Deployment machines

At a glance

• Allows you to deploy instruments from your vessel with maximum performance
• Optimised for Ranger 2 USBL (including HPT modem configurations), Marksman LUSBL, Modem and Sentinel IDS systems
• Choice of through-hull, through-tube and over-the-side designs
• Global track record on all types of vessel: new build and retrofit
• Options for permanent or short term installations on vessel-of-opportunity

Overview

Through-hull

Designed for the deployment of our range of USBL and modem transceivers (including Gyro USBL) and Sentinel IDS sonar heads, our through-hull machine provides survey grade rigidity for use with USBL systems up to seven knots (total through water speed) with the ability to survive short duration exposure to higher speeds.

The machine consists of an electronically controlled but hydraulically operated pole running through a sealed bearing section. A service section (or sea chest) is provided with inspection door to allow fitting and servicing access to the transceiver or sonar head. It is designed to fit on to DN350 and DN500 gate valves however, other gate valves are also supported.

The machine can be controlled from a main control panel or locally at the machine. A bridge control is also available as an option. Hydraulic control of the gate valve is provided as an option. The hydraulic power pack and main control can be mounted remotely if the machine is to be configured for Zone 1 Ex rated classification.

Where the pole is required to be longer than three metres, or where operational water currents may reach 10 knots (total through water speed), the pole must be installed using our heavy duty installation requirements.

The standard machine can be configured to the meet individual vessel requirements by changing its height and providing adaptor flanges for different size or specification gate valves. We can provide detailed application advice on positioning, installing and commissioning your machine.

Over-the-side

Our modular, over-the-side deployment machine is for vessels where through-hull deployment is not available or practical, or where a temporary installation is required on a vessel-of-opportunity. The design still provides survey grade rigidity without the high cost of dry docking and fitting a gate valve. It can work at operational speeds of up to five knots without degrading USBL positioning performance and has a short survival speed mode of up to ten knots.

Based on a pivoting sectional pole, the system can be supplied with either a hull or deck mount for the pivot, depending on the vessel arrangement. A brace/lock assembly positioned near the water line and three or four pole sections bolted together to form the arm so the transceiver on the end of the arm is positioned below the hull by at least 1.5 metres. The lower portions of the sectional pole have vortex-shedding strakes to mitigate against vibration and drag which can reduce performance.

The system is not limited to deploying Sonardyne instruments. We can custom engineer adapters for the end of the pole to accommodate third-party sensors.

Through-tube

Popular on very large vessels including drilling rigs, our through-tube deployment machine consists of a scalable pole and a self-contained hydraulic clamping system. The machine sits on a gate valve which in turn is mounted on the flange of a through hull penetration pipe.

The ideal deployed length is dependent on your particular application, but it is best to minimise the deployed pole length to achieve a specified acoustic performance. Typically, this is between one and three metres below the hull. The pole is very rugged and is designed to be highly resistant to vibration caused by vortex shedding. Operational speeds of up to five knots through the water may be achieved safely with the ability to survive short, survival, duration exposure to speeds of up to ten knots.

We provide detailed application advice on positioning, installing and commissioning the machine. The sea chest, when the gate valve is closed, provides easy access to the retracted transceiver or sonar for service and inspection purposes. The gate valve also allows the machine to be removed without dry docking. An optional hydraulic drive for the valve is available.

The machine can be controlled from a main control panel or locally at the machine. A bridge control is also available as an option. The hydraulic power pack and main control can be mounted remotely if the machine is to be configured for Zone 1 classification. The standard form of machine can be simply configured to the meet individual vessel requirements by changing the height of the machine and providing adaptor flanges for different size or specification gate valves.

For specialist or demanding applications, please contact us to discuss your specific requirements.