Figure 1: Pier- or rig-based application example showing S4 instrument and hand-winch deployment/retrieval system to allow easy access for maintenance. In a real-time system, the S4 is connected to a surface junction box which transfers data by either wireless modem or direct cable connection to the computer acquisition system. For deepwater applications, a powered winch system can be used with the S4 in real-time or internal-recording mode. The S4 can be configured for combinations of Current, CTD, Tide, Turbidity or directional wave measurements.

Figure 2: Integrated multi-user system used by large scale government organizations for real-time automatic recording of hydrological and oceanographic parameters. This system may be deployed using acoustic communication between underwater sensors and the telemetry buoy. Upon receipt of data, the telemetry buoy formats and sends data using either radio or satellite to multiple users, including ships, aircraft and main office. This two-way system allows individual users the ability to remotely adjust the sampling interval of any instrument as required. S4 sensors are used for current, temperature, tide, turbidity and wave measurements.

Figure 3: S4 direct cable application providing real-time harbor monitoring to the user. Typical applications are used when the distance between the deployment site and receiver are about 1km or less. Note, however, that similar applications have used direct cable connection to the S4 over a 100 km fiber optic link, suggesting that any cable length can be used. A temporary cable can be connected directly between the sensor and surface ship if necessary. Data display at the receiver may incorporate a computer acquisition system or an analog display for easy operator reference. Users include port authorities and harbor masters for use with vessel traffic control. Measurements may include current speed and direction, tide (under-keel clearance), wave height, wave direction and temperature, salinity and turbidity as options. Surface measurements (if buoy is used) include wind speed and direction, barometric pressure, as well as other optional sensors.

Figure 4: The use of a bottom-mounted wave/tide gauge with real-time transmitting buoy. The transmitting buoy uses radio or satellite communications and allows two-way communication with the sensor. The S4 is configured for directional wave, tide and current measurement. Temperature, salinity, turbidity and other parameters are also available.

Figures 5 & 6: Integrated surface telemetry buoy for deepwater applications. This system utilizes meteorological and oceanographic sensors as well as redundant transmission techniques for measurement and distribution of data from a remote site. System is configured with standard components in accordance with customer requirements.

Copyright © InterOcean systems, inc. All rights reserved worldwide.