The Cygnus FMD Diver System is an advanced ultrasonic flooded member detector designed for the inspection of offshore platforms, marine structures, underwater pipelines and civil engineering infrastructure.
The system allows a commercial diver to determine whether a sealed structural member is dry or has become flooded. This provides a fast and reliable method of identifying potential cracks, corrosion damage or structural failure that may have allowed water to enter the member.
Combining advanced ultrasonic electronics, intelligent reporting software and a simple operator interface, the Cygnus FMD delivers a clear DRY or FLOODED result at the surface. The system is compact, rugged and designed specifically for demanding subsea inspection environments.
Reliable Flooded Member Detection
Flooded Member Detection is commonly used to inspect tubular members within offshore platforms, jackets, jetties, marine structures and other submerged steelwork.
A structural member that was originally sealed and filled with air may become flooded if the member develops a crack, failed weld or other breach. Detecting water inside the member can therefore provide an important indication of possible structural damage.
The Cygnus FMD System uses ultrasonic technology to inspect members with outside dimensions ranging from 200 mm to 2,500 mm. The system provides a measurement resolution of 1 mm and returns a clear result to the surface reporting software.
Advanced signal processing and peak detection technology help provide a high level of confidence while reducing the possibility of false readings.
Designed for Diver Deployment
The Cygnus FMD Diver System is designed to be straightforward for both the diver and the surface inspection team.
The diver positions the self-aligning probe holder against the structural member. The probe handler automatically aligns the ultrasonic probe with the surface, even when it is applied at an angle.
An integrated contact sensor confirms that the probe is correctly positioned before a measurement can be taken. If the probe loses contact during the test, the reporting software alerts the surface operator.
This controlled measurement process helps ensure consistent and repeatable inspection results.
Simple Dry or Flooded Results
The system analyses the ultrasonic response from the member and reports one of two clear outcomes:
- DRY, indicating that the structural member is not flooded
- FLOODED, indicating that water has been detected inside the member
The result is displayed through the Cygnus FMD Reporting Software at the surface.
The software also displays the ultrasonic A-Scan, allowing the operator to review and verify the measurement data.
Cygnus FMD Reporting Software
The dedicated reporting software provides the surface operator with a clear interface for controlling inspections, reviewing results and producing inspection records.
Software functions include:
- Performing system tests before deployment
- Displaying dry or flooded test results
- Displaying ultrasonic A-Scans for verification
- Red flooded and green dry result indicators
- Logging inspection results
- Reviewing results offline
- Monitoring probe contact during testing
- Generating inspection reports
- Exporting reports to PDF
- Exporting inspection data to Excel
The software allows inspection results to be stored against individual test locations, creating a clear and traceable record of the subsea inspection.
Self-Aligning Probe Handler
The lightweight probe handler is manufactured from high-grade acetal and has been developed specifically for subsea flooded member inspection.
Its self-aligning design helps the probe achieve correct contact with the structural member, including when the diver approaches the surface at an angle.
The compact probe assembly also allows access to difficult inspection locations, including restricted structural areas such as K-nodes where larger inspection equipment may be difficult to position.
A stainless steel D-handle option is available for diver-operated systems.
Reliable Measurement Verification
The Cygnus FMD includes several features designed to improve measurement reliability.
Contact sensing
The system will only take a measurement when the contact sensor confirms that the probe is correctly positioned against the structural member.
Surface contact monitoring
The reporting software alerts the surface operator if the probe loses contact during a measurement.
Advanced signal processing
Purpose-designed signal processing, peak detection algorithms and low-noise data acquisition help identify the correct ultrasonic response.
System test function
The supplied system test tank allows the complete FMD system to be checked before deployment. This helps confirm that the probe, subsea unit, communications system and reporting software are operating correctly.
Cygnus FMD Diver System Components
The complete system is based around three principal elements:
- Probe and self-aligning probe handler
- Subsea electronics unit
- Surface reporting software
Depending on the selected configuration, the system can also include:
- Lightweight acetal subsea electronics bottle
- Self-aligning acetal probe handler
- Stainless steel diver D-handle
- Cable protector
- Communications and power supply unit
- System test tank
- 120 metre umbilical cable
- 350 metre umbilical cable
- Surface computer and reporting software
- Equipment storage and transport cases
The cable protector provides additional protection to the subsea cable and can also provide an attachment point for the diver.
Lightweight and Rugged Construction
Both the electronics bottle and probe holder are manufactured from high-grade acetal, providing a lightweight and durable solution for commercial diving operations.
The acetal electronics bottle has a dry weight of approximately 0.9 kg, while the acetal probe holder has a maximum dry weight of approximately 1.95 kg.
Both the electronics bottle and probe assembly are tested to a depth of 400 metres.
The equipment is designed for use in harsh offshore and underwater environments and is supported by a three-year manufacturer’s warranty.
Diver and ROV Deployment Options
Although this configuration is intended primarily for diver deployment, the Cygnus FMD technology can also be configured for ROV-operated inspection.
Its compact probe design allows the system to reach restricted areas that may be inaccessible using larger inspection methods.
Different cable lengths, probe handling arrangements and deployment options are available to suit the required working depth and inspection method.
Typical Applications
The Cygnus FMD Diver System is suitable for flooded member inspection across a wide range of subsea structures, including:
- Offshore platform jackets
- Offshore production structures
- Wind farm foundations
- Marine terminals
- Jetties and piers
- Bridges and submerged supports
- Harbour structures
- Underwater pipelines
- Tubular steel structures
- Civil engineering structures
- Subsea frames
- Marine renewable energy structures
The system is particularly useful for periodic structural inspection, integrity assessment and identifying members that may require further inspection.
Cost-Effective Owner-Operated Inspection
The Cygnus FMD has been designed to be easy to learn and operate.
Its straightforward interface and clear dry or flooded results allow the equipment to be used by trained inspection personnel without requiring a specialist external operator for every inspection campaign.
Owning the system can help diving contractors and inspection companies:
- Carry out flooded member inspections using their own personnel
- Reduce reliance on external inspection contractors
- Respond quickly to inspection requirements
- Maintain control of inspection schedules
- Build a consistent inspection record
- Generate customer reports directly from the software
- Provide an additional subsea inspection service
Appropriate operator training, inspection procedures and technical competence should always be established before the equipment is deployed.
Technical Specification
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| System type | Ultrasonic Flooded Member Detector |
| Deployment | Diver or ROV |
| Measurement range | 200 mm to 2,500 mm |
| Measurement resolution | 1 mm |
| Electronics bottle depth rating | Tested to 400 m |
| Probe assembly depth rating | Tested to 400 m |
| Operating temperature | -10°C to +50°C |
| Storage temperature | -10°C to +35°C |
| Probe centre frequency | 0.5 MHz |
| Probe technology | Piezo-composite |
| Pulser voltage | 100 V to 400 V adjustable |
| Pulse width | 850 ns adjustable |
| Receiver gain range | 0 dB to 70 dB adjustable |
| Generic power input | 12 to 24 V DC |
| Diver power and communications unit | 110 V AC or 230 V AC |
| Probe connector | CRE PL-A-09-M |
| Power and communications connector | MCBH4F |
| External power and communications connector | MCBH6M |
| Electronics bottle dry weight | Approximately 0.9 kg |
| Probe holder dry weight | Approximately 1.95 kg maximum |
| Umbilical options | 120 m or 350 m |
| Compliance | CE, UKCA and RoHS |
| Warranty | Three years |
Declarations of Conformity are supplied with the equipment kit.
Final equipment specification and included components should be confirmed at the time of quotation.
Key Features
- Advanced ultrasonic flooded member detection
- Clear dry or flooded surface result
- Designed for commercial diver deployment
- Diver and ROV configuration options
- Self-aligning probe handler
- Integrated probe contact sensor
- Compact design for restricted inspection areas
- Suitable for member sizes from 200 mm to 2,500 mm
- Measurement resolution of 1 mm
- Electronics and probe tested to 400 metres
- Lightweight acetal construction
- Advanced signal processing
- Low-noise data acquisition
- A-Scan display for result verification
- Full inspection result logging
- PDF and Excel report export
- 120 metre and 350 metre umbilical options
- 110 V AC or 230 V AC surface power options
- System test function and test tank
- CE, UKCA and RoHS compliant
- Three-year manufacturer’s warranty
- Manufactured in Britain
Why Choose the Cygnus FMD Diver System?
The Cygnus FMD Diver System combines reliable ultrasonic measurement with a practical deployment system designed around real subsea inspection conditions.
The self-aligning probe assembly simplifies positioning for the diver, while the contact sensor prevents measurements from being taken unless the probe is correctly placed.
At the surface, the software provides an immediate dry or flooded result together with the A-Scan data required for verification. Results can then be logged, reviewed and exported as part of the final inspection report.
This combination of straightforward diver operation, advanced signal processing and professional reporting makes the Cygnus FMD suitable for both routine structural inspection and specialist offshore integrity programmes.
Enquire About the Cygnus FMD Diver System
iSubC can provide technical guidance, system configuration support and a quotation for the Cygnus FMD Diver System.
Contact our team to discuss:
- Required operating depth
- Diver or ROV deployment
- Umbilical cable length
- Surface power requirements
- Reporting software
- Training requirements
- Additional probes and accessories
- Spares and servicing
- Delivery and export requirements
For technical details, pricing or project support:
Email: info@isubc.com
Telephone: +44 (0)1253 767788
Website: www.iSubC.com
Cygnus FMD Diver System | Flooded Member Detector
Cygnus FMD Diver System for reliable ultrasonic flooded member detection on offshore platforms, marine structures and subsea steelwork. Tested to 400 m.
Product SKU: 110-0500
Product Brand: Cygnus Instruments Ltd
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