HULL AND TANK INSPECTION ROV

Because the power source for the ROV is internal the ROV is able to take advantage of a low-drag, minimal diameter tether. This neutrally buoyant tether allows the available power to be fully utilised in manoeuvring the ROV and not in dragging a heavy tether through the water.

Because of a unique internal pitching system, the Deep Trekker ROVs are able to move in every direction using only horizontally-mounted thrusters. The pitching system allows the pilot to orient the outer body of the ROV in any angle through the vertical arc so that the thrusters are driving the ROV in the desired direction. This greatly improves the simplicity of manoeuvring.

The control box is based on a gaming-style controller and is fitted with a super-bright, sun-light readable screen that allows for video and information overlay. An additional control box with full PC capability for sonar, USBL and sensors can also be added.

With the 360° window matched with the 270° camera sweep and the 180° pitch angle, the ROV can see in front, behind, above, below and all points in between using only one HD, low-light camera. All systems come complete with an LED lighting system that tracks with the camera. Optional side-facing cameras and super-bright lighting systems bring unmatched visibility and viewing flexibility to the mini ROV market.

Powered by long-lasting batteries the ROV can typically last 6 to 8 hours on a single charge and recharging from empty-to-full takes only 1½ hours. The robust 19.2VDC power systems can propel the ROV at up to 2.5 knots with 100 metres of tether deployed. This tether is carried on a heavy-duty reel with and electronic slip ring, making this ROV fully portable.

The Deep Trekker ROVs are constructed with a sturdy cast aluminium frame which is anodised and epoxy coated for corrosion resistance but the latest model uses a carbon fibre case to reduce weight. A wide range of specialised attachments are available for the ROVs including thickness measuring sensors and some active tools to carry out detailed inspections. Deep Trekker claims that these new portable ROVs will add a new dimension to underwater and tank inspections and make this sophisticated technology available to a much wider market including surveyors and maintenance teams and the ROVs can also be useful tools for search and rescue operations underwater.