Dynamic Positioning System

DYNAMIC POSITIONING

In water depths greater than about 200 m, anchoring becomes less effective as a means of maintaining the position of a drilling vessel. In these deeper waters, Dynamic Positioning (DP) is required. DOSECC has acquired a portable DP system with funding from the National Science Foundation and the International Continental Scientific Drilling Program. This unit is intended to be able to convert vessels of opportunity into drilling platforms.

DP Graphic

The system consists of four thrusters powered by four diesel-hydraulic power packs. The system is controlled by a Nautronix JSDP5000 (DP-1 class) system that uses either a GPS signal or a seabed beacon for position keeping.

Dynamic Positioning System aboard R/V Viphya, Lake Malawi, Africa, March 2005.

Thrusters

Four hydraulic thrusters yielding 8,000 lbf each

Propeller: 39-inch, 4-blade Kaplan, manganese-bronze with Kort 19-A nozzle

Mounting: Thruster on mini-skid, positioned and attached according to vessel structural members.

Weight: 5,800 lbs. each

Hydraulic Power Units

Four Cat 3406 diesels delivering up to 360 BHP @ 1800 rpm (full load)

Fuel Consumption: 17.5 US gallons per hour at full load

Day Tank Capacity: 150 US gallons

Dimensions: 11’-4³/₄” long X 5’-7” wide X 9’-3¹/₈” high. Note: an additional 3’ is minimum clearance required at both ends of HPU for air inflow and outflow, making effective length requirement of 17’-4³/₄”.

Weight: 11,300 lbs. Each

Placement: Within 50’ of thruster

Connecting hose bundle: 6 hoses, overall diameter of 6”