J.W. Automarine - Underwater Ordnance Recovery System Mk4

J.W. Automarine specialises in the design and manufacture of underwater recovery systems and has developed a compact self-contained system for remote retrieval. The Mk4 system is the latest of a family of mine recovery systems designed and manufactured since the mid-1970s.

In recovery diving operations, it is not always possible to dispose of unexploded ordnance in the position where it is found. For safety reasons a means of remote removal to a safe area and a means of lowering in a controlled manner for disposal is therefore essential.

MK4 FEATURES

• Inflation time delay from 0 to 90 minutes
• Computer programme inflation delay up to 45 days
• 500kg or 1,000kg lift capacity lifting bags
• Controlled buoyancy ascent and descent
• Acoustic operation compatibility
• Operational depth to 80m
• Low magnetic signature

ENCLOSED MINE LIFTING BAG (EMLB)

The enclosed mine lifting bag (EMLB), will provide a safe and reliable means of remotely lifting ordnance of up to 1,000kg mass, from depths down to 80m, by providing a time delay facility and controlling the rate of ascent. This is achieved by enabling the user to set the time delay for up to 90 minutes in 5 minute increments, or by computer for up to 45 days for inflation of the lifting bags in a controlled manner. This ensures the rate of ascent is controlled at no more than 2m/s.

There are two versions of EMLB, one with a lifting bag of 500kg capacity and one with a lifting bag of 1,000kg. Each consists of two main assemblies:

• Lifting bag assembly with integral valise
• Transport/storage case containing delayed inflation unit (SPEDIU-MK4) I) - Cylinder Pack, II) Time Control Unit

Operation of the EMLB requires the Cylinder Pack (suitably configured for the proposed lift) and the Timer/Controller Unit to be attached to the Lifting Bag Assembly. Once the actuation delay period has been set on the surface, using the remote setting control box, the assembly is ready for deployment in water.

When EMLB has been attached the ascent activation pin is removed and time delay starts. Similarly, when the EMLB is on the surface, it may be used to lower an item at a controlled rate of descent. This is achieved by removing the descent-arming pin, fitted at the top of the Lifting Bag.

The 500kg and 1,000kg versions of EMLB are essentially the same, the differences being in the size of the Lifting Bag and the number of cylinders in the Cylinder Pack are as follows:

• 1,000kg Lifting Bag Model TARB1MK4 - (N.S.N. 1386-99-198-5106)
• 500kg Lifting Bag Model TARBT10CMK4 - (N.S.N. 1386-99-772-0045)
• Controller 2 Cylinder Pack (500kg Lift Bag)
• Model SPED1UMK4(2C) - (N.S.N. 4220-99-695-2761)
• Controller 4 Cylinder Pack (1,000kg Lift Bag) Model SPED1UMK4 - (N.S.N. 1386-99-869-5423)

OPTIONAL ORDANCE DISPOSAL KIT

Our Optional Kit is available for ordnance disposal from a beach tidal lift. This is achieved by separating the Controller Pack from the Lift Bag by a distance of 5 metres, this ensures that, with an incoming tide, making contact with the live ordnance by the inflation set is minimal. The Controller Pack is made buoyant by additional solid buoyancy and is currently only fitted to the two cylinder pack.

Please also see - Offshore Technology - J.W. Automarine - Underwater Salvage Lifting Bags

For further technical details or demonstration, please do not hesitate to contact us.