Millennium Projects
Technical Details
Millennium Project Number: M-2007-002
Project Title: Feasibility Study of Fiber Optic Tether
Project Start Date: 2007
Projected End Date: 2010
Technical Details:
This project is a feasibility study to determine the potential of using fiber optic tethers to enhance the operational range and capabilities of the robotic platforms under development by NYSEARCH for the inspection of unpiggable transmission and distribution mains. While the platforms under development (TIGRE and Explorer II) are designed to be tetherless, experience has shown that under certain circumstances gains are to be experienced if a tether was available. The study focuses on determining the viability of the technology from an operational point of view, including ranges obtainable, fibers to be used, and safety issues related to fiber deployment. In addition, the study focuses on developing detailed concepts for the implementation of such a system in both platforms and will determine the modifications that will have to be made to integrate any identified fiber-optic system. This will result in the ability to provide detailed planning and budgeting and a technically defensible discussion on options.