An ROV is an underwater robot that can be operated from the surface(quay side, rig vessel)
The total ROV system consists of the vehicle itself, the surface control unit and the umbilical
cable through which it communicates between the two, a launching system and the power
supplies for the various parts of the system.
The umbilical cable can be deployed straight from the surface to the vehicle or through a
TMS(Tether Management System) and is used for passing control signals to the vehicle and
status and sensory data to the surface control.
OBSERVATION ROVs.
Specification:
Observation-visual inspection.
No extra payload (less than 300meters) (Power Range is above 10hp)
This is about the most commonly used ROV. It is basically a camera with a propulsion
system built around it.Typical use for this type is the visual inspection of underwater
structures and/or reconnaissance work(wreck sites etc)
Slightly bigger versions of the observation ROV can handle small payloads such as certain
probes or an acoustic transponder for accurate positioning. Typical uses for this type are
underwater inspection of platforms and pipeline. It can be equipped with camera. CP probes
and various other specialist tools. Commonly used for touchdown monitoring in sub marine
pipe-cable lay projects and valve operations on seabed templates.
LIGHT WORK ROV
Specification:
Electric ROC
Observation-Light work.
Moderate payload (up to 3000meters) (Power Range is above 20hp)
A bigger and more powerful ROV that is capable of conducting some slightly heavier tasks
by being able to carry more payload, generally equipped with a (single) manipulator.
Typical uses of this type are underwater inspection of platforms and pipelines. It can be
equipped with camera CP probes and various other specialist tools.
PICTURE OF LIGHT WORK CLASS ROV
The disadvantage it has when compared to the observation class ROV is that it is bigger (
and has therefore difficult access between platform and/or template tubing, the advantage
is that it is a lot more powerful, can carry more payload and is capable of holding station in
more turbulent waters. the light work ROV is also commonly used for touchdown
monitoring in submarine pipe- and cable lay projects and value operations on subsea
templates.
WORK CLASS ROV
Specification
Electro/Hydraulic Work class
Light/ Medium heavy work
Medium payload (above 2000meters) (Power Range is above 100hp)
With their large payload capacity and their great power these are the true work horses
among the ROVs and most commonly used in subsea construction work. Mostly equipped
with at least one but more often two manipulators they can be used for a variety of tasks
ranging from seabed reconnaissance to placing and removing sand or gravel bags on the
seabed.
PICTURE OF WORK CLASS ROV
Basically the work class ROVs can be used for any kind of ROV work imaginable (some
can even be equipped with a cable trenching sled for burying sub marine cable) the only
restrictions lay in size of the vehicle which makesit difficult or even impossible to move into
confined spaces. Obviously these big boys are not always the most logical choice from an
economic point of view.
DIVE PROCEDURE
The following procedure is typically followed prior to each dive
The vessel bridge crew will be given a dive position(indicated on a color monitor) showing
the vessel position relative to the proposed dive position. The dive position will normally be
approximately 50m from the intended start location would include at least a 20m overlap or
start at a specific recognizable point e.g. an anode on a pipeline.
The vessel will set up over the start position on a heading dependent upon the prevailing
weather conditions and the intended direction of survey. A lee will be provided on one side
to enable the ROV to be deployed.
As the vessel is setting up, the ROV and the survey crew will prepare for the dive. The on
line surveyor will prepare a parameters dump to enable the computer set up to be checked.
This includes checking that the correct surface navigation has been selected. Checklists will
be used to ensure that all selected equipment is operating satisfactorily.
Once the vessel is positioned and all parties ready for the survey, the ROV will be launched
over the vessel’s side by the dedicated crane and then descended to the seabed.
On the ROV descent the vessels DP reference system (HiPAP,HPR or similar) will be selected
to lock-on to the ROV.
During ROV operations and particularly during launch and Recovery, the safety regulations
shall be strictly adhere
ROTV/TOW FISH OPERATIONS
The setting up procedure of the vessel is the same as for an ROV, but with a longer run-in to
the start of line dependent on the water depth(tow fish layback)
The tow fish will be launched and recovered over the stern using crane or an A frame. Three
persons are necessary for the operation and a close cooperation between them is
required.The persons allocated to the towfish is responsible for the coordination between
the crane. A frame and winch operators. A piece of rope, 3-4m long, maybe attached to the
fish allowing the co-cordinator to reduce pending of fish by holding the rope during
recovery.
After deployment of the fish the vessel will proceed towards the start of line while cable is
being paid out until the fish is at the proper height above seabed (10-15% of sonar range) at
desired survey speed. The fish shall be in the proper height and if possible,taking current
and layback into consideration, within +20m from the survey line prior to start of survey
