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Underwater Tunnel Inspection by Virginia Power Using a Submersible Robot

by Ronald E. Heffron, Virginia Power, United States,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Hydraulic Engineering

Abstract:

The Bath County Pumped Storage Station, has three large tunnels linking the upper and lower reservoirs. The 'Hydrover' submersible remotely operated vehicle (ROV) was developed and deployed to inspect the inside lining of these water-filled tunnels. Unique equipment included 7,000 feet of umbilical cable, a rotating video camera for inspecting the sides, crown, and base of tunnels, a stereo photo camera, and a dye release mechanism for detecting water movement. The tunnels are each 28.5 feet in diameter and two miles long. The ROV was deployed midway along tunnel three and successfully completed the 6,100 foot excursion at a maximum depth of 1,350 feet. Inspection results are discussed.

Subject Headings: Tunnels | Power plants | Inspection | Hydro power | Cables | Pumping stations | Energy storage | Virginia | United States

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