Underwater ROV for Dam inspection

Underwater ROVs have been proved helpful for many underwater activities in diverse fields. Technology has been adapting and evolving to the changes through the years. Recently ROV in dam inspection has been gaining major attention since it offers safe and affordable operation.

Dams, dykes, and embankments need regular inspection since dam safety is essential to avoid major accidents. Traditionally divers were used for dam inspection, but ROVs have proved to be a much more efficient alternative.

ROVs in dam inspection

Dams are inspected regularly for any cracks or signs of wear and tear. While the checking should be done for the whole dam, reviewing the underwater portion proved to be tricky. This inspection is also done for a newly constructed dam to check the quality of the structure built. 

ROVs are remotely operated vehicles that come with multiple electronic survey systems. They can aid dam inspection since they are equipped with HD video systems and imaging equipment, which can help collect relevant data and complete the inspection job more efficiently.

Our Phantom L6 is an inspection-class underwater ROV that can be used for dam and infrastructure inspections. Phantom L6 comes with four thrusters which provide precise control and propulsion even in strong currents. The platform has an open architecture and is built on a non-corroding chassis. It also comes with various sensors and a one-year manufacturer warranty.

You can also include cameras, lights, scanning sonars, and manipulators since the chassis can accommodate heavier payloads. Because of its lightweight, it can offer a depth range of 500 meters to 800 meters.

Benefits of using ROV for dam inspection

ROVs were brought into the scene in many fields to improve the operations' safety standards and reduce the cost. There are also other advantages to using ROVs.

Deeper depths

ROVs can work at depths of even 800 meters which is not the case with divers. There are certain risks and safety concerns for the divers to work at these depths, but the ROVs can do a seamless job. With ROV, the operator can evaluate the area safely on the land.

Speed

ROVs can deliver high-quality imagery and information in a short period. They do not have to take a break and can complete the job faster than the diving team.

Access to smaller and dangerous areas

There might be some critical areas that are hard or dangerous to access by the divers. In that case, ROVs can be used to complete the operation safely. The ROVs are small enough to access these areas, or the operator can use the camera to zoom in on the essential points.

More than just visual inspection

Most ROVs come with an array of sonars and sensors, which helps the inspection to be more efficient. With divers, only visual data is collected, but ROVs produce multiple data, which helps further the structure's analysis.

Helps in documentation

With the high-quality camera and sensors, a lot of necessary data is collected, which can be documented for future reference.

Cost savings

When it comes to inspection by divers, a team of at least three divers and a supervisor is required for a successful inspection. But with ROVs, the initial cost might be high, but with time it becomes cost-efficient. Usually, ROVs can operate up to 6 hours underwater and don't need a large team.

Divers or ROVs? What's the verdict?

While ROVs perform a superior job in many aspects, there is still a need for divers in dam inspection and repair. The ROVs are used to inspect the whole area and identify areas of possible damage, and the divers are then guided to check these areas of concern.

Also, if a repair is needed, these underwater ROVs will serve as an extra set of eyes that offers guidance and safety to the divers. Therefore it is always recommended to use the divers and ROVs in tandem with assigning appropriate jobs to each.

 

Deep Ocean Engineering

Our products have proved effective for underwater applications in diverse and harsh environments. If you are interested in our products for dam inspection, check it out at https://www.deepocean.com/rov-phantom-l6.php.