DeepWater Buoyancy will be exhibiting at the 2024 Oceans Conference and Exposition in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
ADCP Buoy Frames
In the early days of acoustic doppler current profilers (ADCPs) most units on the market were designed with four transducer beams. To most effectively accommodate these four-beam ADCPs, buoys were produced with four tie-rods that pass through the buoy and end frames with four legs that attach to the tie-rods. This design allowed for the beams of the ADCP to pass between the frame legs, unobscured.
Advances in ADCP technology have since led to ADCPs with as few as three beams and as many as nine transducer beams. In some cases, a center (vertical) beam is included in the configuration. These technological advances in ADCP design have led to changes in the design of the framework for ADCP buoys.
In the case of a three-beam ADCP, buoys are now offered with three tie-rods and end frames with three legs that pass between the beams. For customers who have previously purchased a buoy outfitted for a four-beam ADCP, but now look to use a three-beam ADCP, a frame is available that mounts on the four tie-rods and transitions to three legs to pass between the beams. Additionally, a buoy can be outfitted with a four-beam frame on one end and a three-beam frame on the other for compatibility with both systems.
When a buoy is at the top of a mooring and a vertical beam is used, or when an ADCP with several beams is used, typical frames would block the beam or beams. And since the buoy is at the top of the mooring string, the need for a top arbor is eliminated. In this case a ring frame is used. This frame serves to protect the ADCP head during deployment, recovery, and handling on the deck of a vessel, but will not obstruct the beam pattern.
All frames are manufactured with 316L stainless steel. The frames are then electropolished and fitted with replaceable zinc anodes for superior corrosion resistance. Frames with arbors on them are fitted with isolation bushings and allow connection to the mooring line with standard shackles.
Our extensive in-house design, machining, metalworking, and welding capabilities allow us to make an endless variety of these frames to support and protect not only ADCPs, but also a wide range of other instrumentation. DeepWater Buoyancy’s engineering staff will work with you to design the
exact frame that best meets the needs of your equipment, pass through loads, and time at depth.
Contact Us
To get assistance in choosing or configuring the correct product, to obtain a quote, or to place an order, please contact us.
Close up of a DeepWater Buoyancy "Ring Frame" for a 5-Beam ADCP. Teledyne RDI Sentinel V Shown.
RIng and top frames for 24" spherical buoy for a high frequency ADCP instrument. 
Frame to allow a three beam instrument to be used on an ADCP buoy with four tie-rods.
Standard frame for a four-beam ADCP on a 62 inch ADCP buoy.
ADCP Buoy with extended frames.Related Media
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Related products
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UpdatedInstrument Bottom Mounts
Whether your bottom mount requirement is for a mid-frequency or high-frequency ADCP, we can accommodate you. These diver-serviceable units can be produced to accept your ADCP, battery, CTD, acoustic modem or other instrument. The popular BTM-AL50 is now offered in both welded and collapsible versions.
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Spherical ADCP Buoys
Manufactured from high-performance DeepTec® syntactic foam and fitted with 316L stainless steel and titanium hardware, spherical ADCP Buoys are designed to outperform and outlast conventional mooring flotation. Available with depth ratings from 200m to 6000m, they require minimal maintenance and are extremely durable under the most rigorous deepwater conditions.
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StableMoor® Mooring Buoys
For a more extreme current application, turn to the StableMoor® line of buoys. These unique ADCP buoys are customized for your particular application. Accounting for depth, instrument types and current, this design will give you stable data in unstable waters.
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Mooring Line Cable Fairing
Under certain flow conditions, taut mooring lines can vibrate or “strum”. The strumming is caused by vortices that result from the water passing over the line diameter. Strumming not only creates cable fatigue, it can have a detrimental effect on instruments in the mooring string. Our cable fairings reduce strumming by eliminating this vortex action. The result is a reduction in both strumming and drag.
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ADCP Inline Mooring Frames
Our in-house engineering and metal fabrication capabilities can identify a standard frame for your application or customize one to suit your needs. Working in stainless steel, aluminum or titanium, we can get your frames in line.
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Hydro-float® Mooring Buoys
DeepWater Buoyancy’s subsurface mooring buoys are more versatile and reliable than conventional hollow glass or metal floats. The buoys may be cast with through holes and instrumentation pockets on any axis without compromising their strength because of their solid construction. Clamps and mounting hardware can be added for any user-supplied instrumentation.
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Elliptical ADCP Buoys
These buoys are have the same rugged design as the spherical ADCP buoys, but have an elliptical shape for higher current applications. Available with depth ratings from 200m to 6000m.
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Trawl-Resistant Bottom Mounts
These TRBMs may be deployed by free-fall, or by a diver or ROV. They have a double axis gimbal inside a buoyant recovery pod, and are designed to permit retrieval of all mounted instruments. An optional Spectra line pack can be provided for recovery of the base for turnaround deployments. Our TRBMs are available in depths of over 500 meters. We also offer disposable concrete bases.
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Instrument Collars
Designed for long term submergence, our instrument collars provide years of reliable service and stand up to rough handling during operations. Each yields the buoyant force needed for a rapid ascent and positive recovery without impairing the performance of the instrument. From shallow water surveys to ultra deepwater positioning, you can count on these collars to help ensure overall success in the field.
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