It is recorded that the Houston-based Astro Technology Inc. and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has cooperated and developed a new fiber optic monitoring system this year on two oil platforms offshore West Africa.

The new system Tendon Tension Monitoring System (TTMS) utilizes a fiber optic strain gauge system and a series of sensor clamps to measure the tension on subsea risers and pipelines. It is installed in March on two platforms at the Okume complex for Hess Corporation’s subsidiary Hess-Equatorial Guinea.

According to Nasa, the system can sense any stresses along the platform's four legs and streams the data in real time, allowing operators to make alterations required to maintain platform's stability.

During the offshore research, the team attached 16 clamps to two separate drill platforms by commercial divers, using fiber optic cables to send real-time data streaming to a control room on each drill platform.

Astro Technology is specialized in instrumentation and monitoring technologies with a focus on real-time fiber optic sensory systems for oil and gas, has successfully used fiber optic monitoring systems at depths of up to 7,500 feet. This technology was developed as a result of a space Act Agreement, which permits NASA to partner with outside organizations to bring NASA expertise, assets or information to a wide community. Space Act Agreement, which date back to 1958, allows NASA to work with a broad spectrum of partners from all public and private sector discipline, according to NASA’s website.

Nasa chief technologist, Mason Peck, said: "What we learn from testing this technology on the oil platforms will benefit a broad range of terrestrial and space applications, and shows Nasa's technology investments support America's future in space and improve our lives here on Earth."

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