Installation manual
7
851-164149 / Rev.D
Pre-installation check-list
Choosing the optimal locations for hydrophones is not always
easy, but decisions made at this phase of the installation process
are critical to future system performance. Determining the best
configuration for a given vessel often involves a compromise
between contradicting requirements.
To aid in this evaluation process Simrad recommends that this
installation manual be read thoroughly and the following check
list completed before deciding on a final installation strategy for
the PI system.
1 Hydrophones do not have a direct line-of-sight to the main
propeller and are placed where the vessel’s hull protects
them from underwater acoustic noise as well as possible.
2 Hydrophones must always have an unobstructed
line-of-sight to the sensors attached to the gear for the
system to operate properly.
3 The distance from the main propeller to the hydrophones
should be greater than ten meters. A separation of less
than ten meters can reduce system range significantly .
4 If thrusters are installed, hydrophones should be located at
least four meters from them.
5 Avoid locating hydrophones behind thrusters where air
bubbles from their tunnels generated when the vessel
pounds can block sensor signals.
6 Hydrophone should not be placed forward of other
underwater acoustic equipment and preferably behind it as
far away as possible, distances of less than one meter
should be avoided.
7 There should never be possible sources of underwater
acoustic noise placed in front of hydrophones.
8 Remember that hydrophones are to be mounted with their
long axis up (in the vertical plane).
9 Hydrophones installed in blisters should be located away
from the vessel’s keel and as deep as possible on the hull.
10 Hydrophones installed in shoes along the vessel’s keel
should be mounted as deeply as possible.
11 Hydrophone cables that are run in conduit along the
outside of the vessels hull should be arranged as to
produce the least amount of underwater acoustic noise as
possible.
12 Blisters and shoes should be as streamlined as possible and
have all of their corners rounded to minimize the
generation of underwater acoustic noise.