Sonomatic, a specialist in advanced non-destructive testing (NDT) and inspection technologies, has announced the launch of the i-Claw, a robotic, Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV)-deployable system engineered to perform critical I-tube weld inspections on subsea assets.
The i-Claw was developed as a key part of an asset life extension project, specifically tailored to address the unique challenges of inspecting heavy-walled risers and complex material types in harsh subsea environments.
By combining robotic deployment with advanced Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing (PAUT) and Time of Flight Diffraction (TOFD), the system is capable of delivering accurate and repeatable weld integrity assessments. Its custom-configured PAUT and TOFD capabilities provide exceptional precision in detecting and accurately sizing weld flaws and cracks.
This level of precision enables operators to make more informed decisions, significantly reducing inspection uncertainty and, ultimately, extending the operational life of critical subsea infrastructure. The i-Claw represents a notable advancement in Sonomatic’s ongoing mission to provide specialized, high-performance inspection solutions for the offshore energy sector.
