The UWG Group, one of Europe's leading independent oil service companies has developed what it described as a highly versatile, state-of-the-art data logging system that will allow operators to obtain a variety of data, resulting in a greater understanding of the performance of equipment and how it is affected by harsh environmental conditions.
"The compact, stand-alone data logger, developed by UWG Group member company 2H Offshore, offers low-cost data acquisition due to its easy installation and fast deployment, and dispenses with the need for complex, high cost and often unreliable hardwire-linked and acoustic-linked systems," UWG said in a release.
UWG's self-contained unit comprises sensors, data loggers, batteries and memory disks, resulting in a compact, robust package, capable of operating in extreme environments and in water depths of up to 3000 metres. The basic unit weighs only 3 kg, and measures 6cm in diameter and 32cm in length.
Initially developed to measure VIV (Vortex Induced Vibration) in risers for the STRIDE (Steel Risers for Deepwater Environments) joint industry project in the late 1990's, the data logger is modular and suits a multitude of different measuring devices. The inclination of drilling risers, particularly in deepwater, magnetic direction, strain and load, displacement, pressure and ocean current velocity are some of the system's measuring abilities.
Fully automatic with eight analogue channels and a sampling rate ranging from 2 to 30 Hz, the system has the ability to provide highly accurate data. It is set as a logging tool, which can be retrieved every few months with data being stored and downloaded to a PC for analysis at a later date. Low-power consumption and an extensive battery life combined with 128 Mbyte storage enables the system to provide reliable, long-term off-line measurement.
Paul Alcock, group sales and marketing manager at UWG added: "Data logging is a developing market but we are confident that offering a product that is easy to use, versatile and cost-effective will encourage operators to invest in logging operations."
The UWG Group comprises UWG Ltd, Team Energy Resources Ltd, Claxton Engineering Ltd and 2H Offshore Engineering Ltd.
