Multibeam echosounders and remotely operated underwater vehicles are commonly used to detect submarine cables, but these methods are often insufficient as cables are frequently buried on the sea floor.
At our company, we have developed an innovative approach to detect, analyze, and monitor submarine cables using automated remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) equipped with a frequency tracker.
Detecting Submarine Cables: ROVs Equipped With a Frequency Tracker
We converted the ROVs to battery DC mode and used them to search the sea floor for a specific 50Hz tone emitted by the submarine cable.
This approach offers a faster and more accurate method of detecting the location of cables, reducing the need for human intervention and minimizing the risk of damage to the cable during inspection.
In our recent research and testing of this approach, we recorded a 200m segment of a 4km submarine cable in Melina on the island of Krk.
This segment presented a challenging environment for the automated systems, as the cable was buried beneath the sea floor.
However, our approach using automated ROVs equipped with a frequency tracker proved successful, and we were able to unambiguously detect the state of the cable, create reports, and identify potential long-term damage.
This approach offers a faster, more accurate, and cost-effective method of analyzing the state of submarine cables, reducing the risk of damage during inspection and ensuring the longevity and functionality of these essential components of the global communication network.
In conclusion, the collaboration of engineers from various branches of the field and the use of specific equipment, including frequency trackers, is essential for precisely locating submarine cables and analyzing their state.
The innovative approach using automated ROVs equipped with a frequency tracker offers a faster, more accurate, and cost-effective method of detecting, analyzing, and monitoring submarine cables, ensuring their longevity and functionality for years to come.
Explore more of our work by checking out our other exciting projects.