Real-time deepwater current profiling system

A problem for the offshore oil and gas industry is obtaining complete real-time current profiles in water depths greater than 1200 m, the present maximum range of a single RD Instruments Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP) meter. Increasing commercial activity in those depths and the desire to further understand deep ocean processes drives this need. A solution that implements a two-meter system utilizing underwater acoustic modems was developed. The study tested a dual-meter system that integrated surface and bottom mounted ADCP systems. The challenges addressed were uncertain performance of the modems and the ADCPs due to the noisy underwater acoustic environment and a potential lack of deep water acoustic backscattering. The significant advantage of a real-time data acquisition system is providing operational guidance for the rig activities and the ability to control the system in effort to optimize profiling range and performance