What's New At Saab Seaeye (2012)
 

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14 May 2012

LAS VEGAS IN LUCK

Fears that Las Vegas could run dry are allayed with news that a connection to a new reliable water source is on schedule with a key phase finished this March.

Years of drought have halved the capacity of the lake supplying the desert city, with the threat that the water level could fall below the intake pipe by 2013.

For over two years the race has been on to connect a new tunnel deep through the bottom of Lake Mead, America’s largest reservoir, in a bid to keep fresh water flowing to the city’s two million inhabitants.

Accuracy came down to millimetres when setting the multi-ton inlet structure into the hole blasted through the lake floor ready for the tunnel being dug three miles from the shore.

Helping achieve this pinpoint accuracy, 375 feet deep in the lake, was a Falcon ROV, the smallest underwater vehicle in the Saab Seaeye range.

Operated by AUS Diving for main contractor Vegas Tunnel Constructors, the Falcon helped AUS in the tricky task of making a hole in the lake floor and installing the inlet structure.

Lowering the Falcon into Lake Mead is Kelvin Magee, the pilot technician responsible for the project throughout

AUS Diving's vice president, Kerry Donohue was impressed that the Falcon has performed tirelessly underwater for over two years, working three to four hours, virtually every day, including a stretch of 12 days, for 24 hours a day. And the company has not lost a moment of time due to the reliability of the Falcon.

"Operating at over 300 feet for long periods we had to try and do without divers," he explains, "and we found that with proper planning most tasks can be accomplished by the ROV without diver intervention."

They used the Falcon for a range of key tasks including positioning explosive charges, overviewing rock and sediment removal, monitoring the precise location of the new inlet structure and securing the unit in place.

Placing explosives

He describes how the precise placing of explosive charges on the lake floor - specially shaped to focus the explosive energy for blasting through the rock - was critical. By using sonar on board the Falcon, AUS Diving was able to monitor the lowering of the frame that held the charges ready to be set down like rows of bowling pins.

Shows explosive frame ready to be lowered and accurately positioned using sonar on board the Falcon

With three blasts a day turning the lake into a pea soup of sediment, the sonar was the only way to check the accurate positioning of the explosive setting frame.

The objective was to create a hole, 30m square and 25m deep, in which a new inlet structure would be secured in concrete.

During the excavation of rock and sediment, the Falcon stayed on the lake floor from where the AUS operators could watch the airlift process through the ROV’s Sonar.

And whenever the airlift blocked and needed ramrod clearing, the operator would send the Falcon over to check that the pipe was free, ready for the evacuation process to continue.

When a clam bucket was needed to lift larger rocks, the ROV also became the eyes of the bucket operator to check that the jaws were open and the operating cables were correctly aligned.

And when a chisel hammer used in the rock breaking process was lost, the Falcon tracked it down.

Millimetre positioning of 75 tons

A vital and challenging task was the exact positioning of the 75 ton guide frame to be set into the lake floor, ready for precisely locating the 1,100 ton inlet structure.

Accuracy to just 76mm (three inches) was needed to position the frame so that the tunnel would find and correctly align with the inlet structure after burrowing for three miles.

To set the precise location of the frame, four buoys were attached by steel cables to the lakebed and later cut free by the Falcon when the task was complete.

The Falcon checking the cement pouring system

To check the exact GPS location a plumb bob was lowered from the surface into pockets from where its exact position inside the pockets was verified by the Falcon.

The ROV also placed and recovered a gyro compass on both the landing frame and levelling structure where it was used to check three dimensional accuracy.

Levelling the frame was also critical. Here the operator used the ROV to watch the levelling bubble as adjustments were made.

During the process of laying cement inside the frame, the ROV watched over the task to ensure that the concrete was filling correctly and level.

AUS Diving has a fleet of three Falcons. They chose this model because it is small enough to be easily manhandled into the water from shore or boat, even a RIB, yet is powerful enough to hold steady and operate in strong cross currents and quickly change tooling and sensors of all kinds.

Rapid tool change comes from the Falcon’s intelligent ‘plug-and-go’ electronics that allow up to 128 different devices to be fitted, including extra cameras, lights, tracking system, manipulator and sonar, plus the option of adding special tooling on a removable skid.

For survey work its low electrical and acoustic noise signature allows for optimum survey sensor data. AUS used a Kongsberg Mesotech system. The image sonar head being mounted vertically for horizontal application and a profiler head mounted horizontally for vertical applications. Both heads can be operated simultaneously. AUS also has a standalone Kongsberg multi-beam sonar survey system.

The new tunnel project, costing a total of $700 million, will allow Southern Nevada Water Authority to draw better quality water from a deeper location in the lake that supplies nearly half of the city’s fresh water.

Fed by the Rocky Mountains, Lake Mead has a surface area of 250 square miles, with the Hoover Dam at one end and a number of marinas dotted along the shoreline, and is a designated national recreation area.

AUS Diving is a commercial dive company based in Washington and provides diving services, underwater construction, sonar services, pipeline inspection, and dams and bridges services.

Vegas Tunnel Constructors is a joint venture between Italian-based Impregilo and their subsidiary, S A Healy Company, formed in 1923 and a leading American tunnel and heavy construction contractor.

Saab Seaeye is the world's largest manufacturer and market leader in electric ROV systems, and provider of autonomous and hybrid underwater vehicles. Markets include offshore energy, defence forces, marine science and hydro-engineering.

For more information contact:

Dave Grant
Saab Seaeye Limited
+44 (0)1489 898 000

www.seaeye.com

Kerry Donohue
AUS Diving
+1 509 533 6500

www.ausdiving.com

28 April 2012

SMART ROV TOOLS SAFEGUARD ENVIRONMENT

Checking for residual fuel in a 70 year-old sunken wreck without opening the tanks and risking an environmental catastrophe needed a clever solution.

The ingenious answer came from Global Diving and Salvage who created a unique sampling system that is mounted on a Saab Seaeye Cougar XT ROV and can penetrate a sealed container and extract a sample without creating a leak point.

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Global's unique sampling tool system with suction cups fitted to the Cougar

They were contracted by the United States Coastguard to determine if oil was present aboard the S.S. Montebello, a tanker torpedoed in 1941 off the coast of California.

During their investigations Global fitted-out the Cougar with a range of tools to perform 3D modelling, sonar inspection, thickness gauging, a backscatter investigation, the physical sampling of the ship's fuel tanks and sediment sampling of the general area.

To prepare for the assessment, Global first had to clean off areas of the surface, which meant removing over 70 years of debris. For this process they used the Cougar's power and tooling capability to clear the tank with a wire wheel and barnacle buster fitted to the manipulator arms.

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Global's ROV control cabin

A Tracerco neutron backscatter system was used to help determine the likelihood of oil in the wreck's cargo holds. This backscatter tool is a non-invasive contents-sensing device, something like an x-ray that emits neutron particles capable of passing through insulation material and carbon steel to determine the presence of content. It was mounted on a skid attached to the ROV and integrated with the vehicle's control package. The ROV's powerful and responsive thrusters held the system steady whilst the backscatter operation was carried out.

Due to depth of water - 275 metres (900 feet) - and the potential risk of leakage of the tank contents, the development of Global's unique sampling tool system to extract a sample was paramount to the success of the operation. The innovative feature meant that when the hole was drilled through the tank and a sample taken, the hole was then sealed - all in one leak-proof operation without fittings or valves.

click image to enlarge

Neutron back-scatter tool fitted on Global's specially developed skid

The success of this procedure required the reliability and capability of the Cougar's hydraulic tooling package; for once the sampling operation is underway, a breakdown or glitch can be disastrous. It was essential that the sampling system was held steady by the ROV's responsive power and suction cups whilst the sample was taken and the surface sealed.

The happy outcome of the mission was to discover that no oil was present in the wreck and that it offers no threat to the ecological environment.

Saab Seaeye is the world's largest manufacturer and market leader in electric ROV systems, and provider of autonomous and hybrid underwater vehicles. Markets include offshore energy, defence forces, marine science and hydro-engineering.

Global Diving & Salvage is the largest diving contractor on the west coast of The United States and a leading provider of marine construction, casualty response and offshore support services worldwide.

For more information contact:

Dave Grant
Saab Seaeye Limited
+44 (0)1489 898 000

www.seaeye.com

Frank Immel
Global Diving & Salvage Inc
+01 206 623 0621

www.gdiving.com

27 February 2012

BLACK FALCON TO SHED LIGHT UNDER SEA ICE

Tiny algae that colonise the underside of the Antarctic sea ice play a big part in the health of Southern Ocean ecosystems.

These microalgae absorb large amounts of carbon dioxide by converting it into sugars and oxygen, using the energy of sunlight.

Krill - an important food source for many creatures

They also kick-start the Southern Ocean food chain as the staple diet of krill - a shrimp-like crustacean - that is itself an important food source for many creatures, including whales, seals, squid, penguins and sea birds.

Checking out the distribution of the sea ice algae is a task of the Antarctic Climate & Ecosystems Cooperative Research Centre (ACE) sea ice research group, with the help of a Saab Seaeye Fibre Optic Falcon ROV in black livery fitted with camera and LED lights.

Black was chosen for the casing, rather than the usual yellow, to avoid reflected sunlight affecting the bio-optical measurements taken by an upward facing light sensor that will be fitted to the vehicle.

The sensor measures the effect of the pigmented algae on the underwater colour spectrum and reveals the amount of algae present in the ice.

By using an ROV for such data gathering, rather than traditional ice core sampling, the ACE scientists expect to collect more accurate data about changes in the algal population than has previously been possible.

Until now, core sampling has restricted data collection to a single narrow point where the sample was extracted.

This has led to Antarctic sea ice algae being poorly understood, despite being an important early season food source at the base of the Antarctic marine food web. Using the easily deployed Falcon ROV to roam under the ice in 300 metre sectors means that more widespread and representative data can be gathered, and collection will be much faster than the usual coring method, thereby saving valuable ship time in difficult conditions.

The under-ice krill population will also be filmed by the ROV's onboard video camera to help better understand the relationships between the sea ice, ice algae and this key Antarctic species.

The black Falcon

High quality filming and light measurements are possible due to five powerful thrusters that hold the Falcon steady in strong cross currents and make it highly manoeuvrable in all directions

With over 260 sold world-wide, the Saab Seaeye Falcon has a long record of working at difficult tasks in hostile conditions using highly complex instrumentation and tooling. It was supplied and will be supported by Saab Seaeye's Australian distributor, ATSA Defence Services based in NSW.

Its role will be vital in helping the Antarctic team understand the marine ecological processes of the sea ice, which forms a vast skin across the ocean. The sea ice ranges from a centimetre to a metre or two thick and plays a pivotal role in the global climate whilst acting as an important floating habitat for marine birds, mammals and microalgae.

The Antarctic Climate & Ecosystems Cooperative Research Centre (ACE) is a multidisciplinary partnership that provides science, knowledge and understanding to help Australia meet the challenges of climate change. It is ACE's role to investigate the critical scientific uncertainties that limit the way Australia and the global community can respond to the impacts of these changes.

Saab Seaeye is the world's largest manufacturer and market leader in electric ROV systems, and provider of autonomous and hybrid underwater vehicles. Markets include offshore energy, defence forces, marine science and hydro-engineering.

ATSA Defence Services is the NSW Australian-based distributor for Saab Seaeye and provider of support services for industry and government globally.

For more information contact:

Klaus Meiners
Antarctic Climate & Ecosystems Cooperative Research Centre
+61 3 62267201

www.acecrc.org.au

Dave Grant
Saab Seaeye Limited
+44 (0)1489 898 000

www.seaeye.com

Andrew Roth
ATSA Defence Services
+612 4964 3500

www.atsa.com.au

12 February 2012

Sabertooth

Double-hulled Sabertooth AUV/ROV

The new double-hulled version of the Sabertooth offers twice the operational duration of the single-hulled Sabertooth launched last year.

The unique Sabertooth concept combines the technologies of both AUV and ROV into a single unified resource.

The result is a vehicle with the range and manoeuvrability of an AUV and the tooling capability of a light-work ROV.

Three operational modes are possible: autonomous roaming; attached fibre-optic cable; and umbilical for power and communications.

With a typical duration of more than 14 hours and depth rated option to 3000 metres, it can embark on either long range programmable missions or under operator control around set targets, with obstacle avoidance and precise manoeuvrability, including working down deep tunnels or inside complex structures where its 360 degree manoeuvrability allows it to orientate into any position ? even directly up or down.

And in places where access is seasonally restricted, it can remain underwater for a year at an isolated location ready to be deployed as needed. Tooling packs can be stored at its docking station; batteries can be re-charged, data and video downloaded and fresh instructions uploaded.

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Panther XT Plus

Panther XT Plus

In an addition to the successful Panther work ROV range, the Panther XT Plus sees a breakthrough in power management that has created a vehicle with 50 per cent more power.

Fitted with ten powerful thrusters it can swim 30 per cent faster than any other electric work ROV in its class.

And this unrivalled thruster power means that the Panther XT Plus can maintain position whilst working in strong currents greater than 4 knots.

For an operator, this exceptional number of thrusters also offers a reassuringly high level of redundancy.

The significantly increased payload, along with a re-designed frame, offers more heavy-duty power and space for fitting a greater range of tools and sensors, including industry standard seven function position feedback manipulators.

Having the work class capability of a small hydraulic work ROV, the Panther XT Plus, offers a considerably lower cost of ownership, including a need for a quarter less deck space than an equivalent hydraulic vehicle and fewer crew.

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Cougar XT Compact

Cougar XT Compact

A compact version of the successful Cougar range has been created to minimise the effect of current, making it an ideal vehicle for operation in high currents and shallow waters.

The result is an ROV with a reduced frame size, buoyancy and weight. A thinner 17mm tether also minimises drag. Overall, the compact design has the highest thrust to weight ratio in its class.

The Cougar XT's unrivalled power and manoeuvrability comes from six thrusters: four vectored horizontal thrusters and two vertical thrusters. Each has velocity feedback for precise control in all directions and is interfaced to a fast-acting control system and solid-state gyro for enhanced azimuth stability.

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Falcon with skid

Falcon

With over 260 Falcon ROVs in use around the globe, the Falcon's success has come from being small enough to manhandle into the water, yet powerful enough to hold steady in strong cross currents and operate tooling of all kinds.

Its trusted design is packed with technological innovations such as intelligent 'plug-and-go' electronics for rapid role-change during operations. This means that up to 128 different devices can be fitted, including extra cameras, lights, tracking system, manipulator and sonar, plus the option of adding special tooling on a removable skid.

For survey work, the Falcon has the advantage of a low electrical and acoustic noise signature that allows for optimum survey sensor data.

Its unrivalled manoeuvrability comes from five brushless DC thrusters with velocity feedback for precise and rapid control in all directions.

Saab Seaeye is the world's largest manufacturer and market leader in electric ROV systems, and provider of autonomous and hybrid underwater vehicles. Markets include offshore energy, defence forces, marine science and hydro engineering.

For more information contact:

Dave Grant
Saab Seaeye Limited
+44 (0)1489 898 000

www.seaeye.com

09 January 2012

TEN MORE FALCONS TO RUSSIA

Ten more Saab Seaeye Falcon ROVs have been ordered by Russia's JSC Tetis Pro, bringing the total sold into the Russian Federation to 24 - and more are planned.

"Nothing matches the Falcon," says Head of ROV at Tetis, Dmitry Voytov. "It is small and mobile, yet powerful and simple to use."

He also likes that it can be quickly deployed for many different tasks. "Various tooling skids can be added and changed as needed, and upgrading is easy.

It can also work in the most demanding conditions and in powerful currents, despite its compact size."

Most of the ten ordered will be used for civil defence emergencies and dealing with the consequences of natural disasters.

They will be installed aboard search and rescue vessels, ready to survey for objects using multi-beam sonar.

Two will also go to EMERCOM - the Russian Centre of Preparation to be deployed aboard a Russian Naval vessel.

Earlier Falcons have been used in a wide variety of roles across Russia, explains Dmitry Voytov, including survey andinspection work; icebreaker support work where they are fitted with a detachable five-stage manipulator skid for light work tasks; preparing underwater cargo ready for lifting; undertaking pipeline free-span monitoring; carrying out mine detection prior to pipe-laying; marine biology work; and deployment within the Russian Navy.

He says they were used during failure of the Sayano-Shushenkaya hydro-electric power plant; and helped to recover victims when the Bulgaria sank and when an aircraft crashed in Teletckoe lake.

"Quick reaction is often essential, which is why we need, small, mobile systems that can be thrown into whatever area of operation is needed."

With over 260 Falcon ROVs in use around the globe, its success has come from being small enough to manhandle into the water, yet powerful enough to hold steady in strong cross currents and operate tooling of all kinds.

Its trusted design is packed with technological innovations such as intelligent 'plug-and-go' electronics for rapid role-change during operations - which means that up to 128 different devices can be fitted, including extra cameras, lights, tracking system, manipulator and sonar, plus the option of adding special tooling on a removable skid.

For survey work, the Seaeye Falcon has the advantage of a low electrical and acoustic noise signature that allows for optimum survey sensor data.

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Deep-rated Falcon - compact yet powerful enough to handle a range of tooling skids

Its unrivalled manoeuvrability comes from five brushless DC thrusters with velocity feedback for precise and rapid control in all directions.

Half of the Falcons ordered by Tetis this time round are the Falcon DR, deep rated to 1000 metres, and others the standard 300 metre rated Falcon.

Dmitry Voytov says that the small size of the Falcon is no restriction on its work in difficult conditions, or the large spectrum of equipment that can be fitted.

"It is a workhorse that can cope with practically any underwater task for its size, with no other vehicle of its small class coming anywhere near in price to the Falcon," he concludes.

JSC Tetis Pro is the largest company in Russia specialising in the design and manufacture of diving and subsea equipment for commercial, military and search and rescue operations.

Saab Seaeye is the world's largest manufacturer and market leader in electric ROV systems, and provider of autonomous and hybrid underwater vehicles. Markets include offshore energy, defence forces, marine science and hydro-engineering.

For more information contact:

Dmitry Voytov
JSC Tetis Pro
+7 495 786 98 56

www.tetis-pro.ru

Dave Grant
Saab Seaeye Limited
+44 (0)1489 898 000

www.seaeye.com