SunStation™
Light-powered subsea readout
The SunStation never requires batteries, so it can operate in deep water for up to 25 years.
The Polatrak SunStation provides an improved, low-cost cathodic protection monitoring solution for any subsea application where ROV-assisted surveys are conducted. Cathodic protection monitoring equipment is permanently mounted to the asset, so no probes or monitoring instruments are required on the ROV. Also, since SunStation requires only visual inspection, a specially qualified inspector offshore is no longer necessary. The SunStation provides a real-time readout of CP performance, activated and powered by the lights on the ROV.
Each SunStation is a single-channel device with an independent ground, thus any Polatrak instrument can output to this device. Anode currents, for example, can now be read directly, in real numbers, as can current density. The solar panels that power the system are built into the device, designed to operate for 25 years or more. Light from the ROV instantaneously wakes up the system and a reading is shown.
This system can save an operator significant sums in reduced inspection time every season, and the improved quality and repeatability of fixed monitoring data over conventional probe-based surveys has never before been available.
The readouts should be strategically placed at locations where ROV intervention is required; CP inspection is achieved whenever the ROV visits. The mounting panel around the unit bears inspection point location information and the designation of each channel.
Related Technical Information
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Abstract: New deep-water discoveries combined with current high energy prices have given much of the world's aging offshore infrastructure a new lease on life.
Cathodic Protection Monitoring in Alaskan Waters
Pipelines and structures located offshore of Alaska face unique challenges to monitoring cathodic protection. Advances in Cathodic Protection Monitoring technology are discussed. New portable ROV instrumentation as well as fixed monitoring of parameters affecting CP system performance ...
Full Online Technical Library
To see a complete list of technical papers and articles about cathodic protection and corrosion control, please visit the technical library section of this web site.
Related News
Patent Granted to Deepwater
US Patent 7,425,249 B1 has been granted to Deepwater Corrosion Services Inc. for the Subsea Solar Powered Test Station with Voltage Readout, marketed by Deepwater as the "SunStation."
Deepwater retrofits CP on 2 deep water subsea field developments in 3 days
In February, Deepwater Corrosion Services performed anode retrofits on 2 subsea development systems in 73 hours.
22 Years of Corrosion Inspection
For over 20 years, Deepwater Corrosion Services has been leading the way in offshore corrosion inspection, from our very first topside inspection in 1986.
Key design points
Reliable cathodic protection measurement
The SunStation provides repeatable accurate data and eliminates the operator error associated with some CP Probes. Fixed instruments don't move or suffer the same calibration problems as portable devices. The SunStation provides real-time verification of electrical continuity or isolation, because each unit has its own reference ground.
Eliminates the hassle of ROV-interfaced probes
The reference electrodes connected to the SunStation readout can be placed in truly critical locations on the asset, where an external probe placement would be impossible. In addition, by requiring only the ROV's video camera for a survey, the system reduces cost and eliminates the wear and tear on ROV systems associated with stabbing CP probes.
Eliminate separate ROV surveys
With a SunStation system in place, the operator leverages an ROV 's presence by providing CP status as a matter of course during any intervention. ROV visits are video-documented, so cathodic protection surveys are carried out de facto any time and ROV is in the area.
Easy to retrofit, using the RetroClamp
The SunStation can be retrofitted on existing structures and fields with a specially modified RetroClamp. The clamp can be attached by diver or ROV to any tubular or flange, and in deep water, where conditions are stable, there are several other attachment options.