2019_programme: TEST OF A SUBMARINE TRANSIENT ELECTROMAGNETIC SENSOR FOR UXO CLASSIFICATION BY REMOTELY OPERATED VEHICLES (SUBTEM-ROV)

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  • Session: 07. Underwater Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) Detection and Remediation
    Organiser(s): Jans Wolfgang, Richardson Mike
  • Lecture: TEST OF A SUBMARINE TRANSIENT ELECTROMAGNETIC SENSOR FOR UXO CLASSIFICATION BY REMOTELY OPERATED VEHICLES (SUBTEM-ROV)
    Paper ID: 769
    Author(s): Kulgemeyer Tobias, Schwartz Michael, Billings Stephen
    Presenter: Kulgemeyer Tobias
    Presentation type: oral
    Abstract: A multi-component submarine transient electromagnetic sensor for the detection of unexploded ordnance with a remotely operated vehicle has been developed. This system (SubTEM-ROV) is the latest iteration of an ongoing line of development for the commercial application of advanced EM sensors in the marine realm. It allows to evaluate the geometry of targets and subsequently to classify them as potential UXO based on their characteristic electromagnetic polarizability. The system is presented here along with results of a test survey and comparison to conventional methods. Prior to conducting the survey, the capability of the SubTEM-ROV to distinguish objects of different sizes and geometry was demonstrated during a surrogate item trial (SIT). During the SIT, data were gathered over three items (dummy depth charge, steel tube, steel plate). Measured data were then inverted to determine the three-dimensional polarizabilities of the objects. Based on the inversion results, the items could be clearly distinguished in different orientations and standoffs. The test survey took place across a 50 m x 50 m area close to the island of Minsener Oog in the southern German Bight. This area is part of a region heavily polluted by UXO and other forms of debris. Anomalies indicating the presence of metallic objects have been picked and the data inverted to separate potential UXO from harmless debris. The results are compared to those of a previous single-component EM survey. This test highlights the strengths of the new system and demonstrates the value of a multi-component EM sensor for operations in a site polluted by both UXO and non-hazardous scrap.
      Download the full paper
  • Corresponding author: Dr Kulgemeyer Tobias
    Affiliation: Heinrich Hirdes EOD Services
    Country: Germany
    e-mail:

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