Nexus 2 is the second release of applied acoustic engineering’s (applied acoustics) digital USBL system. Originally released in 2016, it aimed to enable a higher level of accuracy and repeatability. Read more >>
The USBL system incorporates the company’s Sigma 2 spread spectrum channels which also added additional functionality on top of the accuracy and repeatability. Clients of applied acoustics enjoy working with the Nexus 2 system for a variety of reasons, but primarily for its ease of use and the results achieved when using the system.
If customers need to accurately position their ROV/AUV or towed magnetometer for UXO surveys, applied acoustics have been manufacturing survey-grade USBL systems since 2010 for just these purposes.
The Nexus 2 system is a high-grade solution for positioning and navigation subsea, with which the company has achieved great success within a number of key sectors, from oil and gas to renewables, defense, port and harbour surveys, ocean science, aquaculture, and UXO surveys and clearance.
Case Study: Helping Subsea Service Specialists Deliver Improved Client Experience
applied acoustics are experts in technology associated with underwater positioning systems in conjunction with ROV equipment, as evidenced by Ocean Scan approaching the company for technological help.
Positioning accuracy is essential for the Ocean Scan’s work in identifying shipwrecks, debris, pipelines and underwater hazards. applied acoustics assisted with the successful integration of several USBL systems into Ocean Scan’s Falcon DR-1000 ROVs, which are now performing high-depth marine infrastructure inspection work for a range of industries.
These USBL systems have significantly improved Ocean Scan’s subsea operations, making it possible for them to deliver a better experience for their clients and achieve a higher level of satisfaction with all their undersea inspection work.
The Nexus 2 USBL Evolution
applied acoustics have been manufacturing USBL systems for over 25 years, beginning with the original analogue Easytrak USBL system then, for the last 11 years, moving into using spread spectrum digital signal architecture.
The Nexus USBL system was released in 2010 to allow higher levels of accuracy, with Nexus 2 following six years later, taking advantage of further technical advances. applied acoustic’s Sigma 2 spread spectrum digital acoustics lifted Nexus 2 to survey-grade navigation and positioning.
Key features of the technology include an established, highly advanced USBL system, with over 150 Nexus systems sold worldwide to a variety of customers, as well as standard bi-directional Sigma 2 spread spectrum offering quality acoustics with added functionality, superb accuracy and repeatability in shallow or deep waters. Further features include:
- Fast Acoustic Data Uplink: an 800bps (including forward error correction) protocol allowing quick, secure and reliable data transfer between subsea instruments and surface command
- ‘Multi-Fire’ Common Interrogate Function: the capacity to interrogate multiple subsea transponders with a single ping, giving faster update rates than conventional sequential firing, utilising our proven and proprietary Sigma 2 acoustic protocols.
- EasyCal 2 embedded calibration software: this is provided as standard, saving valuable set-up time, ensuring operations can begin quickly and efficiently.
- Windows based software for ease of use.
- Industry standard VRU, DGPS, Heading, Depth Input and DP Telegrams: these provide our customers with confidence that Nexus 2 has everything you need.
Another feature of the Nexus 2 is that it has various transceiver options. These are capable of tracking fast moving targets at long slant ranges, and provide reliable, repeatable and accurate results with towed targets moving at 10 knots.
Particularly effective for UXO surveys utilising several magnetometers or sidescan sonars, diving operations, and for use at offshore worksites where several vehicles may be in use concurrently. The long range capability and exceptional accuracy specifications make Nexus 2 particularly effective for long layback towed application.
Alex Lobos Astudillo, Head of Hydrography and Oceanography at Ocean Scan, commented, “The experience of working with aae has been very good. USBL equipment has a technological development that allows for easy handling and a fast-learning curve for its operation.
“Technical support has always been there when solving a problem. In general, our experience with aae has been very satisfying.”
Read the original article, contact aae, or visit the company’s website to find out more.
