XYZ Engineering Ltd. specialises in underwater inspections and ROV surveys, delivering reliable and accurate results even in challenging conditions around Ireland and Northern Ireland. Water visibility is a major constraint when carrying out an ROV or dive survey. In poor visibility, it is not possible to maintain a target and particularly easy to become disorientated. One of our key tools to address this is a Multibeam Imaging Sonar (MBIS). This significantly expands our ability to conduct our surveys even in water with low visibility such as estuaries where much of Ireland’s and Northern Ireland’s Port infrastructure is found – Shannon Foynes, Cork, Dublin, Belfast, Waterford, Drogheda, Rosslare, Greenore and Warrenpoint.
Applications of MBIS in Modern ROV Surveys
Multibeam Imaging Sonar (MBIS) are a significant advancement in ROV survey technology. Most ROVs and Underwater Drones are incapable of surveying in low visibility environments. MBIS uses multiple beams to create a comprehensive and live acoustic image of the underwater environment. This provides the Inspection Engineers with a top down view of what is in front of the ROV with a range up to 100 m. A brief explanation by Mike Broadbent from Tritech is provided here.
Our multibeam imaging sonar opens up a wide range of locations that we can deploy our ROV around Ireland. Potential beneficiaries are port operators, search and rescue teams, and agencies involved in narcotics interception.
For port operators, a multibeam imaging sonar will aid in the routine inspection of underwater infrastructure. It can assess the presence and location of anodes, if structural members are missing, and if there is hazardous debris on the seabed. This sonar will help provide an image even in murky waters and the instantaneous refresh rate facilitates navigation of the ROV to get a visual.
Multibeam imaging sonars can be used in search and rescue operations to rapidly scan large areas and identify objects or anomalies on the seabed.
Our MBIS system is equipped with dual-band technology. This allows us to toggle between two frequencies: one for greater range with lower resolution, and another for shorter range with higher resolution. This flexibility is particularly useful in adapting to different survey conditions. Our MBIS system allow us to ‘see’ acoustically up to 100 m from the ROV. The successful integration of this hardware into our ROV’s computer has been a step change in our capabilities and opens up our services to even the most challenging environments.
Case Study: Lock Gate Inspection In Low Visibility
During a recent project inspecting a lock gate, XYZ Engineering Ltd. supplemented our inspection with the use of an MBIS. The MBIS provided continuous and clear acoustic imaging for best in class situational awareness and efficiency for the survey.
Even when currents displaced or disoriented the ROV, the MBIS maintained a persistent acoustic visual on the target. Where the camera only provided a max range of about 2 m because of visibility, the MBIS was configured to a 15 m range. This ensured the ROV could accurately navigate the structure.
By providing real-time, detailed images of the environment, MBIS allows us to make informed decisions quickly, reducing the risk of errors and increasing the effectiveness of the inspection process.
Upcoming ROV Surveys
XYZ Engineering Ltd. is preparing for an ROV survey that involves inspection of a submerged offshore gas structure at a depth of 102 meters. For this project, our MBIS system will be paired with an Ultra-Short Baseline (USBL) positioning system, providing a comprehensive navigational system that greatly enhances the reliability of our target acquisition and minimises vessel time.
In September 2024, we plan to use this multibeam imaging sonar for an upcoming ROV survey of one of Ireland’s most prestigious wrecks – the AUD, a gun running ship which attempted to bring arms to Ireland during the 1916 rising but was scuttled after capture by the British navy.
Range
In the video below, the right hand side of the screen shows the multi beam imaging sonar picture alongside a video camera feed. Note the range (set to 15 m in this example) and breadth of the sonar’s image compared to what is seen my the camera.
00:12 – you can see the interface between the seabed and the hard wall at the 12 o’clock position
02:06 – you can see the internal chamber of a sluice canal
Conclusions
We expect Multibeam Imaging Sonar (MBIS) technology to be a pivotal tool in enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of ROV surveys conducted by XYZ Engineering Ltd. By delivering real-time, high-resolution acoustic imagery, MBIS enables us to tackle complex underwater tasks with greater confidence and precision, especially under challenging conditions.
Reach out to us to discuss your next inspection.