23/10/2013

Basic Echosounder
Presenters Name
Date

Fugro 2013

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Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION
What Is an EchoSounder
Basic Operation
Transducer
Transducer Characteristic
Hull Mounted Transducer
Over the side Mounted Transducer
Types of Recorder
Sound velocity
Bar check

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Introduction
By the end of this session you will be able to:

State the difference between high & low frequency

Transducers
Describe two different methods of mounting a transducer
State the different types of recorder
Explain why we require the velocity of sound in sea
water,
And name two methods of obtaining this value.
Explain what a bar check is, and why it is carried out
Data that can be obtained from an echosounder
Explain the basic operation of a single beam
echosounder

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WHAT CAN WE OBTAIN FROM AN

ECHOSOUNDER?

Distance from the sea surface to the seabed;

Water depth
A permanent record of water depth and seabed
Gain some knowledge of the seabed materials
Identify any large objects or obstructions &
Possibly identify specific targets

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BASIC OPERATION

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TRANSDUCER FREQUENCY CHARACTERISTICS

HIGH FREQUENCY (eg 210 khz)

No penetration of seabed muds
VERY GOOD DEFINITION (approx 1cm +/- 0.1% of depth value)
Maximum depth approximately 100 - 120m
LOW FREQUENCY (eg 33 khz)
Some penetration of soft mud and silts on the seabed
SLIGHTLY LESS DEFINITION (approx 5cm +/- 0.1% of depth value)
Maximum depth approximately 1500m

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HULL MOUNTED TRANSDUCER

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OVER THE SIDE MOUNTING

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TYPES OF RECORDER

STYLUS eg ATLAS DESO 20

THERMAL eg ATLAS DESO 25

PC BASED eg Marimatech 206C

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VELOCIMETER eg. SVP16

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VELOCIMETER eg.DIGIBAR

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TS Bridge eg. Valeport

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BAR CHECK

d=

D = representative working depth to

check speed of sound

@ 1m to check Tx DCR

(Draft)

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The Bar Check

Hydrographers use a bar check to calibrate the echosounder for local

sound velocity conditions.
This is not used for multibeam systems.

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The Bar Check

1.

Lower a bar or plate 5 or 2m beneath the

surface.

2.

Lower the bar to your intended depth of

measurement.

3.

Adjust the zero or draft or tide

knob on your sounder until you read
the correct sounding.

Adjust the sound velocity speed until

you read the correct value.

Repeat steps 1 and 2 until you dont have

to make any adjustments.
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Things That Can Screw Up Your Bar Check

Disinterested bar holders.

Wave action. (Nothing like trying to calibrate your sounder to a tenth of a
foot while standing in a 2 sea.)
Currents that move the bar from beneath the transducer when you lower it,
limiting your ability to see it.
Performing the bar check outside your survey area.
Surveying with a single bar check in an area where the sound velocity
profile changes (fresh versus salt water boundaries).

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Examples of Echosounder records

Here are some Examples of what you may see during your career as an
engineer or surveyor:-

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NOISE

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DIGIT LINE

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SOFT BOTTOM
BOTTOM

HARD

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ROCKS

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200 & 33 Khz SUPERIMPOSED

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HEAVE

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FISH ECHO & AIR BUBBLES

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CAVITATION
FADING

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NOISE

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BAR CHECK

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HIGH GAIN

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LOW GAIN

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NORMAL GAIN

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ANNOTATION

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ZOOM FUNCTION

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AUTO RANGE

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Thank You

Fugro 2013

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