9 1305M323QNRMA0028 Attach 1 Acoustic Release Specifications.docx

1305M323QNRMA0028

Attachment 1

Deepwater Acoustic Release Specifications:

PMEL currently deploys Edgetech acoustic releases on each of its moorings. The acoustic release is used in mooring recoveries to detach the mooring from the anchor. The release can communicate with and receive messages from a shipboard deckset. This allows an operator on a ship to determine positions and to send commands necessary for recovering a mooring. PMEL has based their mooring system on these releases because of their ease of maintenance and reliability for long term deployments.

· Working range: 10km

· Transmit source level: 192 dB re uPa @1m

· Receive sensitivity: -100dB re uPa @1m

· Interrogate frequency: 9 or 11 kHz

· Reply Frequency: 7.5 -15 kHz

· Depth Rating: 6000 m

· Load rating: 5500 kg

· Batteries must be alkaline batteries

· Battery life span no less than 2 years

· A separate battery circuit devoted to activating the release mechanism in the event the first battery fails must be present

· Max Dimensions: 40” x 8” inch diameter

· All metal corrosion resistant housing. Vendor may be asked to provide the material make-up of the housing for verification of corrosion resistance.

· The release must have a tilt sensor indicating if the unit is in the vertical or horizontal position. The release must be able to communicate this information to personnel/deckset on the surface.

· The release must be able to communicate the status of the release mechanism: open or closed

· Vendor must make replacement components available for purchase and in-house repair by NOAA personnel

· The release must come equipped with mounting brackets to secure it vertically to a sub-surface platform

· Release must be capable of being mounted in line with a mooring assembly

· A side-by-side tandem release option must be available to allow for redundancy of the release system in a rigid structure on a mooring assembly to prevent releases from hitting each other and making excessive noise. This configuration should allow the mooring system to be released even if one release fails. Both releases must be able to be retrieved in the event one fails.

Other desired qualities:

· Fully compatible with Edgetech decksets