First-Time Implementation of Innovative In situ Biotechnology on an Offshore Platform in Arabian Gulf for Continuous Water Quality Monitoring and Early Leak Detection
Authors: Blanc P. , Ducastel B. , Cazin J. , Al Blooshi M. , Al Dhaheri S. S. , Al Marzooqi M. H. , Maneux E. , Ciret P. , Sow M. , Massabuau J.-C. 
Published: November 2017

We present first-time ever implementation of an innovative biomonitoring technology (High-Frequency Non-Invasive Valvometry) on an offshore oil producing platform located in the Arabian Gulf (TOTAL Abu Al Bukhoosh - UAE). This technology is unique; it is a tool allowing continuous in situ monitoring of water quality and detection of hydrocarbons at extremely low levels. This constitutes a key step in responsible management to minimize environmental footprint through the development of an advanced technology for operational use.

This technology, developed by CNRS and University of Bordeaux (France), previously tested in a Research & Development program by TOTAL in laboratory, artificial outdoor river streams, and coastal sites, uses bivalves equipped with micro-electrodes recording their opening and closing activity. The latter is interpreted in terms of natural behavior and reaction to stressors. For offshore implementation, a Technical Committee with contributors from all technical departments was established, in order to identify and resolve all operational constraints and issues. The emblematic local pearl oyster Pinctada radiata was selected, and an agreement with the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi enabled appropriate local species collection and preparation.

Effective leadership and strong involvement and collaboration of all technical departments in Abu Dhabi and France were key component in achieving success. All technical issues were assessed: HSE, technological safety, logistics, construction, IT, maintenance, metocean data…. Pearl oysters were collected and equipped with electromagnets at the Al Mirfa oyster farm with the support of the Environment Agency of Abu Dhabi. The installation solution adopted consists of valvometers (with multiparameter water probes to measure water temperature, oxygen content, and chlorophyll a), positioned along a suspension cable under the platform and securely moored at seafloor and platform structure. This solution avoids the use of divers (hence reducing both costs and safety risks), and allows easy equipment removal if needed. Crane and 1.3T deadweight were used to install the equipment and ensure mooring. Installation of two valvometers and two water probes was successfully completed in April 2017, before seawater reached a high temperature, to avoid mortality of oysters when manipulated. Valvometers and water probes are installed close to the seabed (-26m water depth) and in the water column (-10m water depth).

The system is planned to run until March 2018. Preliminary results are shown and demonstrate that this technology is operationally viable for in-situ continuous water quality monitoring in a real industrial context such as an offshore oil producing platform. Natural biological rhythms of pearl oysters Pinctata radiata are well reconstructed from HFNI Valvometry data (circadian and circatidal cycles), while changes in water quality can be observed from valvometry bar codes data logs and animals' growth rate indices. Year-round data acquisition and capture will data to be generated to give a detailed characterization of oysters' behavior for biomonitoring purpose. As a result, a step change in environmental monitoring solutions for O&G industry is expected to come from this new technology and approach.