Mini ROVs join i-Tech inspection fleet
i-Tech Services, a Subsea 7 company, has strengthened its underwater inspection and maintenance capability with the provision of new mini ROVs for performing subsea operations in challenging environments.
Designed to be a cost-effective solution for smaller scopes of work, the vLBV300 ROVs have a speed at surface of 3 knots, a depth rating of 300m, plus high maneuverability and power-to-weight ratio allowing them to carry small tools and manipulators for operating effectively in strong currents.
Neil Milne, vice president for i-Tech Services, said: “The introduction of mini ROVs into our portfolio enhances our rapid-response inspection capability and allows us to provide a more comprehensive UWILD offering.
“Furthermore, it provides clients with a reliable, cost-effective and safe alternative to traditional manned inspection or work-class ROV services.”
360-degree thrusters
Well suited for rapid mobilisation, quick to deploy and easily transported, the vLBV300 has four powerful 100mm horizontal thrusters, arranged in a vectored format, which offer nearly equal horizontal thrust in all 360-degrees of flight.
The thrusters can be manually adjusted to bias thrust in the forward direction for extreme pulling power. This works well in applications such as long internal pipe penetrations and high forward currents.
Features include a high-resolution colour camera, LED lighting, depth, heading and temperature sensors, auto-depth, auto-heading and thruster trim, a low-drag neutrally buoyant tether from SeaBotix and fully integrated Control Console (ICC) with daylight-readable monitor. SmartFlightTM automated navigation is also available.
By Rebecca Jeffrey
