Craig Rose describes where the rapid development of mobile and remote technologies has enabled incredibly novel methods of ensuring increases in efficiency, reductions in costs and meeting regulatory requirements. In particular, the remote and harsh working conditions of the marine environment are always prevalent and S.E.A. consultants provide innovative and bespoke remote monitoring solutions to meet these challenges.
The marine environment is exploited by a diverse range of industries, from recreation to mining. It is essential for the long-term conservation of the marine environment that all activities can be both sustainable and profitable.
In order to improve efficiencies, S.E.A. Consultants have linked their expertise and experience in marine science and technology with their technical abilities to provide remote monitoring solutions. Effectively, remote monitoring utilising wireless mobile and satellite phone technologies to enable simple and convenient measurement, detection and security of assets or environmental parameters.
By remotely monitoring sensors that might be inaccessible, numerous or require expensive or time consuming site visits, efficiency and productivity can be maximised through:
• Cost savings
• More effective use of staff time
• Asset security and maintenance
• Improved reliability and data quality
• Meeting regulatory requirements
• Peace-of-mind through ensured business continuity
• Straightforward data dissemination
Remote monitoring systems have the capacity to be tailored for any specification in any environment. This remarkably flexible technology can ensure that profits and efficiency are maximised whilst environmental impacts are reduced.
Case study 1: Marine Engine Room Monitoring
Remote monitoring solutions are being applied for a client that is a subsidiary of one of the largest shipping companies in the world, operating a large fleet of harbour tug vessels across northern Europe. These vessels typically have unmanned engine rooms and there are no experienced engineers on board. As such, many machinery failures were being experienced which could have been prevented by regular analysis of engine data by experienced engineers.
The project includes the installation of a two-stage data collection and remote monitoring system which logs machine parameters including temperatures, pressures and vibration levels and presents a simplified summary to the crew on the bridge via a touch-screen industrial panel PC. The PC also controls the periodic upload of data to a secure, hosted database via a GPRS data link.
This system enables the client to have access to the recorded data via a secure web site and to query the database to generate dynamic reports. In addition, a monthly summary report is produced and emailed to the relevant personnel. This information is used to identify any changes in machinery performance which might indicate the inception of faults which require attention, thus pre-empting machinery failure and saving significant maintenance and opportunity costs through loss of operational time.
Another application of these services is required for the engine room alarms, which are often ignored by the ship’s crew and go unreported, leading to premature machine failures. The monitoring system also has the ability to alert the superintendent by email and text message in the event that any pre-set alarm levels are exceeded.
Furthermore, the system can be set to monitor NOx and other emissions which must, under international law, be regulated carefully. By monitoring NOx continually, engines can run to their maximum efficiencies, whilst still ensuring regulatory compliance.
Figure 1
Ship engine room monitoring and reporting solution
Case study 2: Data logging for Product Refinement
Another application of remote monitoring solutions was required by a client that produces an innovative and award-winning ship stabiliser for use on fishing vessels and luxury super yachts. The client’s requirements were for a means of collecting data to document and verify the effectiveness of the stabiliser over long periods.
The system provided records values from various sensors which were already installed as part of the stabiliser control system, and also listens-in to the digital data stream being passed between the controller and the stabiliser. Data are recorded to flash-based storage several times per second and are uploaded to our secure server via GPRS or GSM on a daily basis if the ship is within signal range. If the vessel is at sea and out of range of a mobile phone signal, the data continues to be recorded and is uploaded as soon as a signal is detected – typically when the ship arrives in port. If required, this system can also operate using satellite phone technology which enables remote uploading in any global location.
The client uses the recorded data to refine the complex control algorithms of the stabiliser, and also as a promotional tool to demonstrate the effectiveness of the stabiliser to prospective clients.
The increasing environmental demands and regulatory requirements that ensure we live and work in a sustainable manner mean that information acquisition is ever-more important. The ability to collate, analyse and process data in a cost-effective manner has proven to benefit all manner of businesses.
Whilst remote monitoring is highly effective across a range of industries, the service provided by S.E.A. consultants is unique in that it is based in the marine environment, which is perhaps the most challenging environment in which to work.
Useful Links
S.E.A. Consultants website: www.consult-sea.com
About the Author
Dr Craig Rose is Managing Director at S.E.A. consultants. Contact vis their website.