Simple Deployment Machine

Sonardyne’s Simple through-hull transceiver Deployment Machine is based on the well proven design principles embodied in our Standard deployment machine. The design retains the key features of corrosion resistance, strength and stiffness from the standard machine, whilst reducing the cost and complexity of the actuation system.

The simple machine is intended for USBL applications where the vessel is predominantly stationary or moving at low speeds. The design is limited to a maximum through water speed of five knotsand a maximum vessel draught of six metres.

The ideal deployed length is dependant on each particular application but in general terms it is best to minimise the deployed pole length to achieve a specified acoustic performance. Typically, a length of between one and three metres below the hull has been found to be most suitable. The maximum transceiver deployment for the simple machine is less than the standard machine, typically with the face of the USBL transceiver no more than two metres below the hull. All Sonardyne USBL transceivers can be fitted to the pole.

To raise and lower the pole you have the option of specifying either a manual or electric chain hoist. The pole is very simply deployed by the action of gravity and letting out the chain hoist and is also retracted using the hoist. The pole can be locked in either the deployed or raised position.

Access to the transceiver for maintenance or inspection is very easy with the simple deployment machine. After retracting the pole and closing the gate valve the sea chest can be emptied by removing a drain plug. Access to the transceiver is then gained by unbolting around the sea chest and then using the hoist to lift the sea chest back up the pole. When sufficient access has been gained a pair of safety bolts are then placed through the guide rails to lock the sea chest in the raised position. Workers now have unrestricted access around the transceiver for inspection and maintenance.

Standard Deployment Machine

Sonardyne’s through-hull Standard Deployment Machine consists of a hydraulically operated pole, a sealed bearing section and a sea chest service section with inspection door. The whole machine sits on a gate valve which in turn is mounted on the hull penetration flange.

Sonardyne have completed in excess of one hundred successful vessel installations worldwide, ranging from simple new builds to very complex installations into research vessels. All of these installations have been founded on sound engineering practice implemented by experienced engineers in collaboration with clients, naval architects and shipbuilders.

The ideal deployed length is dependant on each particular application but in general terms it is best to minimise the deployed pole length to achieve the required acoustic performance.

Typically, a length of between one and three metres below the hull has been found to be suitable. The pole is very rugged and is designed to be highly resistant to vibration caused by vortex shedding. Continuous operational speeds of up to ten knots through the water may be achieved safely with the ability to survive short duration exposure to higher speeds.

Sonardyne can give detailed application advice on positioning, installing and commissioning the machine, backed up by worldwide field support from experienced commissioning engineers.

The gate valve, when closed, provides easy access to the retracted transceiver for service and inspection purposes via the door fitted to the service section. The gate valve also allows the machine to be removed without dry docking. Available options for the gate valve include different materials, hydraulic or manual drive and a right angle drive adaptor. The machine can be controlled from the vessel’s bridge using a main control panel or from a local panel at the machine. The hydraulic power pack and local control can be mounted remotely if the machine is to be configured for Zone 1 Ex classification. The standard form of machine can be simply customised to meet individual vessel requirements by changing the height of the machine and providing adaptor flanges for different size or specification valves. For specialist or demanding applications machines of this general type can be custom engineered to suit customer specific requirements.

Modular Deployment System

Sonardyne’s Modular over-the-side Deployment System is intended to support project based deployments of USBL positioning systems on vessels of opportunity. The system has been designed to work at operational speeds of five knots without degrading USBL positioning performance and to have a survival speed in excess of ten knots.

Based on a pivoting sectional pole, the system is supplied with a choice of hull or deck mount and a water line brace. The lower portions of the sectional pole include fairing to mitigate against vortex induced vibration.

When the system is supplied with a hull mount, an additional carrier is provided to ease installation and ensure excellent alignment between the water line brace and the pivot. At the water line bracing point there is a high quality hydraulic locking mechanism to ensure that the pole is locked firmly in the down position.

This also serves to ensure a high degree of repeatability in the pole’s deployed position. A bracket is also provided for support when the pole is raised out of the water with a locking pin for safety. The system is fabricated entirely from steel and is hot dipped galvanised and painted with marine epoxy to give long term corrosion protection. The design is such that the length can easily be adjusted to suit target vessels by adding or removing bolted sections to suit.

The lower sections of the pole are designed to be low cost and easyto replace. Each part is marked
with its centre of mass and lifting points to aid handling. The design is in accordance with DNV rules for the certification of lifting appliances. Electrical cables are routed inside the pole to protect them, with generous access ports at the top of the pole suitable for feeding connectors through.

Lightweight Deployment System

Sonardyne’s Lightweight Deployment System is designed for over-the-side vessel mounting and can be deployed and recovered by hand. The system is easily configurable for different deployed lengths and fitting to different vessels

The machine is particularly suited to the deployment of Sonardyne’s Scout USBL from small vessels, where typical applications include diver support for archaeology, marine science and coastal construction activities. This system is intended for use for short term deployments in relatively calm conditions.

The aluminium truss design has a high bending stiffness which results in little drag induced displacement and a high resistance to vortex induced vibration. The truss sections are protected from corrosion by the use of replaceable sacrificial anodes.

The system is supplied as a kit of parts which allow the vessel fitting and bracing arrangements to be easily configured to meet each new operational scenario. The truss ‘pole’ is fitted to the vessel using a steel mounting fixture which is designed to be bolted in-situ. This provides a rigid mounting whilst allowing the pole to be removed and then refitted in the same position with minimal error. A simple fairing is provided at the waterline to minimise any debris from being entangled in the pole.

Features :-

      Our Capabilities

• Conduct a review of the acoustic requirements
• Undertake vessel noise surveys
• Prepare and carry out physical vessel surveys to find the best site for a deployment system
• Determine the physical requirements of the deployment system based on user supplied scenarios
• Provide engineering support and guidance to ship yards and naval architects
• Provide experienced field engineers to assist in installation and commissioning