Rio de la Plata Project Page
ADCP tow deployment
ADCP tow prior to deployment
(resting on spool of spare cable).
ADCP tow deployment 1
ADCP tow deployment 2
ADCP tow deployment 3
with load on the winch prior to bungee attachment.
ADCP tow assembly
ADCP towing 3 (load carrying assembly of bungee, cable, block, tow).
The winch
used during deployment and recovery.
The bungee
taking the load after deployment.
The Chinese Finger
being attached by David Huntley (red hard hat) and Petty Officer 2nd class Walter H. Serrano.
The Chinese Finger
transfering the load from winch to bungee after deployment.
The modified block (axial view)
The modified block (lateral view)
(note rollers to prevent cable from jumping)
Problems
Cable jumping the block
during strong pitching and rolling of ship in 35-40 kts winds.
Tricky recovery (8:10am)
: Lift #1 with crane and Chinese Finger #2.
Tricky recovery
: Lift #2 with crane and Chinese Finger #2 after load shifting.
Tricky recovery
: lift #2 (notice slack Chinese Finger #1).
Tricky recovery
: Everything securely aboard.
The problems led us to modify the design of the block
A deployment in Jan./Feb. 2000 resulted in a flawless performance.
Towing
ADCP towing 1
ADCP towing 2, near Punta del Este, Uruguay
Happy ADCP
towing into the South-American sunset.
All photos by
David Huntley
and Mariana Framinan
Assembled by
Andreas Münchow
Last updated: Feb. 25, 2000