Air Power & Hydraulics perceived a need for an improved pan and tilt actuator mechanism which, in conjunction with a camera, could be fitted to Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) and used to assess the condition of underwater installations. The company decided to develop a hydraulic pan and tilt mechanism from conception through to completion to meet the perceived need. It was recognised that there were a number of areas where existing designs were deficient and could be improved. A number of alternative configurations were created, and these were analysed and compared to find the optimum hydraulic and component design. Another major input was in the area of materials technology, and a number alternative materials were investigated. On the basis of the above investigation two prototypes were manufactured and displayed at an oil industry exhibition in order to gain feedback from likely customers. This feedback was taken into consideration and the pan and tilt actuator was redesigned. The revised prototype has now been manufactured and tested in laboratory conditions, and is currently undergoing further testing by an external organisation.
Air Power & Hydraulics (APH) is a small company based in Glasgow, Scotland. They are manufacturers of hydraulic cylinders and power packs. Following consultation with various companies involved in the oil industry, APH perceived a need for an improved pan and tilt actuator mechanism which, in conjunction with a camera, could be fitted to Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) and used to assess the condition of underwater installations, eg pipelines, oil rig legs, etc. The company decided to develop a hydraulic pan and tilt mechanism from conception through to completion to meet the perceived need. It was recognised that there were a number of areas where existing designs were deficient and could be improved.
