Page 82 - The ROV Manual - A User Guide for Remotely Operated Vehicles 2nd edition
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70 CHAPTER 3 Design Theory and Standards
WCROV categories
For the largest class of vehicle, the focus shifts from depth capability (it is assumed that these are fully capable of deepwater operation) to the size of the drive pump. WCROVs are measured in terms of horsepower of the primary motor on the vehicle (emphasis added):
a. Standard work class: These vehicles are in the 100200 hp range typically used in drill support or light construction (e.g., Argus Worker, Perry XLR/XLS/XLX, Schilling HD, SMD Atom or Quasar, and Oceaneering Magnum).
b. Heavy work class: These vehicles are very large and heavy work vehicles of 200 hp or greater for heavy construction work (e.g., Perry XLX 200, Schilling UHD, Oceaneering Millennium Plus or Maxximum).
3.4.2 Today’s observation-class vehicles
One can spend a lifetime running numbers and statistics; however, it can be easily said that the OCROV technology is here to reach into the shallower depths in a cost-effective manner and com- plete a series of critical missions. Whether performing dam inspections, body recoveries, fish assessment, or treasure hunting, technology has allowed the development of the advanced systems necessary to complete the job—and stay dry at the same time.
Technology has moved from vacuum tubes, gear trains, and copper/steel cables to microproces- sors, magnetic drives, and fiber-optic/Kevlar cables. That droopy-drawered infant has now gradu- ated from college and can work reliably without constant maintenance. As computers have moved from trunk-sized “portable” systems to those that fit in a pants pocket, observation-class ROVs have moved from portable, i.e., a team of divers can carry one, to handheld vehicles that can com- plete the same task. Examples of observation-class vehicles in use today are shown in Figure 3.9. Table 3.1 provides a summary of those vehicles that weigh less than 91 kg (200 lb) and have 25 or more in the field.
FIGURE 3.9
Right side (a) and left side (b) view of various OCROV systems.
