Polatrak ROV II - Manual
Polatrak ROV II - Manual
ROV-II™
CP probe
Operation manual
Twin reference Can be used with Works as either Use with Polatrak
electrodes for ROVs or as a a contact or Deep C Meter™
online calibration diver-held probe proximity probe for subsea readout
Deepwater Corrosion Services Inc. | 10851 Train Court, Houston, TX 77041 USA +1 (713) 983 7117 | Email: sales@[Link] | [Link]
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2013 Deepwater Corrosion Services Inc. Specifications subject to change without notice Document 354-MN01-ENG Rev. C
ROV-II operation manual
Table of contents
1. ROV-II components 3
2. Reference documents 4
2.1 MSDS sheets 4
3. Health and safety 4
4. Installation procedure 4
4.1 Dive spread 4
4.2 ROV installation 5
4.3 Cautionary notes 5
5. Calibration 6
5.1 General 6
5.2 Using calibration for troubleshooting 6
5.3 Topside/bucket calibration 6
5.4 Subsea calibration 7
5.5 Proximity mode ground check 8
6. Operation 8
6.1 Wet check 8
6.2 Recording cathodic protection potentials 8
7. Taking cathodic protection potential readings 9
8. Data interpretation 9
9. Maintenance and repair 10
9.1 Tip replacement 10
9.2 Reference electrode element replacement 10
10. Troubleshooting 11
List of figures
Figure 1 Soft-splicing the whip onto the comms cable 4
Figure 2 SEA CON® RMG-3FS connector pin diagram 7
Figure 3 Identifying a failed reference electrode 8
Figure 4 Calibration vs. zinc coupon 12
Figure 5 Calibration cell-to-cell 13
Figure 6 Calibration vs. master Ag/AgCl electrode 14
Figure 7 Wiring schematic for diver-assisted platform survey 15
Figure 8 Wiring schematic for Deep C Meter™ readout 16
List of tables
Table 1 Normal cathodic protection ranges for bare carbon steel in seawater 9
Table 2 Troubleshooting quick guide 11
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ROV-II operation manual
ROV-II™ Tip
Components
SEA CON®
RMG-3FS
connector
Hex screws
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2013 Deepwater Corrosion Services Inc. Specifications subject to change without notice 3 Document 354-MN01-ENG Rev. C
ROV-II operation manual
2. Reference documents
2.1 MSDS sheets
2.1.1 Dow Corning – 4 Electrical Insulating Compound MSDS – connector sealant
[Link]
PLEASE CONTACT YOUR POLATRAK REPRESENTATIVE FOR ANY QUESTIONS AND/OR ISSUES
REGARDING THIS MANUAL.
4. Installation procedure
4.1 Dive spread
4.1.1 When used with diving operations, assemble a cable with a SEA CON® RMG-3FS connec-
tor at the subsea end. In our experience, the most suitable cable is the four (4) conductor armored
spiral comms cable used by most divers for diver communications; it has two twisted pairs and
is very rugged. A whip with this connector is provided with the probe and should be soft-spliced
onto the end of the comms cable (see Fig. 1). Ensure that the connection is taped back to the
armored wire to provide strain relief to the subsea connector.
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ROV-II operation manual
4.3.1 Never allow the electrode elements to be directly shorted to ground or any other metallic
object when immersed in seawater.
4.3.2 Never use the electrode subsea with the underwater connector un-mated.
4.3.3 Never read the ROV-II probe with an analog voltmeter. Ensure that high-input impedance
digital equipment is used.
4.3.4 Never handle the bare reference electrode element (small gray pellet) with bare hands.
4.3.5 Do not use any type of solvent or detergent on the probe. Rinse only in fresh water after
every operation.
4.3.6 Never immerse the electrode in anything but fresh water or seawater.
4.3.7 Never allow a connector or bulkhead to be immersed unless it is mated or has a sealing
dummy plug inserted.
4.3.8 Never read the electrode on a multimeter scale other than DC Volts.
4.3.9 When not in use, store the probe in the provided container filled with seawater or tap
water. Probe can be stored dry between jobs but should be soaked in fresh water for at least one
hour before storage.
4.3.10 Do not attempt to field-repair any wires on the probe or inside the probe and never attempt
to modify the probe tip in any way.
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ROV-II operation manual
5. Calibration
5.1 General
As with any subsea measurement device, it is important to calibrate the ROV-II probe to ensure that
the reference electrodes are working properly and that there is no damage to the probe. If the probe
is not calibrated, readings may be incorrect and the dive may have to be repeated.
Since the ROV-II probe uses two reference electrodes, the user always has two independent voltage
readings of the tip contact. This provides an advantage over probes that use a single reference elec-
trode because the cell-to-cell value can be checked at any time during operation to verify the probe
is calibrated and working properly. The cell-to-cell value is simply the difference in voltage between
the two readings; this value should never exceed 5 mV topside and 10mV subsea. For example, if
both voltage readings are the same, the cell-to-cell value is 0 (zero) mV.
NOTE: Company calibration specifications must be met, but we strongly advise also using the at-
tached procedures.
5.3.1 Fill a non-metallic bucket or container approximately 18 in. (45 cm) deep with seawater or
simulated solution with a specific gravity between 1.021 and 1.028.
5.3.2 Place the probe in the bucket, allowing the body to fill with seawater. The entire probe,
including the tip, must be immersed.
CAUTION:
DO NOT immerse the Seacon RMG-3FS connector in water unless it is mated with the
dummy plug.
5.3.3 Wait 30 minutes for the electrode elements to reach equilibrium (first time use only).
• Immerse the zinc calibration coupon. Stab the probe tip firmly onto the zinc coupon.
• Using a digital voltmeter set on 2.00 V DC scale, contact pin socket #1 (the large socket; refer
to Figure 2) with the positive voltmeter lead. This pin socket measures the probe tip.
• At the same time, contact pin socket #2 (first clockwise of the large pin socket) with the nega-
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ROV-II operation manual
tive lead and note the reading. Then take the negative lead and contact pin socket #3; note the
reading.
• Figure 4 shows the correct wiring schematic and the expected results. The two readings
should not be more than 5 mV apart.
• Remove the probe tip from the zinc coupon. The reading should revert to a voltage within the
range of (-) 0.200 to (-) 0.400 V DC.
• Using a digital voltmeter set on 200 mV DC scale, contact pin socket #2 with the positive volt-
meter lead and pin socket #3 with the negative voltmeter lead. Note the reading.
• Figure 5 shows the correct wiring schematic and the expected results. The reading should be
between ±5 mV.
CAUTION
NEVER submerge any unmated Seacon connectors.
5.4.1 While the probe is free-flying subsea without contacting any metal, the voltage readings
will vary depending on ROV/diver speed, time of immersion and whether the tip contact has
recently stabbed a structure or pipe. Normally, the voltage readings will be in the range of (-) 200
to (-) 400 mV.
5.4.2 Both voltage readings should never be more than 10 mV apart while the probe is subsea.
Remember, this difference between voltage readings is the cell-to-cell value. If the cell-to-cell
value is greater than 10 mV, the cause may be:
• Lead wire is damaged, exposing copper to seawater.
• A connection is not properly mated or is leaking.
• One or more reference electrode elements has failed.
5.4.3 If it becomes apparent in the middle of an operation that one reference electrode element
has failed, it is possible to complete the dive. Follow these steps to isolate the bad reference
electrode:
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ROV-II operation manual
• Stab the probe onto the structure and determine which reading displays the most positive
voltage; this is normally the failed reference electrode. The good reference electrode will have the
most negative reading.
For example, (-) 900 mV is more negative than (-) 800 mV. (-) 900 mV would indicate the good
reference electrode; (-) 800 mV would indicate the failed reference electrode.
• Record the cell-to-cell value.
• Only use the voltage readings from the good reference cell for the rest of that dive.
Figure 3 - Identifying a failed reference electrode
• Stab the steel structure with the probe and record the voltage reading.
• Take the reading again using the platform reference ground wire instead of the probe tip. The
readings should be identical.
If the readings vary by more than 3 mV, check the platform ground wire connection.
6. Operation
Most companies have their own survey procedures to follow. The following guidelines are given as
guidance only.
6.1.2 With the probe wired to the ROV, immerse the system to a depth of at least –30 feet (–10
m), and with the vehicle still in its Tether Management System (TMS), bring up one electrical sys-
tem at a time and note the potential of the tip. (It will vary some depending on immersion time).
If there is a problem, the potential will change rapidly or will spike when the circuit is powered.
Repeat for all electrical and hydraulic systems. If a problem is detected, it should be fixed. Usu-
ally, the cause is a poor ground connection or a faulty leaking underwater connector. The system
at fault can be switched off if it will not hinder operation.
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2013 Deepwater Corrosion Services Inc. Specifications subject to change without notice 8 Document 354-MN01-ENG Rev. C
ROV-II operation manual
CAUTIONS
• Avoid stabbing painted or coated surfaces whenever possible. Try to take readings on
bare steel or on spots specially designated for cathodic protection measurement.
• If necessary, anodes can be stabbed. However, it is best to stab the anode band if possible.
• The probe unit should be kept out of the mud, which will contaminate the electrodes.
• If the readings are not steady or do not match the criteria in Table 1, the cause is prob-
ably due to a high-resistance contact. DO NOT RECORD THESE NUMBERS. Continue to
stab until readings are within the range specified in Table 1. See troubleshooting section if
problems persist.
• NEVER operate the system with any of the connectors un-mated unless the dummy
plugs are installed.
8. Data interpretation
For carbon steel structures in seawater, the readings obtained should be within the ranges in Table
1. Exceptions may occur if the probe is stabbed onto an isolated section of a corrosion-resistant
alloy such as stainless steel, copper or nickel. In these cases, readings less negative than the indi-
cated range may be noted. If so, ensure that the readings are steady and within the ±5 mV allowable
tolerance.
Table 1 - Normal cathodic protection ranges for bare carbon steel in seawater
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ROV-II operation manual
CAUTION: The contact tip has been machined to a very sharp point to enable easier read-
ings through coatings. This point can also easily cut or poke through human skin. Please
handle with care.
9.2.1 Remove the probe from the ROV and un-mate the connector. Install the provided
dummy plug onto the exposed flying lead connector.
9.2.2 Perform a zinc coupon bucket calibration as described in section 5.3.4. The faulty elec-
trode will be the one that gives the more positive reading.
9.2.5 DO NOT handle the small electrode pellet with bare hands.
9.2.6 Remove the two screws securing the tail unit and gently pull out the tail unit to expose
the electrode elements. Try to avoid un-mating the tip connector.
9.2.7 Visually inspect to ensure that the wire is not damaged and the connector is properly
mated.
9.2.8 Remove the bad electrode and discard according to appropriate local environmental
procedures.
9.2.9 Take the new electrode and carefully place a small amount of insulating compound on
the sealing section of the electrode connector. Please refer to the MSDS in appendix before
handling sealant. All appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) shall be worn, including
safety glasses, as a minimum.
9.2.11 Check that all connectors are fully mated, then carefully put the electrodes back into the
housing and re-attach the tail unit and nose cone.
9.2.12 Repeat calibration as described above. (Note that a new dry element may take up to 30
minutes to reach equilibrium)
Caution: NEVER immerse an electrode element in water with the connector pin ex-
posed.
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ROV-II operation manual
10. Troubleshooting
10.1 The cell-to-cell value is greater than 5 mV topside or 10 mV subsea
The problem could be one of the following:
• One reference electrode has failed.
Repeat the bucket calibration (section 5.3). The electrode with the more positive reading is prob-
ably in error. Replace the reference electrode element (section 9.2).
• There is damage to the tail assembly cable or umbilical cable.
When recovering the ROV-II Probe from the dive, any cable damage can be quickly located and
repaired. Monitor the cell-to-cell value as the cable comes out of the water. If the problem is cable
damage, the cell-to-cell value will revert to the acceptable range (10 mV or less) as soon as the
damaged area of cable clears the water.
10.2 Both displays reading low (more positive) voltages
If both electrodes read low during a stab (more positive than (–)500 mV), the problem is probably
with the contact tip wire attached to the nose cone assembly. If the tip wire is damaged, a temporary
soft-splice repair can be made using ScotchKote® sealant (not included) and splicing tape. How-
ever, prolonged operation in this manner is not recommended. Order a new nose cone assembly as
soon as possible.
10.3 Recalibration
After any replacement or repair, recalibrate the instrument by performing a bucket calibration as
described in section 5.3.
Table 2 - Troubleshooting quick guide
Instrument will not calibrate Zinc coupon is passivated Remove zinc and clean with rasp
Readings are not steady and Voltmeter batteries are low Replace voltmeter batteries
continue to change. Poor structure contact Re-stab to ensure contact.
Connector is flooded Check connectors
One reading suddenly goes
less negative Lead wire (flying lead) is nicked. Inspect and repair / replace as necessary
Not enough light to photo-cell Increase light intensity and re-direct to
center of lens.
Deep C Meter LED readouts
are blank Batteries are dead Replace batteries
10.5 If a problem persists or is not listed, please call our hotline at (713) 983-7117 and ask for PolaT-
rak technical support.
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ROV-II operation manual
Figure 4
Cell to Zn coupon
ROV-II calibration wiring schematic
Calibration
voltmeter display
at 2 Volts DC setting
Seawater solution
Non-metallic bucket
Zn calibration coupon
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ROV-II operation manual
Figure 5
Cell to cell
ROV-II calibration wiring schematic
Calibration
voltmeter display
at 200 mV DC setting
Seawater solution
Non-metallic bucket
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ROV-II operation manual
Figure 6
Cell to Ag/AgCI master
ROV-II calibration wiring schematic
Note:
This calibration
procedure is
only performed
by qualified
Polatrak
technicians
before
shipment or
during repair.
Calibration
voltmeter display
at 200 mV DC setting
Seawater solution
Non-metallic bucket
Ag/AgCI master
electrode
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ROV-II operation manual
Figure 7
Wiring for diver-assisted platform survey
ROV-II wiring schematic
Survey
voltmeter display
at 2 Volts DC setting
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ROV-II operation manual
Figure 8
Wiring for Deep C Meter™ readout
ROV-II wiring schematic
SEA CON®
connector
Pin 1:
Contact tip
Pin 2:
Reference electrode #1 (R1)
Pin 3:
Reference electrode #2 (R2)
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