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Swimming Robotic Camera Penetrates Culvert Under Runways of Miami International Airport - July 08, 2005

VideoRay Pro III used to avoid dangerous diving conditions – Alligator danger makes inspection too hazardous for humans.

The engineers at Miami International Airport were concerned. Ground penetrating radar indicated a possible collapse of storm water drainage culverts around 700 feet from the outlets. As with all open water in South Florida, alligators are prevalent in the area, so it was not possible to use human divers to inspect it. Working Divers, of Stuart Florida, was called in to do a visual inspection and discover whether the problem existed, and if so, how serious it was.

It is a challenge for Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) technology to be small enough to be easily deployed, yet powerful enough to pull this much tether. A VideoRay Pro III was deployed with the Professional Performance Package. This places a booster battery on the submersible that allows full thrust regardless of tether length. 1000 feet of neutrally buoyant tether was utilized.

Steve Van Meter, a consultant brought in by Working Divers, set up the operation and operated the tether. “It was amazing”, commented Steve. “I could have gone 1000 feet if I needed to – there was that much thrust available at the submersible. And – the entire mission took about 30 minutes – one of the easiest we’ve ever done.”

The inspection revealed that there were no problems with the pipe – the anomalies located by the ground penetrating radar were caused by other factors – perhaps differences in fill material placed around the pipes.

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.

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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.