Deployment and Translation of a set of hydrophones and test panels into an underwater acoustic facility.

NPL is seeking a solution for the deployment and translation of a set of hydrophones and test panels into an underwater acoustic facility. The facility is an underwater acoustic calibration tank consisting of a large wooden vessel (5.5m in diameter and 4.7m deep) filled with potted water. The calibration activities will be performed with either 2 or 3 hydrophones and a test panel deployed at the mid-depth point of the vessel. The hydrophones and test panel are mounted at the end of carbon fibre poles. The design of the poles is flexible and may be adjusted to the solution (this will be the responsibility of NPL). The schematic and model of the facility are available upon request by emailing [email protected] depict a desired concept solution including dimensions, room features and required specifications for the carriage system and interlocks. The facility is operated from the first floor and the water tank expands through both the ground and first floor. The size of the room cannot be altered, but modifications to the concrete floor and steel framework are feasible for attachment/fixing of the carriage system solution. NPL has conducted initial research into possible solutions such as carriage systems. NPL is open to explore different solutions to meet the requirements below. NPL is seeking engagement from suppliers who have capability to provide a solution to the following requirements: • The solution must be able to deploy the hydrophones and test panels into the water tank. The solution must be able to mount either existing carbon fibre poles or, with a suitable adaptor, large acoustic test panels. NPL will be responsible for the design and manufacture of the poles and adaptors, but the solution must provide a common mounting flange (to be agreed during the design phase). • The solution must be able to translate the mounting flange in X, Y & Z, and rotate about Z. • The required accuracy and precision of the solution is as below (these parameters can be relaxed upon agreement): o X, Y & Z precision: ±0.5mm o Z-rotation precision: ±0.1° o Maximum X, Y & Z linearity/orthogonality deviation: 0.5mm o Repeatability of position: 0.1mm o Minimum linear movement (scanning step): 0.5mm o Minimum speed: 0.06m/min o Maximum speed: 30m/min • The solution must have a minimum payload capability of 50kg in two of the three carriages, and a minimum payload capability of 300kg in one of the three carriages. • The solution must be able to lift the flange out of the water to the loading position at a defined height as shown in the model. • The solution must provide the following interlocks: o Interlock door from laboratory space to loading area o Interlock door from loading area to open water space • The solution control software should be compatible with LabVIEW (others considered) • The supplier must demonstrate that the solution complies with, as a minimum but not limited to, Machinery Directive (2006/42/EC), Low Voltage Directive (2014/35/EU) and Electrical Safety EN 60204. • Design aspects such as the location of the solution control hub and operator, power and structural requirements, and IP rating will be determined during the design phase. This is not an evaluation exercise and nothing in this activity will limit the opportunity to engage in any follow-on ITT.