Offshore drilling contractor standardises on FLIR infrared cameras for CBM

World-leading offshore drilling contractor Transocean Inc. has standardised the use of FLIR Systems’ infrared cameras on all their rigs for condition-based monitoring within their European and African (EAU) operation.  
Having provided each of their rigs with their own FLIR Systems infrared camera, and following their merger with GlobalSantaFe Corporation, Transocean is now exploring the implementation of the technology on the remaining legacy GSF rigs to ensure standardisation of equipment across the region’s combined fleet of 57 rigs. The company operates 146 rigs worldwide.  
Transocean’s mobile offshore drilling fleet considered one of the most modern and versatile in the world, consists of a large number of high-specification deepwater and harsh environment drilling units.  
The merger with GlobalSantaFe not only enhances Transocean’s high-end floater fleet but also strengthens the company’s position in the worldwide jack-up market, especially in the Middle East, West Africa and the North Sea.  
Operations engineer Bob Speirs is responsible for the smooth running of all EAU assets from a maintenance point of view. As the business unit’s condition monitoring specialist, Bob has to ensure that each rig has its own FLIR Systems infrared camera, which is used to maximum effect.  
He explains that the condition monitoring strategies of the two legacy companies are now being integrated and the teams are being asked to extend the scope of their infrared inspections beyond electrical inspections.  
Bob has good reason to emphasise the value of infrared technology for mechanical inspection. Prior to joining Transocean, he was able to use his FLIR infrared camera to locate a problem with a glycol pump at a gas processing rig without stripping down the critical pump unit, thereby eliminating downtime and saving on labour.  
Bob is now integrating mechanical inspection into Transocean’s condition monitoring programme and is encouraging his teams to use their FLIR Systems’ infrared cameras to troubleshoot problems. For instance, the camera was used to detect a leakage problem recently on one of the hydraulic accumulators of a semi-submersible rig.  
Key benefits for Transocean from FLIR thermal imaging cameras:  

• Vital component of the fleet’s predictive maintenance procedures 
• Non-contact method eliminates the need to power down, maximising up-time 
• Affordability combined with simple operation 
• User-friendly technology ensures worldwide implementation and use beyond electrical inspection    

On the strength of recommendation from the Transocean EAU operation, FLIR Systems’ thermal imaging technology is now being adopted by its counterpart in Asia Pacific.  


FLIR infrared cameras are available in Australia through FLIR Systems Australia .