Overview

The HydroSpyder is a floating, tool-deployment platform inspired by the water boatman insect, which walks on water using surface tension. HydroSpyder can be propelled to any point to deploy a wide range of different tools.

Remotely operated pontoon: The HydroSpyder consists of a hydraulically powered, remotely operated multiple pontoon platform with an innovative six-legged configuration. The legs have adjustable geometry for manoeuvring into confined spaces and for levelling uneven loads while the buoyancy of the pontoons can be adjusted to suit load requirements.

Safe lifting from water: The standard HydroSpyder is capable of safely and evenly lifting and transporting 18 tonnes by remote control. The control station incorporates vision from cameras mounted on the HydroSpyder, power control from a proportional hydraulic control suite and power from a dedicated Hydraulic Power Pack.

Agile and compact: HydroSpyders can be built to be dimensionally compact to allow for deployment into confined spaces. Power, control and tool removal are supplied using an umbilical.

Tool deployment: A range of tools, including Barrnon's Bladecutter sludge recovery tool can be deployed by the HydroSpyder.

Umbilical management: As part of a larger system, the HydroSpyder can be utilised for umbilical management duties.

Key Points

• Lifts and transports up to 18 tonnes underwater
• Easily manoeuvred
• Can deploy a wide range of tools
• Remote operation
• Variable buoyancy allows for uneven loading
• Custom built to client specification
• Part of a modular system

A Smart Solution

The HydroSpyder was developed in response to a challenge that is frequently faced in nuclear ponds. We needed something capable of heavy lifting which didn't rely on existing pond infrastructure.

We also needed flexibility – a mobile unit that could get into areas that were difficult to access. To complicate matters, the unit had to have its own propulsion system and be capable of being remotely controlled. The answer to all of these challenges and more is the first floating crane that's totally independent of pond infrastructure. Using remotely controlled hydraulics it can alter its shape to reach otherwise inaccessible areas. Its variable buoyancy also allows it to sink in a controlled fashion.

HydroSpyder can lift and transport heavy items under water. It can deliver and deploy Barrnon's Bladecutter tools for nuclear sludge cutting and retrieval.

In a simple, passive form, it handles umbilical duties. The passive form has already been demonstrated to the National Nuclear Laboratory deploying both vertical and horizontal Bladecutters and it has been shown as a pipe management system for sludge pipes, hydraulics and feed pipes. HydroSpyders can be built to order at various sizes to suit precise client requirements.

HydroSpyder Development

Active and passive HydroSpyder prototypes have already been developed, tested and displayed to the National Nuclear Laboratory. Each HydroSpyder will be built to client specification, taking into consideration the individual requirements of each nuclear clean-up operation.