Magtrack
Tracking and fault locating system for subsea cables
Tracking and fault locating system for subsea cables
Key Benefits
- Accurately track cables in 3D
- Pinpoint cable faults with precision
- Use the system with any work class ROV
- Suitable for the deep sea and shallow waters
Description
Magtrack is a compact, robust and lightweight cable tracking system that can very accurately detect cable position, trace the cable route, show burial depth and pinpoint cable faults.
The system can be used on all subsea power and communication cables, carrying an AC current supplied by a tone generator or even the cable load current.
Each Magtrack system comes with 4 small sensors which integrate 3-axis fluxgate magnetometers and inclinometers for easy installation and highly accurate positioning. It is typically installed in the front and in the rear of an ROV/ROT or a trencher, which allows you to also determine the slope and skew angle of the cable.
Both raw and pre-processed data are transferred from the ROV to the surface vessel - for example, a cable-laying ship. The Magtrack data can be processed further into a survey system together with other relevant information such as seafloor profile data from echo sounding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Magtrack system work on live/active cables?
Yes, Magtrack can be used on live cables.
Does the Magtrack system work on dead cables (no tone)?
The Magtrack system detects the field from a current flowing in the cable. If the cable is dead, a tone must be inserted.
Does the Magtrack system work on pre-magnetized cables?
Yes, the system works on pre-magnetized cables. However, the software presently requires a tone (20-500Hz). The sensors work down to DC - so by using 3rd party software, this is possible.
Does the Magtrack system work on 3 phase cables?
In theory the field from a balanced 3-phase cable is zero - so to follow and map a 3-phase cable, a few amps of imbalance between the phases is required.
