Modular Components Enable Optimized Vehicle Configurations for Specific Applications

VideoRay is rolling out two initial MSS vehicle configurations optimized for two specific job requirements. Each vehicle uses the same core modular components (cameras, lights, thrusters, etc.), but operating environment and mission payload requirements quite literally “shape” each vehicle.

Mission Specialist: Caviblaster Configuration

The first system is used for subsea cleaning with a Cavidyne Caviblaster, an innovative and ideal solution for many applications where growth of barnacles, other sea life, or corrosion need to be removed from underwater infrastructure, such as weld seams on offshore rigs, or vessel hulls. The system is based on the principles of cavitation, when collapsing bubbles generated by a proprietary system create a vacuum that quickly and safely removes fouling materials. There are several advantages of this system over conventional high pressure blasting, grit blasters, barnacle blasters or brush cleaning:

The lance is balanced and designed for the VideoRay MSS system, the ROV controls are not impacted when the Caviblaster is in use.

The lance grip nozzle system is compact, enabling cleaning of geometrically complex surfaces.

All types of marine growth, from seaweed to hard well-attached barnacles, are easily removed, with only one pass, saving time and money.

Surfaces with paint, varnish or anti-fouling coatings are not disturbed when cleaned, and heavy metals or other contaminants are not released into the water.

The cavitation system leaves a smooth surface that retards biological growth and decreases cleaning frequency.

Caviblasting system components are similar to pressure washing systems, however the system uses nozzle with a cavitational water plume. The cavitation plume is powerful enough to clean any surface, while and at the same time it does not damage painted surfaces. A topside compressor, powered by electricity, gasoline, or diesel delivers high pressure water to a lance that generates the cavitation. VideoRay’s Mission Specialist system delivers the lance to the surface to be cleaned, as a topside operator maneuvers it and confirms cleaning progress. The Mission Specialist approach is much more efficient and effective than bolting a cleaning lance to an existing remotely operated vehicle and attempting to compensate or alleviate the problems that result from this mismatch of form factor and hydrodynamics. The Mission Specialist Caviblasting system use a balanced and efficient cavitation plume to perform specialized underwater cleaning jobs.

Since working conditions offshore or other areas that are hard to access, a smaller portable vehicle is highly preferred. VideoRay’s Caviblaster configuration optimizes the placement of the Caviblaster tool for handling and hydrodynamics, and allows the lance to be adjusted for different conditions and phases of a cleaning job. The camera is placed so it has a good view of the working area. The overall system is as lightweight and portable as possible while still being able to operate with a significant payload in currents.

Mission Specialist: Aquaculture Inspection Configuration

The aquaculture inspection requirements range from simple visual inspections near the surface in complex areas with strong currents to fully instrumented inspections of deep moorings. VideoRay developed a MSS configuration to address these tasks. The system includes the following:

• ​Mission Specialist 6 thruster vehicle with 4 vectored and 2 vertical thrusters
• A BlueView 900-130 multibeam sonar
• An Applied Acoustics Easy Track USBL System integrated with the vessel’s navigation system
• A rotating manipulator with 5 interchangeable heads
• Two HD cameras
• A MacArtney electric winch

The ROV system has about 60 lbs of thrust which allows it to work in strong currents. A quick release payload package skid which houses the sonar, manipulator, positioning beacon and auxiliary camera allow for rapid change from one configuration to the other, saving time and eliminating the drag and weight of unnecessary accessories.

Our team at VideoRay are working on new configurations which will be announced in the near future.