Failure Analysis of Fiber Optic Communication System in Deep-Water Remotely Operated Vehicle ROSUB 6000

Single-mode fiber optic systems can play vital roles in cabled deep-water vehicle operations at greater depths (>3,000 m). One kind of single-mode fiber optic system, the ROSUB 6000, is used in a deep-water work-class remotely operated vehicle (ROV). Fiber optic link failure of ROV telemetry and sound navigation and ranging were noticed at a water depth of 3,050 m during the ROSUB 6000 system sea trials. A failure analysis of the fiber optic communication system was carried out with the link data logged during different phases of the deep-sea trials. The results from the failure analysis carried out during deep-sea trials showed an increase in the fiber optic link loss from a depth of 900 m onwards. Further analysis of the fiber optic link loss in the laboratory involved pressure and low-temperature testing of all the subsea components in the ROV telemetry link. From the laboratory pressure test results, it was concluded that pressure was not the root cause of the fiber optic link failure. On further analysis, a complete fiber optic link failure was noticed during the low-temperature testing of the subsea components. Furthermore, the low-temperature testing of the individual subsea components revealed that the fiber optic rotary joint (FORJ) insertion loss increased rapidly at low temperatures. This FORJ insertion loss led to complete failure of the fiber optic links in the ROV. The degradation of index-matching fluid in the FORJ was identified to be the root cause of fiber link failure.