Marine UXO disposal services
Unexploded ordnance can pose a real threat to both your staff and your operations.
Years of ordnance dumping and the World Wars has left a significant marine UXO risk on the seabed. Dagger Diving Services support inshore and offshore developers to address the site-specific risks posed by UXO, both for the safety of personnel and equipment and ultimately for the successful completion of your project. There are numerous examples of marine construction projects that have experienced costly delays relating to the unplanned location of UXO, highlighting the need for a robust and coordinated approach to UXO risk management.
Contact us 24/7 for immediate survey and UXO disposal support, and take a look at our case studies relating to UXO investigations.
EQUIPMENT
The AQUASCAN DX300 has been developed as a powerful detection tool for the diver, providing a solution for a multitude of detection requirements. One major role is to complement the towed magnetometer where solid evidence from the surface survey is met with a flat apparent debris free seabed, diver investigation with the DX300 can readily pinpoint deeply buried ferrous anomalies. The DX300 supercedes the popular and very successful DX200 version and features an even higher sensitivity and stability.
The system has a selectable sensitivity which in itself can assist in the progressive pinpointing of a target, response is indicated by an audible tone allowing the diver to determine the closest proximity to a target by the progressive increase in audible tone.
The DX300 has been designed to utilise the same housing as the familiar AQUAPULSE (AQ1B) range of metal detectors. The system comprises a robust DX300 electronic module together with an RX200 (80cm (32″) length) detection probe, a slim Bonephone (or optionally Underwater Headphones) and a universal mains charger. Connections are made to the control unit with the same robust underwater Ikelite connectors as the AQ1B range.
The mains charger, Bonephone & Headphones are identical to those supplied with the AQ1B family, this allows existing AQ1B owners to utilise these items on a crossover basis. An internal NiMH battery pack gives a minimum of 12 hours operation when fully charged and can be readily topped up at any time without the drawback of “memory” effects.
The RX200 probe utilises a pair of high sensitivity Fluxgate magnetic sensors with a 600mm (approx 2ft) spacing, these are built into a robust GRP housing together with a pre-conditioning combiner circuit. A two metre polyurethane sheathed cable couples the probe to the control unit via an Ikelite connector. One of 4 sensitivity modes can be selected, this allows the system to be progressively de-sensitised as a target is investigated. The audible output can be preset to be silent or at a low frequency such that a minor change in pitch can be observed, this is how the presence of metallic items is determined. The proportional nature of the audio response allows the object to be accurately pinpointed or tracked as in the case of a pipe or cable. The nature of a response can also be helpful in determining the way a buried object is laying – such as an anchor or cannon.
The RX200 probe is also available with longer cable lengths, up to 100m; this allows the system to be used from the surface for towed or drop down and drift applications.
USES
PIPE TRACKER – This system can be used to locate and follow ferrous sub sea pipes down to burial depths of several meters.
CABLE TRACKER – As per pipe tracker above.
UXO DETECTOR- The DX-300 has been successfully used on numerous contracts to locate unexploded ordinance (UXO).
The AQUAPULSE 1B (38cm) is an underwater metal detector employing a large diameter search head mounted on the end of a telescopic arm. The 1B can detect objects up to a range of 3m (10ft). This makes it the most powerful unit on the market. Apart from the sensitivity threshold control, the 1B underwater metal detector has an additional control to enable the whole range of AQUAPULSE coils and accessories to be used with it. The same control can be used to reject surface clutter such as ring pulls, cigarette foil etc., often found buried in the sand or mud. The internal NiMH battery pack allows in the order of 10 hours operation.
Used with our new Jet Probe burrowing accessory, the Aquapulse can be used to pinpoint buried objects in up to 3m of sand or sediment, thus minimising the amount of dredging required. The objects depth of burial can also be determined.
