Optimizing the efficiency of lighting sources for underwater inspections

Abstract

Underwater inspection of ships, offshore platforms, hydroelectric plants, and  other  hydraulic structures is a critical activity  in maritime engineering, requiring  innovative optimal solutions  to  ensure  the  most  accurate assessment of submerged equipment and structures. Meeting this requirement, optimal underwater illumination becomes an essential element directly influencing  the quality of inspections by enhancing the ability  to observe  and  analyze  potential defects.

This  paper aims  to  analyze   theoretical  foundations  associated with   practical  aspects   related  to  optimizing wavelengths and radiation characteristics within  the  visible  spectrum, extending into   the   IR   and   UV   zones,   in   the   context   of  underwater ship  inspections,  from   an  engineering  perspective.  The  study delves   into   the   complex   phenomena  of  light   propagation  in the   underwater  environment,  influenced   by  parameters  such as turbidity, immersion, temperature, and  seawater salinity. Furthermore, adaptive control  and adjustment mechanisms of the light  source  are  analyzed, along  with  the  integration of various transducers and data  acquisition systems for dynamic monitoring and  adaptation to underwater environmental parameters.

All  these  addressed  aspects   define  the  high  versatility  of  the proposed  solution,   which  can  be  utilized   across   various plat- forms/vectors for  underwater inspection purposes.