SEAMOR Marine has released an article on the company’s Chinook ROV enabling cost-effective, environmentally friendly long-range tunnel inspections at Panamanian hydroelectric facility.
Context
Electron Investment SA (EISA), Panama’s power generation company, required examination of 7km combined tunnel-penstock infrastructure at Pando plant along Old Chiriqui River. Two inspection methods were considered: draining for dry access or deploying underwater remotely operated vehicle (ROV).
Conventional approach involved removing 10,000 cubic meters of water, emptying reservoir partially. This process would take approximately fourteen days, incurring substantial expenses and interrupting crucial electricity supply. Environmental concerns also arose from draining-refilling cycle. EISA ultimately chose SEAMOR Marine’s Chinook ROV with 3km fiber-optic tether system.
Challenges
Examining 5km passage presented numerous obstacles. Tunnel configuration included elevation changes, vertical shaft, terminating at powerhouse. Region’s volcanic nature created silty, organic-rich waters, resulting in near-zero visibility conditions.
Technical Approach
EISA employed Chinook ROV equipped with 3km fiber-optics cable. Capable of 600m depth operations, vehicle carried dual Imagenex sonars: 965A digital multi-beam imaging and DT360 multi-beam profiling units. Simultaneous sonar operation via Ethernet switch enabled navigation through murky environment. Auto-depth and auto-heading features facilitated safe maneuvering within dual-access tunnel.
Outcomes
Iván Parra, EISA Civil Engineer, stated; “One of the main reasons we chose an ROV to inspect the tunnels was that it was much less costly both financially and environmentally than the alternative of draining the tunnels for inspection.
“The operation was completed with a very small environmental footprint using SEAMOR technology and expertise.”
It was the first-time engineers from EISA had piloted an underwater ROV, and all went smoothly.
“We like the ease of use. It is pretty easy to control, almost like flying a drone,” says Parra. “It’s very user friendly. The connections are also user friendly. Each connector has a different number of pins, and they are all clearly labelled. It makes it easier to connect all the components.“
ROV’s depth rating and modular tether system were crucial factors in procurement decision. Versatility allowed usage of shorter cables for specific tasks.
EISA expanded Chinook’s applications, offering cutting-edge services to regional hydroelectric industry. Recent deployments include examining debris-obstructed intake structures and surveying 500m deep reservoir.
“It worked flawlessly,” Parra added.
Read the full article here, or visit the SEAMOR Marine website to find out more.
