July 16, 2010
Welaptega Marine, a world leader in underwater 3D imaging in the oil and gas industry, was deployed to the Gulf of Mexico to assist with BP’s efforts to repair the ruptured Macondo well.
The Halifax-based company was contracted by BP to use its underwater 3D imaging technologies to assess the damage and verify geometries of components of the broken well.
Anthony Hall, Principal and Founder of Welaptega, said a crew of three Welaptega engineers was mobilized to the Gulf in mid June.
Two engineers were sent offshore to the Macondo well to gather imaging data on various underwater components. Another engineer worked in the BP Response Centre in Houston to build the 3D models.
“Our people worked around the clock on 12-hour shifts to provide BP with data to assist with assessment and repairs on the Macondo well,” said Mr. Hall. “The work has been a great success and and we are very pleased to have been involved in such an important project.”
He said Welaptega is not authorized to divulge details of the work, but he confirmed that Welaptega 3D models were used by BP in the repair of the damaged well.
“This job wasn’t out of the ordinary for us in terms of complexity. We’ve done this sort of thing before for other clients. But obviously the pressure to get it right was higher than normal. I am very proud of the way our engineers performed in that high pressure environment.”
The Welaptega 3D modeling capability uses advanced photogrammetric techniques to generate geometrically accurate 3D models from high-resolution digital still images.
This technology enables engineers to assess the condition of underwater components such as damaged wellheads, pipelines, moorings, risers and blow-out preventers (BOP).
The company deploys underwater cameras on Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROV) to photograph subsea components of oil fields, production facilities and drill rigs. Welaptega cameras are rated for up to 4000 meters of water.
The images are then used by engineers to construct three-dimensional models at a high level of accuracy. The models and then used by client engineers to characterize damage of components or deterioration such as impact damage, wear, corrosion or pitting.
This information enables operators to design solutions and to make maintenance decisions such as whether to repair or replace components.
Welaptega has been operating in the oil field services sector since 1991. Its first job was the Lasmo Cohasset Panuke offshore Nova Scotia.Welaptega is a world leader in mooring integrity verification for floating production and drill rigs.
The company adapts and deploys advanced technologies such as underwater 3D modeling, 3D video, and chain and rope measurement systems to inspect mooring systems and other underwater assets such as risers and pipelines.
Welaptega technologies and inspection techniques meet the approval of certifiers such as Lloyds Register and DNV. These bodies certify that the installation meets safety standards and is fit for purpose.
Welaptega’s clients include global oil majors (BP, Chevron, ExxonMobil, Shell, Transocean, Pride International), and a range of regional players and independents (ATP, Marathon, Talisman, Williams, Woodside).
The company operates globally and has established a network of representative companies in Norway, West Africa, Malaysia, Australia and Brazil.
