Taucher Heros Sonar

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High Resolution Scanning Sonar

This technology helps us achieve unparalleled precision in the underwater inspection of complex installations. The scanning sonar permits centimetre accurate measuring and area calculation.

When localizing wrecks or obstacles, the scanning sonar helps us identify the specific position and ruptures of the target object, generating significant findings for salvage operations (for instance regarding silting, ruptures or other cases of damage).

For offshore and inland water operations, the system is rigged with DGPS and compass, allowing a position accuracy to one metre.

Using a track plotter feature we map and record the inspected area, thus facilitating complete scanning of areas, whether large or small.

The system is quickly operative, be it from shore, from an inflatable or from a ship.

Our trained and qualified engineers operate around the globe – on demand and on short notice.

Areas of underwater employment for our scanning sonar:

  Offshore
  Dams
  Locks
  Bridge inspections
  Pipeline inspections
  Acceptance of construction work
  Supervision of construction work
  Measuring of excavations
  Wreck salvage operations
  Inlets and outlets
  Sheet pile inspections
  Subsoil inspections
  Scouring inspections


With the scanning sonar, we can generate precise images, even in zero visibility or swift currents. As a result we can conduct inspections in areas where diving is no longer possible.

Underwater Bridge Inspection

This operation concerned the inspection of a bridge foundation for damage and scouring. Note the rupture in the front.

  

The inspection was carried out at a 9-knot current and zero underwater visibility. An inspection by divers was impossible in these extreme conditions. The brickwork is in a good condition – bricks and joints are clearly visible.

  

We use this side profile to generate and compute cross profiles.

The task was to image the entire underwater bridge construction with its ground structure. An inflatable rigged with DGPS and compass was used for determining the accurate position.

   

Note the „underwater dunes“ and the pile foundation of the bridge.
After measuring, a systematic inspection aided by divers was carried out below the pier.

This bridge inspection involved onshore scanning at three different positions. The scanned images were matched one on top of the other by computer.



Offshore Operations Pipeline Inspection

For this type of inspection, we use a scanner mounted to a ship to identify any scouring under the pipeline. By DGPS and compass control we can inspect the entire pipeline, even if covered in parts.



The scouring is clearly visible. The scour length and depth can be computed at any time.

Offshore Operations Wind Energy Converters and Oil rigs

By sonar scanning, we can check foundation soil for unevenness and obstacles to prepare the accurate positioning of an offshore plant.
The scanning sonar can be used for water depths up to 6000 metres.



These three sonar images depict the successful positioning of an oil rig.
The DGPS and compass functionalities permit the advance inspection and documentation of foundation soil, for instance for offshore wind energy converters.

Anti-Scouring Operations

This example depicts how stabilization mattresses are used to protect a gas pipeline against scouring. Divers could position the mattresses accurately despite poor visibility.



With our scanning sonar we are able to coordinate anti-scouring operations and other work over wide areas. We are therefore in a position to accompany ongoing construction projects during our work and to carry out necessary acceptance tests during construction.
This technique can also be used for laying geotextile mattresses.

These images depict scouring detected inside a port. To determine the scouring in the depth, additional cross profiles were taken to map the front area.Aided by computer software, we can define the scouring area in its entirety.



Wreck Salvage and Localization of Obstacles

Our scanning sonar technology is extremely useful in recovering wrecks and localizing obstacles in all kinds of waters – whether offshore, at dams, in rivers or in ports. We can image, measure and specify the precise position. During salvage operations, the scanning sonar substantially facilitates a more efficient recovery operation.



Our scanning sonar helps us to localize any kind of submerged obstacle on the seabed. This wreck was localized during a scanning operation of a dam. The plane had been lost for approximately 50 years at the bottom of the dam and could be recovered completely.