Current Recording Work Instruction
GR-SRV-451
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-451 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.............................................................................................3 6. PROCEDURES......................................................................................................3 6.1 SYSTEM DESCRIPTION..................................................................................4 6.1.1 GENERAL..........................................................................................4 6.1.2 DOPPLER SHIFT SYSTEMS..................................................................4 6.1.3 ELECTROMAGNETIC SYSTEMS.............................................................5 6.1.4 IMPELLER / ROTOR SYSTEMS..............................................................5 6.1.5 DATA RECORDING.............................................................................5 6.1.6 SYSTEM SPECIFICATIONS..................................................................6 6.2 SYSTEM INSTALLATION AND OPERATION........................................................6 6.2.1 MOBILISATION..................................................................................6 6.2.2 IN-LINE MOORING.............................................................................6 6.2.3 U-MOORING......................................................................................7 6.2.4 WAVE MOTION..................................................................................7 6.2.5 TILT.................................................................................................7 6.2.6 ROV INSTALLATION...........................................................................7 6.2.7 DEPLOYMENT....................................................................................8 6.2.8 RECOVERY........................................................................................8
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Acergy
Survey Operations
Jan.17.02
GR-SRV-451 Ver. 1.0
Page 3 of 9
1.
SCOPE This Work Instruction covers the installation and operation of various types of current recording systems available in the offshore market.
2.
OBJECTIVE The objective of this work instruction is to enable suitably qualified personnel to operate current meters in oceanographic support for both construction and marine survey operations. Where necessary the operator should make reference to equipment manuals specific system maintenance and operating instructions.
3.
REFERENCES QA Practices QA Practice GR-SRV-051 GR-SRV-052 GR-SRV-053 GR-SRV-054 GR-SRV-056 GR-SRV-058 GR-SRV-061 GR-SRV-303 GR-SRV-304 GR-SRV-441 GR-SRV-443 : : Mobilisation and Demobilisation Shipping, Handling and Packing Route / Site Survey Operations Pre-Lay Survey Operations Umbilical / Cable Lay Support Laybarge Navigation Support Trenching Support Pipeline Ploughing and Backfilling Support Structure Installation Operations ROV Operations Practice AUV Operations Practice Atmospheric Pressure Monitoring Work Instruction Acoustic Release Work Instruction
4.
DEFINITIONS ROV AUV DSU : : : Remote Operated Vehicle Autonomous Underwater Vehicle Data Storage Unit
5.
RESPONSIBILITIES The Survey Manager is responsible for establishing and maintaining this document. The Project Surveyor has the responsibility of implementing this procedure on relevant offshore projects. It is the responsibility of all survey personnel involved in the installation and operation of current meters to comply with this procedure and provide any comments on improvements in this procedure to the Project Surveyor.
6.
PROCEDURES
Acergy
Survey Operations
Jan.17.02
GR-SRV-451 Ver. 1.0
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6.1
6.1.1
SYSTEM DESCRIPTION
General
Whether oceanographic research, environmental control, hydrographic survey or construction support, the measurement of ocean currents by a moored instrument has been adapted as the standard method of obtaining information about the circulation of ocean waters. Current recording systems have evolved as greater accuracy, stability and resolution is demanded from the changing requirements of the offshore industry. These specifications have been met as new technologies have been developed with the result that numerous designs are now available. Manufacturers are continuing to update these systems as modern techniques are tested. The main industry standards are listed below: Self / Direct Recording Systems Operational in Low / High Current Regimes Optional parameter measurement Full Depth rating
There are two main manufacturers of current recording systems, namely: Aanderaa and Valeport. These companies, amongst others, have designed both self and direct recording units for use in varied marine environments, operating using the principle of Doppler Effect (Aanderaa RCM 11), electromagnetic induction (InterOcean S4) or standard rotor (Aanderaa RCM 7 / 8)/ impeller (Valeport BFM308) rotation Self recording systems have been designed to take measurements at variable intervals and installed with solid state data recorders to facilitate long period deployment. Direct reading current meters have the facility for efficient and compatible data transmission. Current Meters have also been designed to cope with varied and specific marine environments. For low current regimes systems have been developed for stability, accuracy and high resolution, where as for high current regimes, systems have been designed to combine low drag with practical deployment. Systems such as the S4 series of current meters manufactured by InterOcean Systems Inc have been designed to combat the effect of wave motion specific to shallow water and near shore environments. As well as recording current velocity and direction, the majority of current meters also provide the option of measuring a combination of water temperature, conductivity of the water, turbidity and oxygen, significant wave height and instrument depth. The depth rating of available systems varies from 500 to 6000 metres.
6.1.2 Doppler Shift Systems
Current velocities determined by Doppler Effect are derived by analysing the backscattered energy from small particles or bubbles in the water in response to transmitted high frequency pulses. Any frequency change detected by the transducers is related to the strength of the current flow.
Acergy
Survey Operations
Jan.17.02
GR-SRV-451 Ver. 1.0
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The current direction is found by taking the measurements along two orthogonal axes that are compensated for tilt and referred to Magnetic North by means of an internal compass.
6.1.3 Electromagnetic Systems
Electromagnetic current meters measure the voltage resulting from the motion of a conductor (water flow velocity) through a magnetic field according to Faradays law of electromagnetic induction. The measured voltage is directly proportional to the water flow velocity, the magnitude of the magnetic field and the length of the conductor (i.e. the effective path between the sensing electrodes). In most systems the magnetic field is generated from driving a circular coil with a regulated alternating current. Two orthogonal pairs of electrodes and an internal flux gate compass provide the current vector. A unique system (Valeport 803) has been developed for installation on a ROV. This system comprises two axis electromagnetic flow sensors to provide actual through the water speeds. Fitted with a Tether Management System to unit provides measurement of local flow conditions.
6.1.4 Impeller / Rotor Systems
Current recording system fitted with impellers use a combination of magnets (fitted to the impeller) and reed switch to sense the rotation of the impeller; the speed of rotation is proportional to the strength of current flow. The vane orientates the system into the current to detect maximum velocity. The direction is sensed using a twin axis, gimballed flux gate compass. The speed and direction is determined by vector averaging computation.
6.1.5
Data Recording
Self-recording current meters have the option of measuring current velocities at various time intervals. The interval selection differs between systems but general varies from every 60 seconds to once every 120 minutes. The selection is normally set prior to deployment but in some systems, such as the DCM12 this can be triggered remotely. All self-recording systems are installed with a DSU (Data Storage Unit) that allows the measured data to be stored internally. The number of current flow measurements recorded, or the length of deployment, will be determined by the interval selection and also on the number of additional parameters logged. The system is powered using a single 9V internal battery. On recovery the data on memory can be downloaded to a computer using RS-232 link.
Acergy
Survey Operations
Jan.17.02
GR-SRV-451 Ver. 1.0
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Some units, such as the RCM 7, are fitted with acoustic transducer for transmission to hydrophone receiver. A direct reading current meter, such as the BFM 108) is connected to a surface display unit by cable. The update rate of current flow measurements is generally user selectable.
6.1.6 System Specifications
The specifications of current recording systems vary between types. However, some generalisation of sensor capabilities can be made and are summarised below: Range Current Velocity Current Direction Depth Rating 0.03 5.0 m/s 0 - 360 500 6000 m Accuracy 0.02 0.07 m/s 0.25 - 5.0 Resolution 0.01 - 0.03 m/s. 0.25 - 0.35.
Systems are capable of also measuring water temperature, conductivity of the water, turbidity and oxygen, significant wave height and instrument depth.
6.2
6.2.1
SYSTEM INSTALLATION AND OPERATION

Mobilisation
The preparations required prior to deployment of current recording equipment are largely based on the mooring configuration adopted, which, in turn, is dependent on the client specifications and the number of recording sites required. A detailed layout should be drawn up, complete with deployment instructions, and approved by the client. Sufficient mooring line and floatation buoys will be required so knowledge of the expected water depth and tidal range is imperative. All current meters should be tested thoroughly prior to deployment. As part of the set-up instructions a new battery should be installed. In self-recording models, the various presets, such as record interval and depth of deployment, should be entered. The mooring should be fully constructed on the back deck prior to deployment with care taken in the position (and vertical alignment) of all current meters, in rope length and the anchor weight. Rope and instruments should be laid out neatly in the order of deployment to prevent snagging. The proximity to vessel traffic should be noted and warnings to local fishermen and shipping provided.
6.2.2 In-Line Mooring Single Recorder Unit Array
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GR-SRV-451 Ver. 1.0
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The current meter is deployed in a vertical mooring line attached to an anchor by an acoustic release. The recorder unit should be positioned at the height above seabed where measurements are required. The in-line mooring arrangement is suitable for use at any depth. If sub-surface floatation is used an acoustic release will need to be attached to the anchor. Ensure that the release unit is installed correctly (refer to Document Reference GR-SRV-443 Acoustic Release Work Instruction).
Multiple Recorder Unit Array
When more than one simultaneous measurement is required in the water column, additional current meters should be installed. Each unit should be positioned at the height above seabed where measurements are required and each separated by a series of floats. Additional sub-surface floatation will be required at the top of the array.
6.2.3 U-Mooring
A U-mooring configuration is best suited to shallow water environments. The installation consists of a twin anchor array separated by a floating rope for drag recovery. The separation between anchors should be 1.5 x water depth. From the one anchor a surface buoy is attached; this acts as a retrieval float. A series of sub-surface buoys are attached to the second anchor, along which the current meter is attached, at a level or height above seabed where measurements are required. A series of current meters can be deployed in this arrangement. Additional floatation buoys will, however, be required between installation to maintain buoyancy.
6.2.4 Wave Motion
The use of sub-surface floats is essential to avoid wave-induced motion in the mooring line. It is important that sub-surface floats with sufficient buoyancy be used so that the equipment rises to the surface on recovery.
6.2.5 Tilt
Mooring frames with gimbals are commonly used in the deployment of current meters. The gimbal movement (approximately 20) automatically levels the instrument when deployed on the seabed. Some current recorders, such as the RCM 11 are fitted with axis tilt sensors that compensate for the effects of inclination. Although most current recorders can compensate for tilt up to 35 , it is important to ensure the installation is a vertical as possible. This can be optimised by minimising the amount of drag the mooring line by using as thin a line as possible.
6.2.6 ROV Installation
When mounted a current flow device on a ROV the unit should be positioned in clear flow above the vehicle with the x-axis monitoring flow across the vehicle and the y-axis monitoring flow towards the vehicle.
Acergy
Survey Operations
Jan.17.02
GR-SRV-451 Ver. 1.0
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6.2.7
Deployment
It is the responsibility of the Project 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. When deploying current meters from the stern of the vessel ensure that all ropes are laid out neatly on the back deck to prevent snagging. The vessel should set a steady course towards the deployment location at slow speed. The bridge should be updated at each stage in the operation. The sub-surface buoy should be deployed first, followed by each current meter in turn complete with additional floatation buoys. When the vessel is over the drop zone, the first anchor should be deployed in a controlled manner over the stern complete with the drag recovery rope. A position fix should be logged on the navigation software by the on-line surveyor and recorded in the field logbook. Ensure the anchor is of sufficient weight to prevent the array shifting position on the seabed. Finally the second anchor should be deployed together with the surface recovery buoy. When using acoustic release installations there is a requirement for only a single anchor. Ensure the acoustic release is mounted in the correct orientation and the weight of the anchor is sufficient to maintain stability of the seabed. When using a crane for deployment, ensure that sufficient tag lines are attached to stabilise equipment during deployment over the back deck. When using seabed mooring frames it is usual to attached this unit on the drag line between anchors.
6.2.8 Recovery
The recovery of a U-mooring current meter installation is the reciprocal procedure as deployment. The bridge should be updated at each stage in the operation. The vessel should be positioned as close as possible to the retrieval buoy so that the buoy can be gaffed and dragged over the stern. Care should be taken to prevent rope and chain from snagging beneath the vessel, especially in the propellers. Once the surface buoy is on deck the first anchor should be lifted and brought on board. Using the drag recovery cable the second anchor should then be recovered. During the lift the sub-surface buoys will appear at the surface. As each current meter is brought on board the units should be cleaned with fresh water and as soon as practically possible, the data should be downloaded onto the survey computer. On simpler, in-line moorings or crane deployment, the same safety precautions should be adopted during recovery. If the surface buoy has been damaged or removed the system can still be recovered by grappling for the drag rope between anchors.
Acergy
Survey Operations
Jan.17.02
GR-SRV-451 Ver. 1.0
Page 9 of 9

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