UXOcontrol has a shallow water solution for quick and efficient pUXO inspection and debris removal. UXOcontrol has designed a remotely operated UXO dredge system (ROD), which is fitted as an extension to an excavator. The ROD system can be used for detection, excavation, identification, debris removal and surveying. Unfavorable circumstances, like low visibility, strong current or foul weather may hamper operations. In this case the operational limits (to be part of project specific task plans) are leading whether the operations may commence or be postponed. This (venturi) dredge can excavate sand, cobbles and small debris from the seafloor and transfer it elsewhere.

The Remote Operated Dredge will be mobilised on a suitable platform for shallow water target investigation (14 MSW max). The ROD will be fitted with an array of sensors including dredge, magnetometers, and acoustic imagers to locate and identify the target

Some of the advantages of utilising the ROD are:

• Equipped with 12” dredge and jet water to excavate deeper buried targets quick and safe (diver less).
• Excavation around the target, not on top of the target, with position measured by two magnetometers. With the MAG sensors it is possible to relocate the target and measure the exact location.
• Entirely constructed from Stainless steel 316 (nonferrous).
• Dredge tool equipped with 8 total field magnetometers to find UXO items quickly and control the distance between the tool and the dredge to guarantee a controlled and safe excavation. The magnetometers are linked with the data acquisition unit.

After an in-survey the data is transferred to the main computer, scripts have been programmed to analyse the survey data and to pinpoint a target.

• Light and Camera with Blueview / ARIS 3000 sonar on the ‘arms’ of the ROD to aid identification in bad visibility.
• No influence of the current allowing 24-7 working window if Hs and surface visibility are within tolerances.
• In water change from Grab to dredger and back (time saving).

This system is fitted with the Aris Explorer 3000 sonar, Oculus M750D sonar, integrated positioning system (DGPS – RTK), Sensys magnetometers, Altimeter ISA500, lasers, camera & light, and debris-grabber. With the help of these tools, it’s possible to use the ROD system as a remote system for:

• Magnetic detection / pinpointing of a target on or in the seabed.
• Excavating objects, which are buried in the seabed.
• Collect information for identification of objects.
• Removal of debris.
• Conduct an as-left survey.

If the environmental conditions require the ROD system can be fitted with a motion compensation system. This will be included in project specific documentation when used. Operational limits depend on several factors and will be determined and described per project. The system can reach a max. dredging depth of 14 m. below its tracks. Biodegradable oil is used in the parts of the system which can cause spillage in the environment.

Equipped with 8 total field magnetometers to find pUXO items quickly and control the distance between the dredge and UXO to guarantee a controlled and safe excavation. The magnetometers are linked with the data acquisition unit. After an in-survey the data is transferred to the main computer, scripts have been programmed to analyse the survey data and to pinpoint a target. The R&D department has designed the software with more than 35 technical functions to fit the detection of different ferro magnetic objects, regardless the background Noise level. The technical team delivers a version which fits with the survey aims and objectives. The version loaded is coded to detect a wide spectrum of Ferromagnetic objects with different mass classes with no minimum limit. For the As Left survey, the program is coded to confirm that no objects of or over XX kg ferrous mass have been left in the grid.

A dredge exclusion zone shall be displayed on top of the target, pending on the target size this could be a circle of 1 m where dredging is prohibited. A circular dredge movement around the target will uncover the target. Sonar and camera’s will be checked continuously. When the target is visible with the cameras or sonar(s) the dredging will be stopped. To uncover further the ROD switches from dredging mode to flushing mode. The dredge tip moves above the target centre approximately 1 m. above the target. The water jet nozzles can create a flow of water to uncover the last sediment.

The ROD system also includes a grabber. The grabber will be used for debris removal only. The grabbing process is controlled by the UXO Supervisor, the grabber system is equipped with a camera and light.