Rotech Subsea Invests in Tritech Gemini NBI
Rotech Subsea has purchased Gemini Narrow Beam Imager (NBI) systems. The sonar are to be installed in single-head or dual-head configuration for use on Rotech's RS range of excavation tools and will support the increased volume of work the company is securing worldwide in the oil and gas and renewables sectors.
The Gemini NBI can communicate over Ethernet or VDSL and for this installation the systems will run in VDSL mode. The Gemini NBI systems will run on the Tritech Gemini 72VDC VDSL Interface Unit, which will supply the sonar with sufficient power to operate over a 300m cable. The unit connects to an Ethernet port on a standard PC running the Gemini software.
The Gemini NBI operates at 620kHz and has a 1 degree narrow vertical beam to enable users to accurately identify acoustic target positions. Offering high-speed multibeam imaging, the Gemini NBI is suited for trenching and excavation operations in poor visibility conditions as it features a 130° swath and 0.5° horizontal angular resolution providing 10mm range resolution. Control of the Gemini NBI is via the standalone Gemini software package on a Tritech Surface Control Unit (SCU) or on a desktop PC or laptop.
According to Kevin Cargill, Subsea Operations manager at Rotech, they had witnessed the clear imagery of the Gemini NBI which has allowed them to successfully complete both inshore and offshore jobs including a recent harbour clearance where the sonar also provided continuous visualisation as they excavated towards the harbour wall. The Gemini NBI was also used in cable de-burial and post-trenching projects where continuous observation of the task was critical.
