5 Reasons to Use ROVs for Inspecting Dams and Reservoirs

Reservoirs are storage places for water which gets diverted from the existing rivers and streams with a dam. Reservoirs help with a lot of applications like production of electricity, drinking water, and flood control. Regular maintenance and inspection of reservoirs and dams are important to ensure the safety of the structure and avoid any accidents.

Traditionally scuba divers were hired for the inspection and maintenance, but in recent times remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) are being widely used. Here are 5 reasons why ROVs are preferred over divers for the inspection of reservoirs and dams.

1. Safety First!!

Divers inspect the presence of leaks and overall integrity of the structure. The divers reach the depths using pipes, valves, and ladders, and if issues were found another set of professionally trained divers are hired to repair the issue.

While the divers go in for inspections, chances are high that they face visual problems because of the debris and get injured or even killed. Specialist divers when worked with ROVs have a better chance of success and, better yet, under safer conditions.

2. Efficient Inspection

Remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) come with sonar and thus can help with better navigation and spotting obstructions that would not be otherwise noted by the diver.

For example, the T6 model of our PHANTOM® T-SERIES has wide variety of sensors along with sonars which can provide you with multiple data products. 

3. Better Visibility and Documentation 

ROVs equipped with HD cameras and aided with LED lighting provide better visibility and thus in turn better inspection.

ROVs not only help with the visual inspection but also can record the assignment and send it to the handheld controller on the surface. This recorded assignment can also help with documentation and future comparisons. 

4. Compact Size and Better Navigation

ROVs are small and easily portable, making it possible for them to be transported through the facility and deployed anywhere.

The small and robust design permits the operator to maneuver the ROVs to reach the confined areas which are inaccessible for the divers. 

5. Cost-effective

Hiring divers for regular inspection and maintenance can turn out to be a costly affair, not to mention dangerous. The dispatch of the divers also involves many factors like safety protocols and would consume time. 

ROVs can be used for the inspection of reservoirs and dams at a much lower cost. Secondly, when you purchase a good-quality ROV, it can last for years, and thus there is no recurrence cost.

Before We Go

We at Deep Ocean Engineering provide integrated robotic solutions and products for various underwater applications in diverse operating environments. Our PHANTOM® T-SERIES ROVs have helped with the inspection and maintenance of water dams, reservoirs, diversions, and such. To know more visit us at https://www.deepocean.com/.