RTsys was present at Offshore Wind Energy 2017, which has become the most important renewable energy trade fair to date.
RTsys was present at Offshore Wind Energy 2017, which has become the most important renewable energy trade fair to date.
The use of airguns in Oil & Gas prospecting campaigns can greatly harm marine wildlife living around targeted areas. Underwater noise propagation speed is almost 5 times faster than in air. It is therefore crucial to conduct passive acoustic monitoring and cover wide zones to protect endangered species.
When such natural resources are identified, we then help Oil & Gas companies to decrease installation risks by checking the seabed structure and detecting potential UXO using AUVs.
During operations, it is vital be able to detect leaks or mechanical failures in time. This can be implemented with real-time acoustic monitoring solutions.
In a context of increasing worldwide tensions RTSYS brings its expertise in Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) and Mine Counter-Measures (MCM) to Navies in order to make oceans a safer place.
Our knowledge in underwater acoustics and robotics allow Navies to recreate complete MCM and ASW environments. MCM operations are built on a complete range of divers, AUVs and PRBs (Positioning and Relay Beacons) enhancing both navigation and detection capabilities. ASW capabilities are highlighted with a focus on the improvement of training capacities and acoustic systems.
As water levels are continually rising because of global warming, harbor cities facing growing urbanization have no choice but to extend onto the seashore.
Protected species living in harbors can thus be threatened by inshore works taking place as anthropogenic noise may disorientate them and jeopardize their sustainability. Works can also have an influence on water quality parameters.
In this regard, RTSYS helps construction and dredging companies adopt a multiparameter framework using the SYSENSE seabed station, allowing real-time monitoring and remote control of various parameters, such as acoustics, salinity, water depth and turbidity. All collected data can be remotely displayed in real-time through a dedicated website.
90% of global goods are carried by maritime freight and the volumes transported are constantly growing as new routes appear. Consequently ships and cargos need to be increasingly efficient in terms of speed, size and energy consumption. Radiated noise generated by ships must also meet rules and regulations as awareness of anthropogenic noise heightens.
Based on this knowledge, we help shipyards design better ships using Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) either with real-time or post-processing methods. Meanwhile, ships in operation can use underwater acoustics to detect any defects or mechanical failures.
Due to the rise of anthropogenic noise, marine biologists and PAM operators need to keep a constant watch, as underwater sound may affect marine species’ habitats.
Additionally, Protected Species Observers (PSO) and Marine Mammal Observers (MMO) are increasingly learning the importance of underwater acoustics in their understanding of marine wildlife. Species that science thought were soundless until a few years ago appear to express numerous acoustic signals that tell more than the eyes can see.
In addition to biological and anthropogenic sounds, geological sounds (earthquakes, thermal sources …) can be observed helping for a better understanding of oceans.
As the main bulwark against global warming, their chemicophysical properties need to be closely monitored, which can be easily implemented using AUVs, equipped with various payloads for long autonomous surveys.
Before installing wind turbines, operators need to conduct a complete risk assessment, therefore using AUV geared with side-scan sonars for UXO detection. Ambient noise monitoring and marine mammals detection campaigns can also be conducted to identify the potential presence of protected marine species.
Even when using bubble curtains, pile-driving phases during offshore wind farm installation can generate high underwater noise levels causing the disorientation and decay of marine species.
Paired with a buoy, RT-Live Monitor software helps to mitigate noise levels in real-time and ensure compliance with current rules and regulations regarding underwater sound.
Wind or tidal stream turbines are subject to mechanical failures that underwater acoustic monitoring will also help detect.