Nine times out of ten when we conduct inspections in the Netherlands, the water is far from clear. That makes for less spectacular images from our ROVs with the 4K camera. Here and there there is an exception, but often we fall back on sonar for accuracy. Abroad, things are often different….
At the beginning of our existence, all Remotely Operated Vehichles (ROVs) we inspected with were equipped with an HD camera. Supported by LED lighting, we were able to provide both high quality and high visibility in any location, provided the water quality allowed. Often when light is used in murky water, particles in the water reflect the light, still limiting visibility. Our LED lighting minimizes that, but sometimes we still can’t see anything due to water quality. But then we inspect with sonar. This method of inspection is common for us, but we also like to show what is possible in clear water.
Innovation is key
Our method of underwater inspection is an innovation in the industry. We therefore have innovation as one of our high-level core values. Together with our supplier Deep Trekker, we scour every opportunity for groundbreaking ideas and projects. One such innovation in ROVs is underwater visibility.
The most important part of the underwater drones are the cameras. Therefore, optimizing that function must grow with the technology of the moment. For a while now, therefore, our ROVs have been equipped with Ultra High Definition Cameras, or 4K cameras. The razor-sharp image quality now provides even more precise results during inspections.
Not only is the quality of the image important, but also the live observation. Combined with the cable connected to the drone, we can always view live image in 30 FPS. No glitches, hiccups or pixels while inspecting with the ROV. Reliability on quality and image then simply becomes a habit.
Sublime substitute
Now the picture in practice. In 2022, we were asked to take a look at the Königssee in Germany. This gigantic lake, which is also the deepest lake in Germany, not only provided beautiful pictures above water, but also underwater. The question to us was simple: what is at the bottom?
The question of looking for something, without knowing what, is familiar to us. A lake about 190 meters deep can hide all kinds of things at the bottom. From our experience, these did not turn out to be lost treasures, but rather pipes or cables that have not been mapped before or known about at all. This is almost more valuable to our client than a sunken treasure.
Having an ROV descend into such a deep body of water is the only option for many clients to inspect the bottom. Letting a human take the leap into the deep involves too high a risk. An underwater drone is then an excellent alternative. Especially if it provides razor-sharp images.
In the video below you will find a compilation of our underwater mission in the Königssee.
Do you have any questions? Or about our work with underwater drones in general? Then contact us here.
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