(Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, 1985-03)
Berteaux, Henri O.; Walden, Robert G.; Bonde, Leslie W.; Bird, J. D.
The following is a report on the findings of a study conducted by the
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution to assess the needs and the means for
improving the conventional intermediate winches used in the oceanographic
community to lower profiling instruments (CTD for example).
Eight major u.s. oceanographic centers were visited to confirm community
needs and common problem areas, and to survey existing lowering equipment and
techniques. This information was used to develop a set of general requirements
for an improved instrument lowering system. Recommended improvements included:
compensation of wave induced ship motion, automation of casts, and capability
for automatic tracking of oceanographic parameters.
A review is presented of additions or modifications which could meet these
requirements. These options are compared and the system which offers the best
potential for scientific usefulness, ease of fleet implementation and/or retrofitting
of existing equipment is described at the conceptual and general
specifications level.
A plan for the design procurement, test and demonstration of a working
prototype concludes the study.
