


Simple and easily mobilised tool for use in jettable materials that provides a better progress rate and more consistent results than when using diver jetting or an air lift. It is ideal for post lay trenching of short lengths of cables in jettable soils.
This trencher is designed to be simple to build and operate. The design is such that the trencher can be built locally with the supply of the sub-system from the UK to minimise transit costs. It is also designed to be containerised for transport where required.
Due to its compact design and minimum support requirements it can be rapidly mobilised onto a variety of vessels.
The trencher is self-propelled by the resultant jet reaction force of the water jets mounted in the boom and jetting share. It uses the cable as a guide but due to the low weight of the vehicle, and the low propulsion force, the risk of cable damage is negligible.
For the baseline option the monitoring of the tools performance would be done by the divers but this can be upgraded with a control system to give real-time information to the surface operators.
Options are available for additional operating modes such as a light weight towed sled or tracked trencher. In addition, when in towed mode a vibro plough could replace the jet tool.
The chosen mode of operation would be dependent on operational factors but the concept is that vehicle can be quickly changed between modes.
In addition ETA can provide support equipment including diesel driven water pumps or subsea hydraulically driven water pumps.
To discuss the suitability of an ETA Diver Operated Trencher for your project or if you would like to discuss the types of equipment that may suit your requirements please call:
ST-1:
The ST1 is a diver operated trencher designed to provide cable burial in sands, silts and soft clays to depths of 1.5 m in water depths from zero up to 25 m.
Outline Specification;
Length Overall | 5.0m |
Width | 2.4m |
Height | 1.0m |
Weight in Air | 0.5t |
Water Depth | 25m |
Trench Depth | 1.5m |
Product Diameter | 130mm |
Soils Type | Sands |
- 1 x Colour monitor
- 1 x DVR
- 1 x Video time, date and I/D generator
- PC/HMI for graphical display of vehicle status
- Pod, camera and light PSU’s
- RS232 survey data link
- Analogue inputs for optional deck equipment e.g. pump water pressure or tow tension
- Subsea Pod
The following sensors are fitted:
- Tool depth
- Pitch
- Roll
- Fwd wheel position/Cable Angle
- 1 x mini colour camera
- 1 x 24v light
- Deployment ram, subsea specification with spherical bearings both ends
- Diver operated hand pump.
Umbilical:
- 1 x 150 m Electrical umbilical, standard camera umbilical, extruded polyurethane jacket, 14.5 mm OD fitted top and bottom with subsea connectors.
ST-2:
The ST-2 is a diver operated trencher designed to provide cable burial in sands, silts and clays to depths of 2 m in water depths from zero up to 25 m. Divers are used to load the cable into the ST-2 and to lower the jet tool. The front wheels are articulated and attached to the cable feelers/bellmouth which allows the vehicle to steer along the cable.
Outline Specification;
Length Overall | 5.1m |
Width | 4.0m |
Height | 1.3m |
Weight in Air | 0.8t |
Water Depth | 40m |
Max tow tension | 2.0t |
Burial Tools;
Trench Depth | 2.0m |
Product Diameter | 200mm |
Soils Type | Sands and clay (limited by water pump pressure) |
- 1 x Colour monitor
- 1 x DVR
- 1 x Video time, date and I/D generator
- PC/HMI for graphical display of vehicle status
- Pod, camera and light PSU’s
- RS232 survey data link
- Analogue inputs for optional deck equipment e.g. pump water pressure or tow tension
- Subsea Pod
The following sensors are fitted:
- Tool depth
- Pitch
- Roll
- 1 x mini colour camera
- 1 x 24v light
- Deployment ram, subsea specification with spherical bearings both ends
- Diver operated hand pump.
Umbilical:
- 1 x 150 m Electrical umbilical, standard camera umbilical, extruded polyurethane jacket, 14.5 mm OD fitted top and bottom with subsea connectors.