What we call the 'ROPOS System' is a highly flexible system which consists of 5 configurable sub-systems: the vehicle, control, power, launch & recovery, and support systems. Each system is configured to best suit the operational goals, the ship of opportunities, and the budgets of our users.
The Vehicle
The ROPOS (Remotely Operated Platform for Ocean Sciences) vehicle is a science/work-class ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle) that is capable of operating to depths of up to 5000 metres. The ROPOS vehicle is configured through 3 interchangeable foam packs which provide buoyancy to the vehicle.
- The shallow foam is our lightest foam pack. With it, ROPOS weighs 4650lbs and can operate down to 1000 metres. It is generally used on smaller vessels that do not have a crane capable of lifting our mid-depth vehicle safely.
- The mid-depth foam is our most used foam pack. With it, ROPOS weighs 5300lbs and can operate down to 3000 metres. Generally used with our mid-depth launch and recovery system (LARS) it can also be used with our shallow configuration.
- The deep foam allows ROPOS to reach its full operational depth of 5000 metres. With it, the vehicle weighs 5800lbs.
Please note that the core vehicle remains the same with all foam packs but that vehicle payload capacity is affected.
Vehicle Control
There are 2 control room configurations, operations from a control container or from a ship's lab.
For ship's that do not have lab space to house our control equipment our 'control van' can be placed directly on the ship's deck. The control van is based on a 20' shipping container. In addition to our control and power equipment, it can house 2 pilots, 1 navigator, and 2 scientists.
Operations from a ship's lab is generally our preferred configuration as the extra space enables better cooperation between all parties involved. All of ROPOS' control and power equipment is free standing and portable for easy integration to ship's lab.
Vehicle Power
Hydraulic
CSSF has its own hydraulic power pack and generally prefers to use it. However, we can operate using ship's hydraulics to comply with the capabilities of ships of opportunity.
Electrical
The System requires 380 - 480VAC at 50/60Hz to operate both the ROV (100 amps) and winch (200 amps). 115 - 120VAC 60Hz UPS desirable for console electronics. The ROPOS system generally operates from ship power but can also provide an independent configuration using diesel generators.
Launch and Recovery Systems
In order to operate from a variety of support ships, the ROPOS systems has several Launch and Recovery configurations that best suit each project. As with the vehicle, the Launch and Recovery configuration can be classified under 3 categories: shallow, mid-depth, and deep systems.
Shallow Configuration
Primarily used for coastal work, the shallow system is designed to dive up to 1000 meters. Its small footprint, "light" weight, and neutral tether make it an ideal configuration on small vessels and/or for shallow operations.
- 1000m depth capability at sea state 4 (vessel dependent)
- 1400m of synthetic electrical-optical cable on shallow winch
Mid-Depth Configuration
Designed as a self contained launch and recovery platform with operating depth of 3000 meters, this system offers several advantages such as: increased sea-state operations (sea state 5 to 6), minimal ship's crew requirements, 4000lbs through-frame lift, and is ship independent (no need for a ship's crane or A-frame).
- 3000m depth capability at sea state 5/6 (vessel dependent)
- Launch and Recovery System
- 3300m of armored electrical-optical cable on mid-depth winch.
Deep Configuration
With an operating depth of 5000 meters, this system configuration requires a ship with a relatively large A-frame and the capacity to house a 96,000lbs winch.
- 5000m depth capability at sea state 5 (vessel dependent)
- Caged system w/ 260m flying tether
- 40HP vehicle, 10HP cage.
- 5500m armored electrical-optical cable mounted on Lantec winch
Support Systems
Our two main support system are maintenance and sub-sea navigation.
The maintenance system consist of a work van and several parts and supplies totes. The work van is based on a 20' shipping container and has all the tools and facilities required for the day to day maintenance of our system. In the case where a ship does not have the space to accommodate our work van it is possible to use ship's lab space for this purpose.
In its most basic form, the sub-sea navigation system allows us to know where the ROV is when diving and enables us to coordinate our movements with the support ship we are inherently linked to. Depending on our users' needs this system can also be used to chart work areas and return to known locations.
In addition, ROPOS has several other support systems designed to enhance our capabilities and meet our user's goals. Such systems are:
- IRLS (Integrated Real-time Logging System) for data-management.
- Broadcast quality High-Definition Video recording equipment.
- ROCLS (Remotely Operated Cable Laying System) to support cabled observatory installations.
- Video-to-shore satellite system to send back high quality video in real-time to any location in the world.
