Overview

Our range of heavy duty acoustic release frames increase the Working Load Limit (WLL) of RT 6-3000 and RT-6000 acoustic release transponders, enabling you to lift, lower and release heavy loads onto the seabed, including structures and specialist equipment.

The Type 7869 release frame increases the WLL of a standard RT 6-3000 or RT 6-6000 to 7,500 kg (at 4:1 safety factor) with a breaking load of 30,000 kg.

The Type 7988 release frame has a WLL of 25,000 kg and breaking load of 100,000 kg.

In most cases, both types of release frame can be fitted without any modification to the acoustic release itself and are easily assembled in the field. Manufactured from high-strength steel which is galvanised and powder coated, the releases offer excellent corrosion resistance for long-term deployment.

Applications for which the acoustic releases have been developed include civil engineering, offshore construction, offshore renewables, marine salvage, defence and ocean science.

At a glance

• Working Load Limit of 7,500 or 25,000 kg
• Breaking load of 100,000 kg
• Choice of depth rating: 4,000 or 12,000 m
• Compact size; just over 1 metre long
• Industry standard lifting rings

Suitable for

• Subsea structure installation
• Research vessels

Overview

Gyro Compatt 6+ is our combined LBL transponder and AHRS, supporting every stage of your structure installation project. The instrument provides wireless high update rates of attitude, heading, heave, surge, sway, temperature, pressure, SV and acoustic positioning of any subsea object. Deep water structure installation – made easy.

Gyro Compatt 6+ is no longer available for purchase. However, is still available through our hire pool. Contact [email protected] for more information.

At a glance

• Combined LBL transponder and Lodestar AHRS instrument; rugged, ROV deployable design
• Calculates motion and position of any subsea object; use it for structure installation and metrology
• Rechargeable internal battery provides more than a day of continuous use
• Wideband 3 inside; our latest signal protocols delivering fast, efficient operations
• LBL and USBL modes; optimised for Fusion 2 and Ranger 2
• Built to support subsea construction

Repeatable, configurable, long-term surveillance

The Autonomous Monitoring Transponder (AMT) is a long-endurance transponder engineered for your long term subsea survey tasks and is capable of autonomously acquiring acoustic ranges and sensor data without surface control.

AMTs can detect subtle movement often not picked up by traditional ROV surveys so it’s ideal for monitoring slow movements, like creeping or buckling pipelines. Using structure and seafloor transponder buckets, they can be ROV-deployed, removed and re-installed to provide insight over time. Your AMTs can be configured to take measurements at specific intervals and be adjusted on-demand by you as your campaign progresses. Data can even be collected in real time using a USV should your operation need it.

As it’s collected, data is time-stamped and logged internally for recovery via the integrated high-speed acoustic telemetry modem. This autonomy allows measurements to be made over a long period of time without requiring a surface vessel or ROV to command the process. This enables new applications that save vessel and survey time so reducing cost and risk.

At a glance

• Recommended for long endurance site surveys
• Leave it deployed for six years or more
• Extensive choice of monitoring sensors
• Depth rated to 3,000 m
• Harvest data using a ship, buoy, AUV or USV

AMT has many of the same acoustic functions as Compatt 6, our most popular navigation transponder. It operates in the Medium Frequency (MF) band and is fully Sonardyne Wideband 2 compatible.

Precision pressure, temperature, sound velocity and dual-axis inclinometer sensors are integrated and are intelligently powered up at the requested time and sampling period, providing an ultra-low power platform for up to three years deployment. Sampling regimes can be re-programmed, and recovery of all data can be achieved via the acoustic modem.

The instrument is available with a range of omni and directional transducers, depth ratings and pressure housings dependent on deployment duration and application. Additional external sensors can be easily integrated via the power and communications port.

What's possible

You need transponders to be tough, reliable and easy to work with. RT 6-3000 meets these requirements.

Part of our range of acoustic releases, RT 6-3000 combines our extensive mechanical design track record and many years of subsea mooring experience with the flexibility of our 6G platform. The result is an enhanced battery life and, perhaps most significantly, compatibility with our Ranger 2 USBL family.

Deploy. Track. Locate. Recover.

With RT 6-3000, you can use your Ranger 2 USBL to deploy, track, locate and command the instrument – removing the need for a separate topside unit.

If you don’t have access to a Ranger 2 USBL, our rugged and lightweight Deck Topside with an over-the-side dunker is all you need to configure and command your RT 6-3000s.

RT 6-3000s are used to anchor oceanographic moorings to the seabed. However, their compact size and compatibility with Ranger 2 makes them ideal for incorporation into instrument frames or lowered platforms to enable deployment of sub-system packages. Depth rated to 3,000 m, the maximum slant range for operation is dependent on the noise environment and topside used, but ranges to 4,500 m are achievable.

A battery disconnect fob is located on the transducer and uses an internal magnetic switch to electronically disconnect the battery when not in use. This means you don’t have to open the unit to manually disconnect the battery, saving time and reducing the risk of incorrect re-assembly.

Standard features include a Working Load Limit (WLL) of 1,275 kg (at 4:1) and the same trusted spring-assisted release mechanism used on thousands of Sonardyne transponders globally for many years. RT 6-3000 is compatible with our standard tandem and high-load release frames for scenarios requiring a higher WLL.

Speak to us about your requirements as custom frames are also an option.

SMART precision monitoring for your offshore assets

Unlock invaluable insights about the health and performance of your critical offshore structures, pipelines, and risers with your SMART monitoring system.

Tailor-made for your needs

We understand that no two offshore missions are the same. With a wide range of configurable sensor options, SMART can be customised to meet the precise monitoring requirements of your offshore mission. Our team will work with you to design and fabricate specialised mounting brackets to seamlessly integrate SMART into your infrastructure, including ROV-friendly setups for fast, efficient installation and retrieval.

Powerful onboard analytics

SMART’s advanced onboard processor enables sophisticated data analysis and processing right at the source. Advanced algorithms extract meaningful insights from raw sensor data, transforming high-bandwidth inputs into compact, critical updates that keep you informed on the status of your assets. Smart power management ensures long deployment times between maintenance. A low power data logger enables data received from external and internal sources to be securely archived using dual redundant storage.

Flexible data harvesting

Transmit stored data to the surface via industry-leading acoustic telemetry or high-bandwidth optical communication links. SMART integrates with your existing systems and workflows, with configurable software options to suit your needs – from standard diagnostics to custom analysis and visualisation tools.

SMART uses our trusted Wideband 2 acoustic telemetry module for your seafloor to surface communications. Operating in the Medium Frequency (MF) or Low Medium Frequency (LMF) band, there are options for omni-directional and directional transducers with high output powers for use in deep water and in challenging acoustic environments.

By utilising our Wideband 2 advanced spread spectrum coding, SMART can transmit your stored data at rates of up to 9,000 bps to topside transceivers and modems including our HPT 5000, Modem 6 and Dunker 6. An Ethernet connection to a BlueComm high bandwidth optical communication link enables larger quantities of data to be harvested from ROV, AUV or USV.

Dependable performance

SMART is engineered for precision, reliability, and flexibility. Trusted by leading offshore operators, this advanced monitoring system delivers the actionable intelligence you need to make informed decisions and protect your critical investments.

At a glance

• Battery options to support campaigns in excess of 10 years
• Can be deployed and recovered using ROV
• 3,000 m standard depth rating; options for 7,000 m
• Onboard logging and processing of data; offloaded acoustically on demand
• Built on our low power 6G hardware platform and Wideband 2 digital signal architecture for reliable acoustic performance in noisy conditions

Entry level – next level

What's possible

The RT 6-1000 is the versatile acoustic release transponder for your subsea operations. It can be commanded from multiple sources, including the Deck Topside, an Android app, or any Ranger 2 USBL system. This flexibility allows you to easily deploy, track, locate and retrieve your seabed equipment and ocean sensors.

One of the key advantages of the RT 6-1000 is its depth rating of 1,000 metres and weight load limit of 150 kg. This depth and payload capacity make it an ideal choice for scientists, surveyors, and military personnel who require a reliable and enduring solution for their underwater applications.

The RT 6-1000 is compatible with Sonardyne’s Ranger 2 USBL tracking systems, which are widely used on survey vessels around the world. This integration allows for seamless deployment, tracking, and retrieval of your equipment. No access to Ranger 2? No problem, the RT 6-1000’s NFC capability enables setup and control via its Android app or a dedicated Deck Topside unit.

Deploy. Track. Locate. Recover

At a glance

• The reliable choice to deploy, leave and recover seafloor equipment and sensors
• 1,000 metre depth rating; twice that of similar low-cost acoustic release transponders
• Tested, loaded, commanded and released using Deck Topside
• Also works with any Ranger 2 USBL to track it and activate it
• >13-month battery life means less time servicing it and more time using it
• 150 kg Working Load Limit to support your sensors and instruments
• Optional rope canister for heavy lifting

The RT 6-1000 offers impressive endurance, with a battery life of up to 13 months, making it well-suited for long-term deployments and year-long surveys. Its screw-off release mechanism ensures reliable recovery of the transponder and your equipment.

An optional rope canister attachment allows you to quickly and easily raise items left on the seabed, such as tools, cables and salvage. The canister deploys a high-strength rope as the transponder ascends, providing a convenient means of retrieval.

Unite your navigation and positioning for seamless efficiency

Fuse your workflow and control all your Long BaseLine (LBL), Sparse LBL, and SPRINT Inertial Navigation System (INS) projects from one intuitive interface. No more juggling multiple programmes – Fusion 2 simplifies your operations.

From subsea structure installation, metrology, pipeline and spool piece monitoring to pipeline positioning and more, Fusion 2 streamlines your subsea navigation and positioning. It connects LBL, Sparse LBL, and SPRINT INS for smooth workflows, real-time calibration and efficient deployments. This future-proof technology unlocks the potential of 6G+ and Wideband 3 instruments.

Real-Time Calibration: For faster, more efficient Sparse LBL operations, Fusion 2 allows real-time calibration of seabed transponders using Simultaneous Localisation and Mapping (SLAM). Eliminating delays and ensuring you collect accurate data from the start.

Enhanced efficiency through optimising hardware mobilisation. By consolidating control under one program, you require less equipment offshore, reducing costs and simplifying logistics, as well as saving you valuable setup time.

Built for our latest 6G+ instruments, Fusion 2 unlocks the full potential of Wideband 3 signal technology, ensuring your operations are at the forefront of subsea navigation.

Fusion 2 – fuse your systems for optimal performance

Why Fusion 2 is perfect for your operations

Do more with less – no need to operate two independent software and hardware systems to control your 6G LBL and SPRINT INS – Fusion 2 does it all in a single interface.

Fusion 2 LBL allows you to run calibrations in real time. Meaning you spend less time calibrating and more time collecting the right data, first time.

Lower your start-up costs: for practical, reliable LBL INS, Fusion 2 supports use of our SPRINT 300 with fewer transponders.

Why choose it/us

Backed by over 40 years of LBL system experience, Fusion 2 is the obvious choice for your offshore installation projects. Its 6G+ technology allows centimetric subsea positioning in all water depths. Highly robust and accurate instruments, professionally supported by our in-house engineers and surveyors, have made it the system of choice for subsea structure installations for decades.

Used with products such as GyroCompatt 6+, it provides you with centimetric positioning along with class leading Lodestar gyroscopes for heading, pitch and roll measurements all in a single, easy to deploy instrument.

If your underwater operations require precise measurements, an acoustic metrology system using several Compatt 6+ transponders can be placed in a network on the seabed / structures / hubs. The depths of the Compatts can then be accurately measured and 6G+ Wideband acoustic ranges collected between them.

Fusion 2 enables your seabed transponders to be SLAM calibrated in real-time for easier and faster Sparse LBL operations. And by embedding sensor data with high-update navigation ranging data, there’s no more interruptions to positioning updates at critical moments.

You’ll begin to see the benefits even before your project teams head offshore. Acoustic and INS projects can be configured and checked onshore prior to vessel mobilisation – saving you time, streamlining procedures and helping you to further de-risk operations.

If you need to tailor your operations, Fusion 2 enables multiple computations, comparing different set-ups, allowing you to pick the one you want. Sparse LBL might suit one operation more than LBL and vice versa. Now it’s easy to check, on-site, which works best for you.

"The Kit"/technology/software

For optimal performance, Fusion 2 can be used with a number of our products – including Gyro Compatt 6+, Compatt 6+, SPRINT-Nav, ROVNav 6+ / mini ROVNav.

To further increase operational efficiency, digital signal processing protocol, Fusion 2 is best paired with Wideband 3, which you’ll find inside our trusted 6G platforms, Compatt 6+ and ROVNav 6+.

Wideband 3 gives you sensor data alongside navigation ranging data, providing your operators with real-time positions and sensor data at the same time. This allows the acceleration of update rates by a factor of ten, eliminating latency issues.

For safer deepwater drilling

Designed for use from both Dynamically Positioned (DP) and moored drilling rigs, MRAMS uses our low-risk, field-proven 6G hardware and Wideband 2 acoustic technology to maintain an uninterrupted wireless data link between a rig and BOP, even in the high-noise environments typically associated with drilling operations.

Suitable for real-time monitoring for drilling operations and riser movement, MRAMS provides high update, low latency data updates ensuring you know exactly what is happening during your operations. Unlike expensive cabled solution which are vulnerable to damage, MRAMS is a wireless acoustic solution. Simple and intuitive software provides clear and unambiguous data on a riser’s angle and profile

Designed for use from both dynamically positioned (DP) and moored drilling rigs, MRAMS uses our low-risk, 6G hardware and Wideband 2 acoustic technology to maintain an uninterrupted wireless data link between a rig and BOP, even in the high-noise environments typically associated with drilling operations.

Developed from field-proven components, MRAMS is based on the integration of our USBL acoustic positioning technology and BOP-mounted transponders fitted with high resolution inclinometers. This provides clear and unambiguous data on your vessel’s position and riser angle status.

At a glance:

• Helps prevent costly damage to riser and BOP
• Provides clear information for users to maintain riser angles within operational limits
• Integrated USBL acoustic positioning for DP reference
• Designed for deep water operations
• Standalone system or integrated with Marksman LUSBL

Marine Riser Angle Monitoring System

How it works

MRAMS comprises of four key elements; a Navigation Sensor Hub (NSH) and computer for controlling the transmission and decoding of acoustic signals, a vessel-based HPT 5000 or HPT 7000 transceiver which acts as an interrogator/receiver and responds to commands from the NSH, and a pair of DPTi 6 transponders; one fitted to the riser and one to the BOP.

On command from the NSH, one of three angles can be measured: the riser, the BOP or differential riser/BOP angle. During drilling operations, the riser and BOP angles are continuously measured by each DPTi 6 and the differential riser/BOP angle calculated. The angles are transmitted to the vessel using high speed digital acoustic telemetry, where they are received by the HPT transceiver, decoded, and then displayed on the bridge or drill floor. The vessel’s position and bearing relative to the BOP is also calculated and the information displayed to your DP operator or barge engineer. This data enables them to steer the rig and return the riser flex joint back to vertical.

In addition to its stand-alone capability in accurately monitoring the riser and BOP differential angle during drilling operations, MRAMS integrates seamlessly with our dynamic positioning (DP) reference system, Marksman LUSBL, to provide reliable and accurate vessel positioning for mobile drilling units.

Precision depth monitoring for offshore operations

The Riser Profiling system can be used as a standalone, integrated within a Marksman LUSBL acoustic position reference system, or with a third-party integrated monitoring system.

6th Generation (6G®) DPTi or SMART transponders wirelessly mounted along the length of the riser, provide highly accurate data. These are clamped onto the riser during deployment or installed via ROV subsea. Up to ten transponders are mounted on a riser. Each transponder is fitted with the following sensors:

• High-resolution dual axis inclinometer
• Water temperature
• Pressure and depth
• Optional single point Doppler current meter (speed, direction)

The gathered data is transmitted wirelessly from the transponders using our Wideband 2 acoustic signals to a transceiver on the vessel, eliminating the need for expensive umbilical cables to fitted up each riser.

At a glance

• Designed for monitoring your riser’s integrity
• Helps prevent critical damage during operations
• Removes need for expensive cables
• 6G hardware and Wideband 2 acoustic delivers robust performance during operations
• User configurable update rates

Advanced monitoring for subsea success

Topside software makes changing monitoring regimes easy. You can even set an alarm to activate when the calculated riser angle exceeds a predefined limit.

At the update rate you choose, inclination, current speed and direction, pressure, temperature measurements are requested from each transponder. All data is processed, logged and displayed graphically and numerically on the topside computer software for your instant analysis. When SMART transponders are used, the data is processed within the transponder and wirelessly transmitted to the vessel’s transceiver.

Durable, compatible, configurable, portable

Why Acoustic Data Logger is perfect for your operations

Built on more than 30 years of successful installations, Acoustic Data Loggers provide you with the power to read multiple gauges at predefined intervals, securely store the received information within the unit, then transmit it acoustically through the water column to the surface on-demand.

The current generation includes our 6G and Wideband 2 acoustic technology, allowing large volumes of logged data to be rapidly and accurately retrieved at the surface.

Unmatched longevity for unwavering performance

Say goodbye to frequent maintenance and costly disruptions. Your Acoustic Data Logger can remain deployed for several years without the need for intervention, ensuring your well data is captured with unwavering consistency. They are compatible with Intelligent Well Interface Standardisation (IWIS) and non-IWIS gauge cards from the leading wellbore downhole pressure and temperature gauge manufacturers.

Using normal gauge reading sample rates they can operate for up to three years. Longer deployments or higher sample rates are easily accommodated using external battery packs. All hardware is supplied in corrosion-resistant super duplex stainless steel canisters for very long deployment periods.

ROV portability to a maximum depth of 3,000 m, makes the system ideal for initial well appraisals, where frequent downhole pressure and temperature readings need to be logged over a few weeks. However, the system is equally suitable for long-term deployments where it may remain installed on a wellhead, logging data for several years without intervention.

Suspended or abandoned well monitoring

High-availability acoustic subsea modems are designed for use with third party systems to facilitate the transfer of wellhead or wellbore data to the surface. Our modems can be designed, tested and supplied as part of a third party’s well monitoring solution, including electromagnetic, and through-casing tube technologies to the wellhead or tree-mounted modem.

At a glance

• Perfect for well appraisal campaigns
• ROV-deployable, easy to move between wells
• Can be interfaced to wide range of down hole gauges
• Depth rated to 3,000 m (10,000 feet)
• Harvest data using vessel, rig or ASV