D7 DyeTector ®

Subsea leak, dye and cement detection system

  • Rhodamine, Fluorescein or Ultraviolet dye detection

  • Focused beam and filtered high intensity LEDs

  • Light amplification and photon detection technology

  • 6000m standard depth rating

The DyeTector is a state of the art subsea leak and dye detector. High-power LED light is focused through lenses and filters to create a concentrated beam that is tuned to a specific wavelength to cause maximum fluorescence of the dye. Detection electronics employ clever light amplification technology to amplify even the smallest amounts of fluorescence from the agitated dye molecules.

The powerful ROV mounted D7 DyeTector uses a new technology capable of detecting single photons of light, which enables it to detect down to single digit parts per billion of dye dissolved in water. This makes it ideal for detecting the very smallest of leaks or dye dosed cement. The same technology is found in the diver held D9 DyeTector, a self-contained unit with integral detection display.

Advanced ambient light suppression technology allows the DyeTector to be used in high levels of background light and also means the ROV’s lights do not need to be turned off.

Subsea infrastructure

A DyeTector may be used to detect leaks from subsea infrastructure such as manifolds, wellheads or pipelines if a suitable dye has been added to the infrastructure fluids. Pipeline or flow line pressure testing can be monitored by the DyeTector if dye impregnated fluids are used.

Cement detection

A DyeTector may also be used during casing cementing operations to detect cement returns if a tracer dye is added to either the seawater spacer or to the cement itself. Unlike pH meters which rely upon the cement passing over them, a DyeTector can detect cement from a distance of several metres depending on the concentration of dye.

Detection dyes

Versions of the DyeTector are designed to detect several types of dye or fluid in addition to C-Dye 530 (Rhodamine) and C-Dye 370 (Ultraviolet) including:

  • Rhodamine dyes such as B275, RX9022, Pelagic 100 Pink

  • Fluorescein dyes such as HW443, HW540P, Oceanic Yellow LTF

  • Ultraviolet dyes such as RX9026E, Pelagic 100, Champion Cleardye, Castrol HT2

A new D7 DyeTector has also been developed to detect C-Dye ECO, our latest biodegradable dye.