RPiPIV: a deep-sea versatile particle image velocimetry system

We developed a versatile, deep-sea particle image velocimetry (PIV) system that can be either deployed in a remotely operated vehicle (ROV)-tethered mode or in a standalone mode for self-contained, long-term observations. The system is controlled by a Raspberry Pi 4 with a series of dedicated algorithms for various objective-specific tasks. The current PIV system is designed for natural seep measurements in deep oceans where ambient flows are relatively weak and local vertical flows may be predominant. The objectives of this development are to quantify the dynamics of gas bubbles and oil droplets in natural marine seeps, as well as the flow and turbulence induced by the seepage. In this paper, we present the development, laboratory test and validation, and an example of field deployment in approximately 550 m water depth in Gulf of Mexico.