Unlike magnetometers – traditionally used for subsea UXO detection – the HydroPACT 440 detection system uses the principle of pulse induction to detect the presence of any electrically conductive materials. It is not limited to the detection of ferrous metals, and will reveal the presence of brass, bronze, aluminium and light alloys, that a magnetometer will not recognise.
Being able to detect a much wider range of targets means that the HydroPACT 440 (and its predecessor, the 340) is a powerful tool for use in general subsea metal detection tasks, such as ordnance salvage and marine archaeology. Its use for similar applications such as Mine Countermeasures (MCM) and Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) detection is less common but it remains a viable option. This technical paper addresses questions that may arise from those seeking to use it in this role.
