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ROV-Mounted Magnetometers & LiDAR: Revealing the Unseen

SEAMOR Marine’s latest case study looks into the use of its Chinook ROV in gathering synchronized data from the sonar and LiDAR systems mounted on this single platform Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROV) / Feature Article by SEAMOR Marine
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SEAMOR Marine understands that remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) have become indispensable tools in marine industries, performing tasks that, in most other cases, pose a risk to human lives.

With operators piloting these vehicles from the surface, ROVs are used in tasks ranging from underwater inspections to complex surveying operations, aided by video feeds and a range of advanced instruments.

Traditionally, sonar systems—both multibeam and side scan—have been the standard for subsea surveying. However, new technologies like LiDAR and magnetometers are pushing the boundaries of what ROVs can achieve, revealing new insights into submerged environments.

These cutting-edge tools have been deployed in significant new trials using SEAMOR Marine’s Chinook ROV, marking a breakthrough in subsea data collection and safety measures.

Two key instruments leading the charge are LiDAR, which provides high-resolution 3D scans of submerged air cavities, and magnetometers, essential for detecting hidden dangers like unexploded ordnances (UXOs) on the ocean floor.

The Power of LiDAR in Marine SurveysROV-Mounted Magnetometers & LiDAR: Revealing the Unseen

LiDAR, or Light Detection and Ranging, uses pulsed laser signals to map surfaces with extraordinary precision. While sonar excels in underwater imaging, LiDAR is the ideal choice for mapping above-water structures and air cavities beneath the surface. This dual capability has been a game-changer for complex underwater inspections, such as those required in hydroelectric facilities.

Underwater Acoustics International (UAI), a leader in subsea data collection, selected SEAMOR’s Chinook ROV for its compact design and outstanding stability, crucial for gathering synchronized data from both sonar and LiDAR systems mounted on a single platform. The result was an unprecedentedly detailed 3D map, showcasing submerged sections of hydroelectric plants in ways that were previously unattainable.

By combining sonar and LiDAR on the Chinook ROV, UAI operators could map submerged infrastructure with high fidelity. While sonar captured submerged components—even in turbid conditions—the LiDAR system, mounted on the ROV’s top, was activated whenever the Chinook surfaced inside air-filled cavities.

This approach provided a complete digital model of the structure, enhanced by the Chinook’s six powerful thrusters, which ensured the ROV’s stability throughout the survey.

Detecting UXOs with Magnetometers

Unexploded ordnances (UXOs) pose a significant risk to maritime operations. These dormant explosives can lie hidden on the seabed, their exact locations unknown, but magnetometers are proving invaluable in detecting the subtle magnetic disturbances they emit.

Ocean Floor Geophysics has been at the forefront of deploying magnetometers to locate UXOs. Traditionally, these sensors are large, towed either by manned vessels or large autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). However, recent tests have demonstrated the potential for ROV-mounted magnetometers, with SEAMOR Marine’s Chinook ROV taking center stage.

The challenge for the Ocean Floor Geophysics team was to mitigate electrical interference from the ROV itself. Many tested units produced flux interference of up to 500 nanoteslas from onboard mechanisms, which compromised the detection of the UXO signals, often only 5-20 nanoteslas in strength.

SEAMOR’s Chinook ROV was chosen for its low-interference design, which allowed the magnetometer to operate effectively and detect buried UXOs. This success highlighted the versatility and stability of the Chinook in sensitive detection missions, setting a new benchmark for compact ROV capabilities.

Expanding the Role of ROVsROV-Mounted Magnetometers & LiDAR: Revealing the Unseen

As the demand for innovative subsea technology grows, ROVs like SEAMOR’s Chinook are becoming essential for more than just inspections. The integration of advanced tools like LiDAR and magnetometers has opened new possibilities for underwater mapping and hazard detection, providing critical data in real time.

These early deployments show that LiDAR and magnetometers, when mounted on compact and reliable ROVs, have immense potential to transform subsea operations. The collaboration between SEAMOR Marine and partners like UAI and Ocean Floor Geophysics demonstrates the importance of continued innovation and partnership in pushing the technological envelope.

With their robust designs and proven track record, SEAMOR Marine’s ROVs are well-positioned to support the evolving needs of marine and offshore industries around the world.

SEAMOR Marine’s Chinook ROV has proven to be a powerful platform for integrating emerging technologies, and the full scope of its applications is just beginning to be realized. As these technologies advance, ROVs will continue to play a pivotal role in the future of marine exploration and safety, offering unprecedented capabilities to uncover what lies beneath the waves.

Find out more on the SEAMOR Marine website. 

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Posted by Abi Wylie Connect & Contact