Impact Subsea’s flooded member detection (ISFMD) system was integrated into Outland Technology’s ROV-3000 for use by Offshore Drone Inspection Services, supporting inspection activities in the Gulf of Mexico.
The ISFMD system uses digital acoustic technology to identify flooding in offshore platform members or subsea pipelines that may be caused by cracking, corrosion, or structural damage.
Unlike conventional methods that rely on gamma rays, the ISFMD system provides an alternative approach based on broadband ultrasonic sensing and digital signal processing.
Impact Subsea’s ISFMD Flooded Member Detection System.
Designed for compact deployment, the system is suitable for use on smaller ROVs. It combines a broadband ultrasonic probe with a processing unit to deliver readings during subsea inspections.
ISFMD System Features on the ROV-3000:
- Seaview Software – Displays acoustic data and supports generation of survey documentation.
- ISA500 Altimeter – Functions as an altimeter when the Flooded Member Detection application is inactive.
- Titanium Probe – Constructed from titanium for mechanical durability.
- Integrated AHRS – Records the orientation of the probe at the time of each contact reading.
- Multi-Echo Output – Displays multiple acoustic returns when a flooded member is detected.
- Depth and Temperature Logging – With the ISD4000 sensor, depth and temperature data can be recorded at the time of measurement.
This integration provides a setup for conducting flooded member inspections using an ROV platform, offering a digital alternative to radiation-based methods.
Impact Subsea, based in Scotland, designs and manufactures underwater sensor systems for integration with subsea vehicles. The company’s technology is used in applications across the energy, marine research, and defense sectors.
Outland Technology, a privately owned and family-operated company based in the United States, manufactures underwater video, lighting systems, and remotely operated vehicles. The ROV-3000 is the company’s latest model, designed for inspection tasks. It has a depth rating of 2,000 feet (600 meters), and includes features such as auto depth, auto heading, auto pitch, and tool-free maintenance access.
Sean Mayfield of Outland Technology commented on the system’s easy set-up and installation, “We just finished implementing the ISFMD tool on our newest ROV-3000, It worked out amazing! We delivered it this morning and the customer is super excited about using it for the first time.”
Ben Grant, Managing Director, Impact Subsea added, “The ISFMD System provides the latest in underwater, ultrasonic Flooded Member Detection technology. It provides the most advanced and reliable Flooded Member Detection available today. Adding the ISFMD sensor to the ROV-3000 provides a very capable means of performing Flooded Member Detection surveys using an underwater remotely operated vehicle.”
