Star Net Geomatics Wins 2012 Leica Innovation Award (UK)

Leica Geosystems Ltd announced that Star Net Geomatics Ltd won the 2012 Leica Geosystems HDS (High Definition SurveyingTM) Innovation Award at its UK HDS User Symposium last month at Blenheim Palace. Star Net won the award via a public vote at the user event against tough competition from a shortlist of 7 companies including: ArcHeritage, Coastway, D & H Surveys, RPS, University of Cambridge and West Yorkshire Police.

Star Net won the award based on its project with Talisman Energy (UK) Ltd to undertake a subsea spool piece metrology trial in the Auk North field development in the North Sea. Commissioned in November 2011 the project scope was to derive precise dimensions between two flange faces on adjacent manifolds, for spool piece fabrication.

The combination of laser (HDS6100) and sonar scanning (BlueView BV5000) technology coupled with Star Net’s extensive experience in advanced data processing techniques utilising Leica Cyclone, provides a unique and innovative solution to complex operations. The recent awarding of the framework agreement with Talisman Energy has reinforced the provision of terrestrial and subsea dimensional control laser surveys for future projects.

A new manifold was to be integrated into an existing oil field, with a metrology required between the new and existing manifold. All metrology aids had been removed from the existing structure, causing design issues. Star Net had laser surveyed the existing manifold prior to deployment as part of a Dimensional Control survey. This data set became critical in the project execution as the designated sub-contractor was able to generate temporary metrology aids from the survey data. The location of the flanges within the structures caused additional issues from an access point of view. The BlueView system was successfully deployed to carry out a spool piece metrology, overseen by Star Net operatives on the vessel. Traditional laser scan data from the HDS6100 was augmented onto this survey to accurately position the flanges.

Following the metrology survey the spool piece was designed and fabricated. As part of the project completion Star Net surveyed the two piece unit and digitally brought the sections together to confirm fabrication tolerances.

Star Net has been involved in the development of the BlueView system for metrology use for the last 18 months, working in conjunction with Talisman Energy, Seatronics and Technip. To date Star Net is one of the only endorsed execution contractors for both inspection and metrology using the BlueView system.

Douglas Brown CEO of Star Net Geomatics Ltd comments. “This ground breaking project allowed our HDS team to collect incredibly detailed high density data for the fabrication of the spool piece. We had previously laser scanned both manifolds prior to their deployment, this was critical to allow us to merge the BlueView and terrestrial data to create the digital metrology aids. The project was a complete success with this methodology, which is now in demand around the world.”

“It’s a great honour for Star Net to be recognised by Leica Geosystems with the HDS Innovation Award. Working in partnership with BlueView Technologies and Seatronics we have been able to re-engineer the collection of subsea metrology data and this accolade is a true reflection of our highly experienced and skilled team.”

Tim Badley, HDS Sales Manager Leica Geosystems comments. “Douglas and the team have demonstrated a highly innovative and truly unique new way of using laser scanning and they are worthy winners of the highly sought after HDS Innovation Award. With such a high standard of nominations this year, it is clear to see the UK and Ireland is truly pushing the boundaries of laser scanning.”

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Press Release, August 28, 2012; Image: leica-geosystems.co.uk