Featured story
More photos

Darwinvest Submarine Logistics Performs Aquaduct Inspections Quickly - May 18, 2008

Darwinvest uses their VideoRay Pro 3 GTO to inspect freshwater aquaducts in Guayaquil, Ecuador at a speed that outperformed all previous inspection solutions.

VideoRay GTO Outperforms all Usual Tracked Vehicles

Guayaquil, Ecuador – Darwinvest Logistica Submarina (Submarine Logistics), based in Ecuador’s largest city, Guayaquil, recently used their VideoRay for a long range aqueduct inspection. Darwinvest has used VideoRays for several years for a variety of underwater applications including fascinating work with rare marine life in the Galapagos. Before hiring Darwinvest, Interagua utilized crawler and hydrophone technology to inspect the long aqueducts for leaks, with uneven results.

Darwinvest was called in with their VideoRay Pro 3 GTO and outperformed all attempts by the previous solutions. In only 6 minutes, Darwinvest efficiently inspected one 135 m (405 ft.) section of the aqueduct for leaks. Authorities were pleased with the GTO inspection speed since it kept the city’s fresh water supply flowing. Whenever Interagua performs a leak inspection, it must notify the public that it is cutting the freshwater supply for a certain amount of time, and provide fresh water brought in by trucks. Needless to say, the faster the inspection can be performed, the faster Interagua can restore freshwater service to the public. A normal inspection takes about four hours, while this inspection took just an hour.

Jean-Thomas Bujard of Darwinvest, owns two VideoRay systems, and represents VideoRay in Ecuador. He anticipates much more business inspecting aqueducts.

To learn more about what Darwinvest is doing with their VideoRay, please visit www.darwinvest.com.ec

About VideoRay:
With more than 2,000 Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) in service around the world, VideoRay has clearly become the global leader in Observation ROV technology. VideoRay is an extremely versatile, portable, affordable, and reliable solution for underwater operations including surveys, offshore inspections, search & recovery, homeland & port security, science & research, fish farming, and other unique applications in underwater environments. “Plug and play” technology allows you to quickly attach sensors and accessories in the field so you can successfully complete your mission. VideoRay is available on the General Services Administration.

View more photos

Back to previous

Found 4 images

PRESS

WHY VIDEORAY?

AFFORDABILITY

With ROVs starting under $10,000 (in the US), the cost is quickly justified when compared to commercial dive missions or funding the purchase, mobilization, staffing, and operation of larger ROVs.

PORTABILITY

One person can transport the tiny 8-pound sub, control box and tether. The Scout system weighs less than 70 pounds and packs neatly in one rolling Pelican case. All other systems fit in two Pelican cases that can be transported in a car trunk or helicopter, or checked as airline baggage.

USABILITY

Driving the VideoRay is similar to operating a video game. A specially trained ROV pilot is not needed. (In fact, kids raised on video games routinely put adults to shame piloting VideoRay.). VideoRay is equally at home with a search and rescue team as it is with a yacht owner enjoying live views of a coral reef in St. Thomas. Additional controls on advanced models include front camera focus and tilt, rear camera selection and automatic depth holding (see the product detail pages for complete lists of features and capabilities of each model).

SAFETY

Since VideoRay uses less than 500 watts of power, a car or marine battery with inverter, small gasoline generator, or any 100-240 VAC outlet powers the control box and submersible. The current running through the tether to the submersible is a comparatively safe 48 VDC, rather than the possibly lethal 360-plus VDC used by other ROVs. This makes it safe for divers to handle the submersible in the water, and for kids to swim with it in a pool.

REACH

Standard tether lengths vary by model, but additional neutral, negative, and positively buoyant tethers can be added to extend the overall reach of the VideoRay up to 1,100 feet. Tethers are available in a variety of lengths to meet the needs of particular water conditions or projects.