Aquatec Group has announced the launch of the AQUAmodem Op1L, a new lightweight version of their standard optical modem, designed for use by divers and on small ROVs. Using established technology, the optical modem allows short range interrogation, commanding and data download from underwater equipment. The new instrument is three times lighter than the original optical modem, making it ideal for applications in oceanographic, environmental and coastal research, as well as offshore energy industries.
The AQUAmodem Op1L is compatible with any instrument with an RS232 serial interface, including Aquatec’s AQUAlogger and HYDROlog ranges, and can replace costly ROV mateable connectors or cables, resulting in economical operations and greater flexibility. The latest version is also interchangeable with Aquatec’s original optical modem, and can reduce expenditure costs when combined with existing systems.
There is a growing demand for smaller ROVs for shallow water applications, which can be easily deployed from a small boat or dockside. The compact, lightweight design makes the AQUAmodem Op1L ideal for deployment on these ROVs to depths of 500m.
Managing Director, Andy Smerdon, said “Aquatec Group has been producing underwater modems for over a decade. The growth of portable ROVs has sparked a need for a lighter instrument that can be used in shallower waters. The AQUAmodem Op1L allows us to fulfil this demand and provide our customers in the oceanography and environmental sectors with a cost-effective solution for subsea communication.”
Aquatec will be showcasing the new AQUAmodem Op1L at Oceanology International 2016, along with their new AQUAscat 1000L and SSC converter software. If you want to learn more about the optical modem, join Aquatec on stand J300 or visit www.aquatecgroup.com .
It is now even easier to measure suspended sediment concentration with the new AQUAscat 1000LT acoustic profiler. The latest addition to the well-established AQUAscat range combines cutting edge technology with economic design to give the best value solution for scientists and surveyors.
The AQUAscat 1000LT observes profiles of suspended sediment concentration of up to 2.5m using multi-frequency acoustics. Profiling allows sediment dynamics such as resuspension and entrainment to be explored, which is not possible with single point measurements. The instrument is supplied with the latest user-friendly post-processing software that allows the mean particle size and concentration to be calculated from the acoustic backscatter output.
The self-contained design and rechargeable battery make it easy to deploy and maintain. Suitable for use to 200m, the new AQUAscat can be deployed in rivers, lakes, estuaries and coastal regions. It is ideal for academic research and commercial use, including suspended sediment research, dredge monitoring and water quality monitoring.
Managing Director, Andy Smerdon, said ‘Aquatec has been making suspended sediment profilers for over 20 years and the market leading AQUAscat 1000 instruments are deployed all over the world. We are excited to release the latest instrument in this range, which makes the measurement of suspended sediment concentration simple and cost effective.’
Aquatec will be exhibiting the AQUAscat 1000LT at Oceanology International in March on stand J300. For more information on the instrument click here.
Aquatec Group are launching a new cathodic protection system at Subsea Expo 2016. It is a fully integrated system with closed loop control, which provides both impressed current cathodic protection and monitoring of the resulting protection levels in real-time. The new AQUAclamp simplifies retrofitting so the system is ideal for extending the life of ageing assets, providing a viable alternative to decommissioning.
After installation of the fixed CP monitoring units, divers and ROVs are no longer needed to carry out CP inspections, therefore making the practice safer and reducing operational expenditure. As CP levels are measured at multiple points on the structure and transferred topside in real-time, operators can benefit from knowing precise protection levels in all seasons and sea states – something that is not possible with conventional surveys. With this increased knowledge, users can save money by optimising protection levels - not over-protecting the rig and not putting the structure at risk by under protecting it.
To learn more about cathodic protection and monitoring, click here.
Throughout the year, Aquatec Group offer students the opportunity to learn more about designing and producing instrumentation solutions for oceanographic and offshore sectors. Over the years we have taken on at least one intern for every year the company has been in business, providing hands-on and personalised projects to suit their skillsets. The programmes are often 6-8 weeks long, and can range from programming to research.
This year we received wonderful feedback from our summer interns. Here’s what they said:
“Working at Aquatec has been an invaluable opportunity to expand the scope of my understanding and to see how a small professional company operates. I felt part of the team and enjoyed working alongside some experts, whose level of proficiency served as an inspiration to me.” - Harry Smith, University of Kent, August 2015
“I am a French student and my internship in Aquatec Group during this summer has given me the chance to put into practice what I have been learning and to improve my English skills. I was in real professional conditions and it was a good experience. The other member and the environment are friendly, the project was clear and I have always had something to do.” - Thibauld Feneuil, France. Summer 2015
Here at Aquatec we feel it is important to give students valuable experience in electrical and electronic engineering, as it is an industry that requires professional practice.