Subsea line monitoring device
A subsea line monitoring device includes a diagnostic unit adapted to be deployed, in use, in a subsea location and having a first connector, the diagnostic unit being operable, in use, to output a signal indicative of the integrity of a line or device connected to the first connector. The subsea line monitoring device may be deployed on a long term or permanent basis at the subsea location.
1. A subsea line monitoring device comprising a diagnostic unit adapted to be deployed on a long term or permanent basis, in use, in a subsea location and having a first connector, the diagnostic unit being operable, in use, to output a signal indicative of the integrity of a line or device connected on a long term or permanent basis to the first connector.
2. A subsea line monitoring device according to claim 1 and adapted to permit operation thereof in such a manner as to allow continued operation of the line or device to which the monitoring device is connected on a long term or permanent basis whilst the diagnostic unit monitors the integrity thereof.
3. A subsea line monitoring device according to claim 1 , wherein the diagnostic unit further includes a second connector.
4. A subsea line monitoring device according to claim 3 , wherein the diagnostic unit is further operable to output a signal indicative of the integrity of a line or device connected on a long term or permanent basis to the second connector.
5. A subsea line monitoring device according to claim 3 , wherein the first and second connectors are electrically interconnected so as to permit the transmission of power and/or signals therebetween.
6. A subsea line monitoring device according to claim 3 , further comprising a cable connecting the second connector to the diagnostic unit.
7. A subsea line monitoring device according to claim 1 , wherein the diagnostic unit is provided with an internal power supply.
8. A subsea line monitoring device according to claim 6 , wherein the internal power supply comprises a re-chargeable battery.
9. A subsea line monitoring device according to claim 1 , wherein the diagnostic device includes a display wherein the output signal can be output.
10. A subsea line monitoring device according to claim 1 , further comprising transmission means whereby the output signal can be transmitted to a remote location.
11. A subsea line monitoring device according to claim 10 , wherein the transmission means is an electromagnetic or hydro-acoustic transmission means.
12. A subsea line monitoring device according to claim 1 , further comprising memory means for storing the output signal.
13. A subsea line monitoring device according to claim 1 , wherein the diagnostic unit is operable to sense an earth leakage or line insulation resistance status of the line(s) or device(s).
14. A subsea line monitoring device according to claim 1 , wherein the diagnostic unit incorporates Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR) functionality in order to help identify the precise location of a sensed fault.
15. A subsea line monitoring device according to claim 1 , wherein the diagnostic unit is operable to sense one or more electrical parameters of the line(s) or device(s).
16. A subsea line monitoring device according to claim 15 , wherein the sensed electrical parameter is selected from a list comprising impedance, voltage, current and/or power.