Radar Interferometry-Based Monitoring of Displacement and Deformation in Offshore Platforms (Case Study: Salman Platform)

Structures and offshore platforms are among the most crucial facilities for oil and gas extraction, playing a significant role in meeting the ever-increasing global energy demand. Monitoring the health of these structures not only ensures their operational efficiency throughout their lifespan but also allows for timely corrective actions such as repairs and strengthening, thereby extending their operational life. In this research, we aim to investigate the geometric deformations of the Salman offshore platform complex using satellite interferometry radar and Sentinel-1 synthetic aperture radar imagery. In the study area, two main challenges exist: topographic data modeling and atmospheric correction. To overcome the first challenge, an elevation model of the Salman platforms was created using radar interferometry techniques and available vector data, serving as input for the atmospheric correction stage. To address atmospheric corrections, the phase delay associated with the atmosphere was divided into two parts: the ionosphere and troposphere. In the ionosphere section, the total electron content was extracted from satellite-based position determination station data, and the phase delay associated with it was calculated and subtracted from the initial phase. For the tropospheric phase delay, precipitable water vapor data from the MODIS sensor were utilized and combined within a unified framework to calculate the phase delay. The results showed that the Salman platform complex experienced approximately a 12-centimeter subsidence from October 30, 2017, to April 2, 2023, equivalent to around 2.21 centimeters per year. This subsidence affected an average of 8 platforms within this complex.