Rio de la Plata Project Page

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• for John Ryan:
  • Fig. UDel-1: Endeco V-fin tow body during deployment off Argentina from a ship-of-opportunity in 1999. Note the faired cable that provides power to the ADCP inside the V-fin and transmits velocity profile data back in real-time.
  • Fig. UDel-2: Rigging of the ADCP tow body
    • (a)bungee assembly on strong point
    • (b) Chinese finger on bungee, and
    • (c) block with custom made rollers and liners.
• 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.
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    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.

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All photos by David Huntley and Mariana Framinan
Assembled by Andreas Münchow
Last updated: July 15, 2001

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