Acoustic Release - Method of Operation

Method of Operation

  • Deployment phase: The instrument package is dropped to the sea floor. The principal components of the package are the anchor weight which allows the assembly to sink and then remain firmly on the sea floor, the acoustic release device which can receive a remote commands from the control station to drop the anchor weight, the instrument or payload which is to be deployed and later recovered, and a flotation device which keeps the assembly upright on the sea floor, and at the end of the deployment allows it to return to the surface.
  • Operations phase: The instrument package is on the sea floor. This phase can last anywhere from minutes to several years, depending on the application. The instrument package is now typically unattended, performing its observations or work.
  • Recovery phase: During this phase, an acoustic command is issued by the control station. The control station is typically on a boat, but may also be a device operated by a diver or mounted on an ROV. Upon receipt and verification, the acoustic release triggers a mechanism that drops the anchor weight. The remainder of the instrumentation package is now carried back to the surface by the flotation device for recovery.

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