Principle features & benefits of I-RAKE

Weight: 65 tons
Tool Width: 12 Meters
Pulling tension: Nominal 30/40 tons / Max tow load 90 tons / Impact load 150 tons
Extension: 16 M with extension pieces – use of extensions is subject to LARS equipment

• Steering control – The rake can be steered in order to maintain a heading even in difficult cross current conditions and to provide a more controlled path result when compared to an un-commanded plough.
• Depth control – Hydraulic elevators permit the elevation of the Rake to be set so only the teeth penetrate the seabed, not the flat blades, and to also permit the pilot (on the surface control) to select the depth the teeth operate to. i..e also permits the amount of tow resistance to be changed according to burial depth. The teeth can also be lifted clear of the seabed for environmentally sensitive areas
• I-GRAB integration – The I-GRAB unit is an integral part of the I-RAKE. This I-GRAB head unit provides telemetry, survey, live monitoring and hydraulic power control. (see below)
• Reduced environmental seabed damage as the majority of the seabed and seabed creatures such as crustaceans and their environments can pass through the teeth and under the blades
• Reduced weight: The rake will weight in approximately 50 tons. Considerably lighter to launch, recover and tow than any comparable size boulder plough. Saving on the size of vessel to operate, the winch to launch and recover and the fuel needed to pull the rake.
• Reduced fuel consumptions: The teeth of the Rake are easier to pull through the seabed when compared to a plough type system. Reduced towing resistance means considerable reduced fuel costs. We estimate savings of over 50% on fossil fuel burn.