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I. SEAFLOOR SEARCH
This is the process of detecting and recognizing a seabed anomaly using sonar for the purpose of identification, disposal, or retrieval. Detection is a function of sonar design and acoustical physics while recognition is highly dependent upon the eye-brain interface and operator experience. Typically, small objects on the bottom can be partially or completely
buried, or, in shallow or deep moored configurations. Small objects are detected by the size and shape of the acoustic shadow, which is a derivation of the acoustic reflection, fish altitude, and grazing angle at which the sound waves strike the object. Applications for marine search include: Explosive Ordnance Disposal, Q-Route Survey, Site Clearance, Search and Recovery of Downed Aircraft and Sunken Shipwrecks.
Mine Countermeasures
The search and disposal of underwater mines requires constant effort on the part of militaries worldwide. Shipping channels must be kept open and free from mines. Over the past decade, the TEI Isis Sonar data acquisition and image processing system has played a critical role in the identification of underwater mines worldwide. TEI products have been used internationally, including the Persian Gulf, the Baltic and in the harbors of New Zealand.
Aircraft Search and Recovery
TEI products and personnel have aided in the search and recovery of downed commercial and military aircraft worldwide. Some of the most publicized include: The 1998 Swissair MD-11 (Atlantic), the 1996 TWA Flight #800 (Atlantic), the United Airlines cargo door (mid-Pacific), Air India (mid-Atlantic), Korean Airlines (West Pacific) and South African Airlines
(West Indian Ocean).
Search and Recovery of Shipwrecks
Some of the world's most highly publicized shipwrecks have been found with TEI products and technology. They include: The USS Central America (West Atlantic), The Benedict Arnold Gun Boat (Lake Champlain), John Barry (East Indian Ocean) and The Lacona (Mediterranean).
Small object Search and Mining
TEI's rich history of successful search projects includes Trident Missile debris (Straits of Florida). TEI products are also used for gold and diamond mining off the coast of South Africa).
II. HYDROGRAPHIC SURVEY
This is the mapping of the seafloor topography utilizing various sensors, including single and multibeam sonars. Surveys are conducted to produce nautical charts for safe navigation or to provide the detailed mapping of pipeline and underwater cable routes.
Pier and Harbor Survey
The TEI Isis Sonar data acquistition and image processing system provides detailed information on survey depths of harbors by providing real-time graphical displays of data. This information allows for safe navigation of marine traffic. Isis also offers details of the underwater condition of harbor walls to help identify weaknesses and hazards.
Breakwater Survey
Breakwaters are built to protect harbors from damaging storms. The harsh marine environment often degrades the breakwaters leading to unsafe navigation around the area. Locating damaged areas of the breakwater before a failure is critical. This can be accomplished with multibeam systems and a TEI Isis Sonar and a TEI Bathy Pro.
Dam/Reservoir Survey
The TEI Isis Sonar in conjunction with multibeam systems make it possible to map intricate stilling basins associated with dams and reservoirs. Surveys are conducted to detect hazards caused by erosion, or to provide valuable, up-to-date information for the accurate computation of water storage volumes.
III. DREDGE WORK
Pre/Post Dredge Survey
Two surveys are usually conducted to support dredging operations; Preliminary and Post survey operations. This information allows the dredge to determine how much area is required to be removed and to then produce a final survey to verify that the depth meets all navigation requirements. High accurate survey data is required. The TEI Isis has gained international
acceptance as one of the most efficient and accurate data acquisition and processing system of sonar and multibeam data.
Dredge Support
During dredging operations, survey support in the work area allows the operator to determine if the correct depth has been achieved. An isolated pile or missed area can result in higher costs if the dredge must return to the area. The TEI Isis provides real-time coverage of the area, providing very accurate depth measurements for the operator.
IV. SAFETY AND INSPECTION WORK
Bridge abutment Inspection
Every railroad, roadway or bridge over a river is suspect to the potential underwater erosion of its supporting piers. (A high current area can quickly lead to erosion and possible failure of the structure.) Rivers can quickly erode the sediment beneath the support, weakening bridge supports and potentially lead to structure failure. The TEI Isis is used
to map these areas to elimate the hazards.
River Flooding Support
Several countries have experienced severe flooding to low lying areas because of unusual changes in World climatic conditions. Water levels of major rivers have risen and broken their banks. During and after the flooding, the TEI Isis system provides valuable information about underwater erosion of the banks and dikes. Strengthening prior to a breach minimizes
catastrophes. Also, before the water level recedes, detailed surveys of the moving sand waves indicate water current and flow patterns. Detailed imagery acquired and processed by the TEI Isis is used to minimize future flooding in those regions.
Rock Dumping
Rock dumping is the accurate placement of rocks onto the seafloor to achieve a specific objective. Typically rocks are placed over an exposed pipeline laying on the seafloor. Time and materials are saved if the placement is exact. TEI's Isis Sonar plays an integral role in this application.
Pipeline Inspection
Underwater pipelines require periodic inspections and maintenance to reduce risk. The inspections determine if they have become exposed, or if any erosion beneath the pipeline may have created excessively long spans, making it vulnerable to rupturing. The TEI Isis Sonar Pipeline Inspection System tracks up to four pipelines simultaneously, generates on-screen tags, reports in real-time and automatically detects free spans, scour, burial and other anomalies.
 
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