Acoustic Release

Marine Electronics manufactures a range of Acoustic Release Systems covering a wide range of applications. Due to the modular construction employed, custom solutions to specific requirements may be provided at low cost. Parameters of the release system that may be customised include the acoustic frequency, transducer beam pattern, release load, operating depth, package style, actuation method, and battery size/type.

The operational frequency may be selected from 7kHz for long range operation to 100kHz for shallow water or short range applications. Transducers may be either spherical for omni-directional use, cylindrical for shallow water use or piston for deep water use.

The standard release package is rated at 250kg when moored in line. These basic units may drive a secondary or tertiary hook to amplify the load rating. The example shown in the main photograph is rated at 4 tonnes. The primary release is motor driven with a single rotating shaft penetrating the pressure housing. Units may be manufactured for depth ratings to 6000m, the standard units being rated at 1000m.

The release may be supplied as a stand-alone remote package to connect to an external transponder or third party trigger mechanism. Alternatively the release may be incorporated into the transponder base.

Features Include:

• Choice of Operating Frequency from 7khz to 100kHz
• Operational Depths to 6000m
• Mechanical or Electrical Release Units
• Multiple Release Outputs
• Release Loads to 5 tonnes
• Choice of Packaging Format

The standard release is motor actuated, alternatively a relay output may be provided to energise an external mechanism. The battery life of the package is dictated by the parameters of the transponder as the release mechanism only draws power when the motor is driven. The transponders have a single-chip microcontroller at their heart for timing and control functions. The transponder remains in a low power sleep mode until commanded by the Transponder Control Unit.

The deployment listening life of the transponder may be from three months to ten years depending on the size and type of battery pack used. Microswitches in the release mechanism monitor the safe and fired limit positions so that the transponder may telemeter the release state back to the surface unit. Once a release has been fired the transponder enters a ranging mode so that the unit can be tracked to the surface and recovered.

4 Tonne certified in-line release package

Standard 350kg release hook

A pair of 250kg remote release units

Small portable pair of remote release units with seperate battery pack, transponders and Transponder Control Unit (TCU) with Remote Active Transducer (RAT)

Transponder Control Unit

Copyright © 2006. Marine Electronics Ltd.