Final Report Summary - SMARTCATCH (The Development of a Novel Remote Stress Sensing System to Increase Safety, Efficiency and Reduce Environmental Effects in Fishing and Mooring applications)
Executive Summary:
The EU generates approximately 5% (7.5 million tonnes) of the world’s fish production (Eurostat 2004) but still imports 20% of fresh and frozen fish, being the second largest importer of fish in the world. In terms of innovation and competitiveness, it has lagged behind other sectors (European Industrial Research 2006), primarily as a result of increasing cost and reduced efficiency caused by stock depletion, overfishing and increasing world competition. As for the fish farmers themselves, the technology and service providers in the aquaculture industry are experiencing increasing non EU-competition, especially from North America, Canada, New Zealand, Australia and Japan with regards to aquaculture technology. These high technology countries, which also have a national aquaculture sector are focusing on innovation and product development to reduce fish production costs and increase quality, and are increasingly focusing on the European market demand for fish products.
The aquaculture industry is growing at an average of 8.8% p.a. in Europe. This steady growth, particularly on the coastline where there are already high concentrations of other activities, present this sector with continuous rises in the price of land and water - this may force this industry to move further and further offshore in the near future. At present divers or remote control cameras are used for inspections of the ropes, these methods are expensive with a typical cost of €25,000 per year, are relatively frequent (minimum of 4 times a year) and have an accuracy issue. In addition the use of divers has considerable safety issues.
Therefore there is a need for a system that will give awareness of:
• overloading of the cage due to accumulation of marine fouling and other factors
• damage to mooring ropes during strong storms and currents and subsequent snapping of the ropes
This awareness will prevent the loss or damage to farmed fish stocks with its substantial economical implications and therefore increasing the competitiveness of this industry. Furthermore the loss of escapees will be minimised which has an impact on the genetic diversity and local environment.
There is also a need for a technology that will enable fishermen to preserve the active fishing gear on boats, Trawls are the most commercially used fishing method. They use large and expensive nets that range from €1,350 to €40,000 per net for 10 to 20m class boats. With increasing inefficiency, fishing fleets are fast becoming unprofitable.
Project Context and Objectives:
The concept of this project is to develop a Nitinol wire based non-contact stress sensing system for fishing and mooring ropes with a load force that will depend on the characteristics of the particular application.
This will be combined with a control and sensor system suitable for installation on:
• mooring ropes holding the cages used in the fish farming (aquaculture) industry
• net or mooring ropes used in the fishing industry
The system will be capable of sensing deviations in rope loads and of giving an accurate quantifiable assessment of the state of the ropes. The Sensor Wire to be used is a specifically heat treated Nitinol wire which undergoes a large change in electrical resistance for applied stress. It will be integrated into the mooring and fishing ropes and as such it will allow interpretation of the stresses and degradation of the ropes. Nitinol is a Nickel-Titanium Alloy with close equal atomic percentage proportions of Nickel (50-55.6% by weight) and Titanium.
The main Project Objectives for the reporting period RP2:
Updated Model of forces in Fishing Nets and Mooring Rope systems using empirical project lifetime data
Prototype integrated monitor and alarm system
Software package to take remote data, analyse it and display in a variety of user-defined methods
A report on the potential for using analysed data to feed back into a ship thrusters control system to reduce mooring rope stresses
A protocol for remote reporting of data for shore based analysis
Prototype data logging and upload system
A working prototype for each of the three environments
Development of Smartcatch installation methodology, validation of Smartcatch prototype systems
Development of IPR protection strategy including 1 patent applications, a detailed future funding and investment plan and final exploitation plans
Final dissemination report
Intermediate and end-users trained in understanding, operation and maintenance of the Smartcatch system and the transfer of technology for full exploitation
Progress reports and final reporting
Project Results:
The main Scientific & Technical results/foregrounds are decribed below by Work Package No. (for a more detailed description of the main S & T results/foregrounds together with photographs, tables, illustrations etc please see the associated Deliverable Reports)
Work Package WP1 – Research into Environmental Effects on Sub-systems:
The 4 Key Objectives of WP1:
- Characterise and Model Nitinol properties in a marine environment
- Investigate Nitinol Jointing Techniques
- Investigate Signal Induction Characteristics in a marine environment
- Understand transformer design optimisation techniques to maximise efficiency
- Task T1.1 - Characterise and Model Nitinol properties in a marine environment:
This activity involved reviewing literature for materials information on the properties of Nitinol in both a normal atmosphere and in a marine environment. This information provided data for setting up materials experimentation to create a model of behaviour under mechanical loading. Lab based experimentation also took place to help build a predictive model of behaviour under loading in a marine environment. The second part of Task T1.1 was to investigate electrical property changes under stress and load to feed into the predictive model to provide a total model of behaviour.
Finite Element Method was used initially to model Nitinol behaviour, however it was found not to be adequate for the application as the FEA model required the hysteresis to be specified to model the material. This limited the use of FEA to model Nitinol. Also FEA cannot be used to model the effects based on different stroke speeds applied to the Nitinol wire. Hence experiments were carried out to study the behaviour of Nitinol. The results from these experiments were then used to develop a new mathematical model using Artificial Neural Networks (ANN). The model developed using ANN proved to be more accurate and reliable than the FEA model. Further experiments will be carried out to validate the model developed. ANN can also be used to adapt the changes in different environmental conditions as well.
The Mechanical properties and behaviour of Nitinol has been studied and is discussed further in the Deliverable Report D1.1. Tensile tests on Nitinol wire showed good agreement with the literatures available. The structure of Nitinol and its transformation properties has been studied along with Shape memory and Super elasticity behaviour exhibited by the material. The electrical properties and Resistance versus strain relation and resistance with temperature relation have been discussed in the Report. The experimental data has been used to perform Finite Element Analysis (FEA) of Nitinol using existing Numerical models used in commercial FEA Software’s. The Stress strain relation of Nitinol wire has also been modelled in Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) using Nonlinear Autoregressive Network with Exogenous Input (NARX) model. The strengths and limitations of both modelling technique has been determined.
- Task T1.2 - Investigate Nitinol Jointing Techniques:
The aim of this study was to identify from literature possible techniques to join Nitinol to form a continuous loop. First of all, it is very important to have a good electrical contact between the two Nitinol wires since the wire will serve to pass an electrical current and at the same time guarantee that the wire is held secure to avoid slipping and the loss of the electrical signal.
Any selected jointing technique should envisage that resistance of contact should remain constant and be as low as possible. There are several jointing techniques available for Nitinol wire and the most common methods employed are welding, soldering, mechanical and adhesives.
The welding process for joining Nitinol wire is very effective if the weld is protected by an inert atmosphere and the heat zone is minimised. It can be successfully welded by different methods as Laser, Plasma, TIG, and Resistance welding. These welding processes have a strength of around 70% of the raw material but the phase transformation temperatures are however altered while the mechanical properties are deteriorated. Results for Nitinol wire welded to dissimilar metals, such as stainless steel for example, are not acceptable due to Nitinol’s tendency to “absorb” elements from the stainless steel, forming a brittle intermetallic phase close to the fusion line which cannot be stress relieved. In addition to the above, this type of welding is extremely difficult.
There are mechanical techniques that can join small Nitinol wires such as crimping, swaging and also using Nitinol’s superelastic or shape memory properties to join materials - for example using a Nitinol tube expanded by cooling it to the martensitic phase then deforming it, inserting the tube over another element and then clamping the element allowing the Nitinol tube to return to it’s austenite phase. Crimping is one of the most common and best methods to join Nitinol to itself or dissimilar materials. Solutions are available in many different shapes and sizes, for small diameter wires it is possible to use miniature tubes which are closed with special crimping pliers, these crimps can be placed at the end or somewhere along its length. In many cases another mechanical system that is also used to connect the wire and provide good electrical contact is an ordinary terminal block, there are also orthodontic connectors that could be used for fastening the two tips of the wire.
Adhesives are also possibly an attractive option for joining Nitinol to dissimilar materials - many different adhesive types such as UV cure, room temperature cure and heat cure can be applied depending on the application. Adhesives can also be used to seal the mechanical connection at the end of the joining process.
Soldering is another technique that can be applied to join Nitinol, the main problem is the tough passive oxide layer that covers the Nitinol components since this layer does not promote a good solder wetting. By this reason it is necessary to use an aggressive flux to remove the oxide, then a standard Sn-Ag solder can be applied to attain good results.
Deliverable Report D1.2 covers the above Task T1.2 in more detail and also contains the relevant references used in the research.
Nitinol jointing techniques are also further investigated in Work Package WP3 – ‘Development of Sensor Wire Jointing and Fixing’ and further described in the Deliverable Reports D3.1 & D3.2.
- Task T1.3 - Investigate Signal Induction Characteristics in a marine environment and
- Task T1.4 - Understand transformer design optimisation to maximise efficiency
In this section of the Work Package WP1, electromagnetic induction technology design parameters were investigated and the characteristics and design parameters for an optimum Inductive Signal Detector (ISD) system in a marine environment were also investigated. These were:
- Power Supply
- Toroidal Current Transformer electrical characteristics
- voltage applied
- power rating
- frequency
- turns ratio
- core dimensions
- core material
- Nitinol Wire Loop
- diameter
- length
- Current Transducer
- primary current range
- output voltage
- turns ratio (toroidal current sensors)
- frequency
- accuracy
There were three series of experiments completed in this work. The first series of tests measured resistance in relation to length and diameter of NiTi wire. This test showed that by reducing the diameter the resistance increases logarithmically. As a result, the thinner the wire will be the more power the system will need. On the other hand increasing the diameter decreases the resistance, however the wire becomes more rigid and harder to integrate within a mooring rope or fishing net. Resistance is also linearly dependent on length.
Additionally, 3 types of experiments were carried out where contact and non-contact induction current transformers were used. Contact transformers without power electronic components didn’t limit the current, and as a result overheating and over-current damages were caused on the wires tested. Non-contact current transformers, on the other hand, they did limit the current induced and non-contact current transducers were able to successfully recover the current induced without overheating NiTi issues. The increase in frequency for toroidal current transformers reduced the size of the core and improved the signal induced by a factor of 8. More development in this area is currently being carried out in order to design the optimum current transformer and transducer. The optimisation will be completed in Work Package WP5.
Deliverable Report D1.3 (Report on the characteristics and design parameters for an optimum inductive signal detector in a marine environment) covers the above Tasks T1.3 and T1.4 in more detail and also contains the relevant references used in the research.
Significant Results in Work Package WP1:
- Finite Element Analysis (FEA) was used initially to model Nitinol behaviour but proved to be not adequate for the application. Also FEA cannot be used to model the effects based on different stroke speeds applied to the Nitinol wire and so actual experiments were carried out to study the behavioural properties. The results from these experiments were then used to develop a new mathematical model using Artificial Neural Networks (ANN). The model developed using ANN proved to be more accurate and reliable than the FEA model.
- Identified from literature surveys possible techniques to join Nitinol to form a continuous loop and the most common methods employed are various welding techniques, soldering, mechanical connections and adhesives.
- Electromagnetic induction technology design parameters were identified and the characteristics and design parameters for an optimum Inductive Signal Detector (ISD) in a marine environment were investigated.
Work Package WP2 – Preparatory Research into Net, Cage and Mooring Cable Forces:
The 3 Key Objectives of WP2:
- Investigate the forces on the cabling of Fishing Nets and Mooring Ropes and create a first draft model
- Set in place equipment to measure the actual forces in Fishing Net and Mooring Ropes in a live environment and aim to collect logged data over the lifetime of the project to aid in the final updating of the force model and analysis software
- Review current practice in Mooring systems to determine best practice and trends
- Task T2.1 - Investigate the forces involved in Fishing Nets and Mooring Ropes:
Working together in Norway on this task, T.I. and Seloy selected an Aquaculture installation at Lovund Island (west coast of Norway) for installing the load sensing equipment on the mooring ropes on a fish cage.
Data from the mooring rope load cells and wind speed/direction sensors is transmitted by a WLAN Router (via the Internet by HTTP/VPN) and can be received and viewed by a secondary PC connected to the Lovund dedicated website where the data is transmitted in real time.
- Task T2.2 – Measurement of actual forces in Fishing Nets and Mooring Ropes:
Definition of the objectives
Time related loads for selected rope structures are the basic information required for the design of the rope sensor. Selection and evaluation of parameters of Nitinol wire sensor is possible only if life time behaviours of a rope and Nitinol wire itself are known and correlated with load history. This work package is devoted to detailed research regarding information that allows define the mentioned correlation.
Following the project objectives two areas of application of the rope/cable structures were considered. Namely, after initial selection they are:
1. Mooring rope for a fish cage
2. Elements of a fishing net excluding towing cables
The parameters of principal interest for the project that need to be defined for the planned life of the sensor line are:
1. Load amplitude spectrum and its time distribution
2. Load frequency spectrum and its time distribution
3. Safety factors adopted for different accuracy of evaluation of maximum loads
4. Time related changes of Nitinol in wire form while exposed to loads defined in point 1 and point 2, in operational environment.
5. Time related changes of the ropes while exposed to loads defined in point 1 and point 2, in operational environment.
Literature search
A literature review and search was devoted to the subjects listed above.
The data regarding fish cage mooring loads and behaviour are not well covered by literature information. It was decided to turn the data regarding other applications of rope/cable structures in marine structures and systems. The areas that face similar problems were indicated as follows:
1. Mooring of oceanographic buoys.
2. Mooring of semisubmersible drilling platforms.
3. Umbilicals and cables of remotely operated vehicles.
4. Fishing tools.
Some 60 literature documents which are more or less related to the subject of the project were found (this literature is listed in a separate document available to the partners). The literature search indicates substantial interest in studies of rope behaviour. There are several models and algorithms proposed. There are also more or less simplified commercially available programmes used in rope/net system design. However, they are more suitable for calculations of maximum dimensioning forces.
To find experimental data on forces acting in fishing gear components it was decided to utilise the results of measurements and calculations performed by Polish researchers in previous years. The most interesting materials were already collected. However analysis of the data, require more effort than previously expected.
In the case of towing cables it was confirmed that the strength of main towing cables is not an issue while their tensions are measured and controlled by known means. However, other parts of net structure are also important and frequently over-stressed.
Following the literature search, required information regarding time related changes of Nitinol in wire form in comparable operational environment appeared not to be available. This indicates a need for additional experiments to be performed.
Development of the programme code to evaluate forces acting on moored and towed ropes
Hydrodynamic properties of different types of ropes and cables can be analysed using the algorithms and programmes mentioned above. However, detailed definition of loading phenomena and boundary conditions is required to obtain reliable solution. Application of these algorithms requires substantial preparation effort. The results of the load calculations cannot be expressed in a form useful for the project (statistical data). Therefore, applicability of these algorithms and programs for this project is limited.
A simplified calculation method was adopted to allow quick calculation of shapes and forces of cable like structures due to gravity and hydrodynamic loads. It is based on the Hoerner model and allows for analysis of two types of cable arrangements. The algorithm was transformed into a computer program. One model of the cable arrangement can be used to calculate shape and load of a cable used for towing of submerged end of the cable loaded with forces. The second model can be used to calculate shape and forces of more symmetrical arrangement (positions) of both of the cable ends. The method adopted to solve the equations is very effective, so practical calculations for single configuration of parameters can be accomplished very quickly. Results of calculations are presented in numerical and graphical (cable shape) form. More complicated arrangements of cable systems can be analysed using superposition of elementary results. The programme can be further developed if required for further analyses.
- Task T2.3 – Development of a model of the forces in Fishing Nets and Mooring Ropes:
Thoring of the forces continued throughout the netire length of the project and is reported in detail inthe Deliverable Report D2.3.
Significant Results in Work Package WP2:
- As part of Work Package WP2 the loading conditions for trawling have been established
- Different rope layouts used for the application have been investigated
- The average loading data for different type of fishing gear made of different materials has been reviewed
- Software has been developed to calculate the hydrodynamic loads on the moored and towed ropes
- To assure quality of loads measured on a working Fish Farm (cage system) current measurements are to be performed according to the Norwegian Standard NS 9425
- Sensing and monitoring equipment installed on mooring ropes on Norwegian Aquaculture installation on an island off the west coast of Norway.
- Following the results of the research it is possible to evaluate annual number of load cycles acting on a moored system at 6-8 million cycles due to wave action - this indicates the importance of knowledge of the fatigue behaviour of the materials used for the sensor wire and the sensing rope
- It is apparent that to obtain reliable data regarding the wire behaviour and reflecting the state of the rope several long lasting tests are required
Work Package WP3 – Development of Sensor Wire Jointing and Fixing:
The 4 Key Objectives of WP3:
- Development of techniques for integration of Nitinol into Fishing nets and Mooring Rope Systems
- Review of available jointing technologies and current market costs
- Development of Jointing Techniques for jointing of the Nitinol wire to create an electrical loop and to the sensor system in a marine environment
- Investigation of the corrosion effects of the marine environment on the wire, jointing and connection
- Task T3.1 – Develop techniques for integration of Nitinol and jointing techniques:
To create a continuous wire loop inside the rope systems it is necessary to connect the two ends of the wire. There are different techniques available to perform this connection, for example various welding techniques, crimping or gluing although most of them represent a problem for electrical resistance measurements. In the case of various welding methods the wire always has to be heated and this will create changes in the microstructure decreasing the tensile strength (to around 50% of the base metal). In addition to this, the fatigue resistance decreases (mostly due to Ti2Ni precipitates at the grain boundaries) and according to the extensive literature review it would be extremely hard to study and control all the parameters of welding connections. Conductive glue is another method but it would be necessary to take in consideration the glue resistance and the contact area of the connections - it would also take a long time to cure and require gripping. Finally the crimping and terminal block connections (mechanically applied) are easiest, faster and more efficient to use, the materials to connect will be directly in contact with each other, no variations of the microstructure are induced and it is not necessary to use extra heavy machinery as for instance in the welding methods, since the crimping terminals are applied using a special pair of pliers.
Tensile tests to connections: Several samples of the Nitinol wire from Fort Wayne Metals, diameter 0.4mm were prepared with a terminal block as well as with crimping copper terminals. The tensile connection tests were performed following the ASTM F-2516 standard, where the samples were extended up to 6% in the first cycle and then unloaded and extended again until the connection fails. A stroke speed of 3mm/min was used in the tests.
The terminal block exhibited extremely good gripping capacity withstanding around 60% (≈850Mpa) of the total strength of NiTi (≈ 1500MPa), it is possible to extend the wire in the elastic region without any slipping. The connections start to fail for extensions around 14% of the total length. This type of connection is very easy to apply and has proven to be very efficient although it is not appropriate for small diameters of wires.
Several samples of Mattek’s wire (diameter 0.7mm) were prepared using copper crimping terminals to connect the wires. The tests were performed following the ASTM F-2516 standard, using samples with gauge lengths around 60mm extended at a stroke speed of 3mm/min.
The crimping technique is extremely simple to apply, fast to use and provides good gripping of the wire (≈ 450MPa) as well as providing excellent contact between Nitinol wires, the connection will have better gripping ability after being insulated with the PU based resin, used in the corrosion tests.
Several samples of crimping connections were insulated using the PU based resin from Wurth (ref: 0890 450 002). The tensile tests were performed according to the ASTM F 2516 standard and were designed to verify the gripping capacity of the resin to the wires and terminal connectors.
The resin insulation provides excellent adhesion to metals increasing the strength of the jointing to approximately 900MPa. It is also clearly evident from the figure above that the elastic domain of the Nitinol is not affected by slipping for extensions up to 6%. This led us to conclude that the resin is a good option to protect the connections from salt water and also increase the gripping capacity.
- Task T3.2 – Corrosion testing of best jointing techniques:
Is widely known that NiTi alloys are very corrosion resistant but also very sensitive to surface condition, materials with as-drawn and heat-treated surfaces are more susceptible to pitting corrosion due to presence of oxides and processing contamination.
Several articles have demonstrated that corrosion resistance is very dependent upon the passive oxide layer formed on the surface, this layer is highly resistant to corrosion and it has the ability to repassivate in case of a small destruction of the passive film. In order to validate the corrosion resistance of NiTi alloy’s and the couple NiTi-Cu to marine environments, salt spray chamber corrosion tests were performed following the standard ASTM B 117 (Method of salt spray (Fog) testing). The samples were exposed to a salt fog (5% NaCl) at different conditions of temperature, electrical potential and stress loading. Three phases were performed, with a duration of 31 days each.
Corrosion tests - 1st phase: The tests were performed using non insulated wires from different suppliers (Memory Metalle and Fort Wayne Metals), and several types of copper connections systems (terminal blocks and crimping terminals (preliminary approach) to test the galvanic couple NiTi-Cu. In order to simulate the worst scenario a potential of -5V was applied to half of the samples and 0V applied to the other half, this potential was used to study how the electrical current would affect the passive layer of the wire in terms of corrosion, a negative potential was used as it is more aggressive.
Corrosion tests – 2nd phase: This phase aimed to test the insulation capacity of the connections provided by the resin as well as the effects of salt spray fog in insulated wires. To accomplish this, the same Nitinol types and suppliers used for the 1st Phase (Memory Metalle and Fort Wayne Metals) and an electrical potential of -5V was applied to half of the sample and 0V to the other half. The Nitinol wire was insulated with a polymer and the connections that will close the wire loop in the ropes (terminal blocks and crimping) were insulated using a two component resin based of Polyurethane (PUR), type WU in accordance with DIN VDE 0291. Different geometries of moulds were used in order to test all types of connections, this allowed the incorporation of connector systems (sockets/plugs…) inside the resin that can insulate voltages up to10kV.
Corrosion tests – 3rd phase: This 3rd phase of the corrosion tests aimed to study extreme corrosion conditions, using higher cyclic temperatures. A batch of samples were prepared in order to simulate different connections systems using material from Memory Metalle and Fort Wayne metals type “N” and “#9”, respectively. The wires were insulated with a polymer and the copper connections with a two component PUR resin. In this phase it was used an accelerated corrosion test method CCT-2 (Cyclic Corrosion Tests), exposing the specimens to changing climates over time, were the specimens were placed in an enclosed chamber and exposed to a changing climate that compromises of the following 3 parts repeating cycle.
- 2 hours exposure to a continuous indirect spray of neutral salt water solution (ph=6,5 to 7,2) which falls-out on to the specimens at a rate of 1,0 to 2,0 ml/80cm /hour at 35ºC
- 4 hours air drying in a climate of 20 to 30 %RH at 60ºC
- 2 hours exposure to a condensing water climate (wetting) of 95 to 100%RH at 50ºC
The program was repeated every eight hours during 30 days.
Following the completion of the tests it was concluded that the galvanic couple NiTi-Cu don’t react with each other and the insulation provided by the resin was effective in conditions of high humidity and low temperatures as in dry air and high temperatures. The electric potential applied to the samples did not affect both materials, even for higher potentials (-10V).
Deliverable Report D3.1 (Report on jointing techniques for integration of Nitinol into fishing nets, aquaculture cages and mooring rope systems and the effects of corrosion due to marine environments) covers the above Tasks T3.1 and T3.2 in much more detail and also contains the relevant references used in the research.
- Task T3.3 – Test performance of electrical characteristics of fully jointed cabling:
Tensile testing with measurement of electrical resistance on Nitinol wires: The electrical resistance of NiTi wires is expected to change when a load is applied in the wire making it extend and the electric resistance variation is dependable of this extension. To study this variation, tests were performed using a tensile machine to control the extension of the wire and the Wenner method previously presented to monitor the resistance variation. Samples with gauge lengths around 100mm from Memory Metalle and Fort Wayne metals were extended at rates of 5mm/min and 20mm/min following the standard ASTM F 2516-07.
From the results it was concluded that all NiTi wires have an excellent and constant variation of the electric resistance. This variation is highly dependent of the extension applied in the wires. The resistance variation is very predictable even using materials from different suppliers and with different mechanical and chemical properties. The small deviations existent in the tests results showed above are mostly due to different gauge lengths. The strain curves shows us that higher strain rates promote a more linear variation of the electrical resistance although, when the wire suffers a small elongation, the resistance measured in NiTi wires increases, not only when the wires are being stretched in the elastic region but also when we are clearly in the plastic domain (transformation from austenite to stress induced martensite above 8% of extension). Also during the unloading of the wire we have the electrical resistance decreasing attached with the recovery of the initial length of the wires. This phenomenon led to the conclusion that NiTi wire would be able to be used as a sensor to measure extensions in ropes.
Significant Results in Work Package WP3:
- Developed alternative techniques for integration of Nitinol wire into rope systems
- Environmental conditions – corrosion testing and studies
- Jointing techniques and electrical performance
Work PackageWP4 – Development of Monitor and Alarm Control System:
The 4 Key Objectives of WP4:
- Review scientific data and first draft model to determine strategies for developing a robust analysis package
- Develop a prototype monitor and alarm system
- Develop a prototype software analysis package to analyse stress data
- Review the needs of future shipping applications with a view to possible integration of the technology into ship control
Measurement of the strain of mooring ropes will be made indirectly using measurement of the resistance of Nitinol wire integrated into the rope. By measuring the resistance it is possible to calculate the current strain of a mooring rope. Detection of critical strain will start the alarm procedure.
2.1 Resistance measurement using an induction transformer
While experimenting with resistance of the nitinol wire excited by an ac voltage we have found quite an interesting relationship between changes of resistance of the wire and voltage which we can read on a resistor placed in a primary circuit. The circuit was tested to find optimum parameters. The relationships are comparatively linear and the current needed to be induced is very low. The transformer is also very small. Of course the nitinol wire loop needs to be connected to the secondary coil of the transformer but the winding can be separated (we use 20 mm dia ferrite cups) and assembled after a rope is installed. The resultant voltage will be measured by a bridge based device adjusted by a microcontroller to specific conditions.
A Microsens Modular Access & xWDM (Wireless Data Module) Platform was identified by Gdansk University of Technology (GUT) as being suitable for the Communications Module for the Smartcatch Technology (Microsens item nos. 2xMS416001M, 2xMS416005M-24).
The Modular Platform is based on universal communication modules for installation in various chassis types and uses a standard 19’’ RACK case. These cases are used in many countries, are very easy to obtain and also to extend.
Module A (Figure 17 in D4.1) is a microprocessor module used to gather data from each of the resistance meters in the monitoring system. Module B is the “connection ending” - we can use 1 to 8 modules to connect appropriate numbers of resistance meters. Module B is also used as reference meter with non-tensioned ropes for temperature compensation. Module C is a water temperature profile meter also used for temperature compensation (to choose the best temperature compensation method). The 19’’ Microsens RACK case has its own connection PCB board as Data bus and Power bus. The standard communication connections are via RS485 Communications Cables which have a range limitation of approximately 1000 metres (external power supply: 230V AC, 50Hz.).
Smartcatch Prototype Ropes:
Following the work carried out by IPN in Work Package WP3 (as reported in Deliverable Reports D3.1 and D3.2) IPN continued to develop the prototype ropes with embedded Nitinol monitoring wires and testing with Nitinol wires from different suppliers (Mateks, Memory Metalle and Fort Wayne Metals Ltd.).
From previous R&D, IPN suggested the use of synthetic fibre ropes or ‘polysteel’ ropes which are manufactured from Polypropylene and Polyethylene. The previous ropes tested by IPN in Work Package WP3 were nylon ropes but IPN later investigated the use of polysteel ropes and other synthetic fibre ropes using UHMWPE fibres (Ultra High Molecular Weight Polypropylene) such as those in the Euroneema range manufactured by Lankhorst Euronete. Euronete in Portugal were approached by IPN and they confirmed that they could produce suitable prototype ropes for the Smartcatch technology using their Euroneema SK75 range with the pvc-insulated Nitinol wire embedded in the core of the rope. A Non-Disclosure Agreement was made between Lankhorst Ropes and IPN in order to protect some confidentiality issues between the two partners. Lankhorst revealed an interest in developing the collaboration with the Smartcatch project as well as the possibility of participating in the dissemination of the technology with their clients. From the results of previous Nitinol wire testing, IPN selected Fort Wayne Metals Ltd as the preferred supplier based on the fact that the purity of the Nickel-Titanium was superior and there were much less inclusions in the wire. Nitinol Alloy Grade #9 with a 0.7mm diameter, light oxide finish and in the straight annealed condition with a transition temperature (Ap) of around -20C was chosen for the application for the Smartcatch protototype ropes.
Insulation of the nitinol wire was carried out by Birch Valley Plastics Ltd (Plymouth, UK) using brightly coloured (red or orange) PVC oversheathing, the insulated wire was then sent to Portugal for the Euroneema SK75 rope to be manufactured incorporating two Nitinol wires in the core. Euroneema SK75 is 12-strand braided rope manufactured from UHMWPE yarns with a higher strength than conventional steel rope and has a corresponding weight seven times lower and is recommended for towing and mooring rope applications. It has good chemical resistance and excellent abrasion and UV resistance and floats in water. The 10mm diameter rope selected for the Smartcatch prototype ropes has a Maximum Breaking Force of 97kN (9.9tf) and weighs just 59g/m. Euroneema SK75 is 12-strand braided rope manufactured from UHMWPE yarns with a higher strength than conventional steel rope and has a corresponding weight seven times lower and is recommended for towing and mooring rope applications. It has good chemical resistance and excellent abrasion and UV resistance and floats in water. The 10mm diameter rope selected for the Smartcatch prototype ropes has a Maximum Breaking Force of 97kN (9.9tf) and weighs just 59g/m.
GUT - Prototype Rope Testing: Two 50m Euroneema SK75 10mm dia. ropes were prepared by IPN (as described previously above) with 0.7mm dia. pvc insulated Nitinol wires embedded in the core of each rope and these were sent to GUT for further testing (the gauge lengths of ropes being able to be tested at IPN is obviously very limited).
Test facility arrangement-The tests described below were carried out at the Underwater Technology Department (part of the Faculty of Ocean Technology and Shipbuilding) at the laboratory devoted to tests of large ship structures. This facility was selected because of its high strength floor foundations for anchoring the ropes under load. However, because of the long length of the ropes a return pulley had to be used at around 25m in order that the full length of the ropes could be tested. the rope was stretched between two pulleys fixed to the high strength floor foundation. To stretch the rope a 12 ton overhead gantry crane was used - this assured potential elongation of the ropes up to 5m which is equal to around 10% of the prototype rope length. A high quality resistance meter (multimeter) was used to measure resistance of the sensor wire aswell as the prototype monitoring system for comparison.
To assure a good (stable) connection, intermediate tin plated copper conductor of 1.5mm2 was used with screw clamps to connect to the Nitinol wire terminals. Summary of the results of the Prototype Rope Testing at GUT:
1. The results are expressed both in physical and relative measurements.
2. The first load cycle is an example of the pre-stressing process required to adjust fibres (rope) geometry. Total strain was more than 4% at maximum load of 5.5 kN.
3. The new terminations proved to be reliable.
4. The tests were run up to 50% of breaking load approximately. The load-strain curves expressed in relative measures are linear and repeatable.
5. During unloading, some hysteresis (parabolic shape) below loading curve is visible.
6. The results indicate good co-operation of the rope structure and insulated Nitinol conductors.
7. The results indicate that the Nitinol sensor wire can be a good indicator of real rope geometry if the rope is manufactured from creeping-relaxing (plastic) material.
Conclusions taken from Deliverable Report D4.1
1. GUT and Technosam in collaboration with Webster & Horsfall, UK HERI, TI, IPN and AGW have successfully completed the Design and Build of the prototype Smartcatch Measurement, Monitoring and Alarm Systems
2. Synthetic Fibre and Steel Wire Ropes embedded with pvc-insulated Nitinol wires at their core and of various lengths have been successfully designed, manufactured and tested at GUT, IPN, Webster & Horsfall (and latterly at UK HERI - see Deliverable Report D6.1)
3. The results from the industrial testing of the prototype measurement and monitoring system, the successful rope testing and the rope failure analysis has led to the development of an 8-point plan for Design Considerations for the design and manufacture of future prototype ropes (see page 57 above)
4. Suitable insulated spliced ends for the ropes capable of withstanding the Maximum Breaking Loads of the prototype ropes have been identified, manufactured and tested
5. Smartcatch system ropes (if using UHMWPE fibres and using the centre core approach for the Nitinol wires) will need to be pre-stretched under a certain load to remove all the slack before the spliced ends are performed and insulated.
Task T4.2 - Development of a Software Package:
The stress data measured by the electrical system is monitored, analyzed and logged by industrial SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) software. The software is developed using NI LabView 2011. This is a graphical programming environment used to develop sophisticated measurement, test and control systems. The software contains one screen for monitoring the received values, displaying the historical values on a trend graph. On this main screen is displayed the measuring system with the current and past measured values.
At the upper-right part of the screen the currently measured rope values are displayed in the meters. The maximum value can be changed by clicking on the last value on the meter gauge and entering the desired maximum value of the scale. In the upper left part of the screen two setting value can be modified. At the port dropdown box the communication port of the PC can be set at which the measuring system is connected to. The reading frequency sets the polling interval of the rope measuring system. The default value is 60 sec, - this means that the software reads rope data in each one minute.
In the Graph window the measured values is displayed in a trend graph format. Using the graph palette on the top of the screen the trend graph can be zoomed in and out, the time range and value axis can be changed. The graph palette appears with the following buttons, in order from left to right:
• Cursor Movement Tool (graph only) - Moves the cursor on the display.
• Zoom—Zooms in and out of the display.
• Panning Tool -Picks up the plot and moves it around on the display.
The measured data is logged to a .csv format file. At each reading from the measuring system the values are saved for each rope including the time stamp of the measurement. The files are saved to a subdirectory called \DataLog and each day a separate datalog file is created.
3. Communication
The measuring system can measure up to 8 points/ropes at a time. It has an RS232 port to the data acquisition system. Through that port the data can be read using the Modbus protocol.
The Modbus standard is a very flexible, yet easy to implement industrial communication protocol. The format of these Modbus messages is independent of the type of physical interface used. On plain old RS232 are the same messages used as on Modbus/TCP over Ethernet.
Thanks to this flexibility the measured data can be read by any modbus capable intelligent device: PLC, HMI panels, industrial PC, standard PC, the (measuring module) will never transmit data without receiving. The measuring device uses modbus over a serial line. It is an asynchronous point-to-point communication that uses an RS243 port and the original modbus communication protocol. It’s a master-slave protocol. Only one master (PC) is connected to the bus, and one or several (247 maximum number) slave nodes are also connected to the same serial bus. The communication is always initiated by the master. The slave node request from the master (PC). The master node initiates only one Modbus transaction at the same time.
Work Package WP5 - Development of Signal Communications System:
2 Data acquisition and analysis system
The concept of a data acquisition transmission and management system is shown in a form of block diagram on Figure 1. The system is composed of different levels. The solutions of data processing on these levels are different and of different significance for the project objective.
The most important is bottom level where reliable information must be generated as result of measurement of values of physical phenomena. Data generated on this level are normalized by measuring unit to analog or digital format and transmitted from several measurement devices to a field (farm) mounted data collection device. From the device information is transferred using any available networking means. This can be cable radio link modem of any kind depending on distance and availability. For the scope of the project it is proposed to use existing data transfer equipment and concentrate on transmission between measuring. These methods were analysed in details to evaluate their adherence to project objectives. Some experimental prototypes were built and evaluated experimentally.
Task T5.2 - Development of a data logging protocol and efficient data storage system:
The main idea for the Smartcatch Data Logging and Data Storage System (or Monitoring System) was to create a very flexible system – one suitable for the three previously defined applications of the Smartcatch technology - fishing nets, aquaculture mooring ropes and vessel mooring ropes. It was decided that the transmission of communications between the monitoring equipment and the data logging and upload system would be made by GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) which is a GSM data transmission technique that does not set up a continuous channel from the transmission terminal but transmits and receives data in ‘packets’. It makes very efficient use of the available radio spectrum and users pay only for the volume of data sent and received. GSM is the Global System for Mobile Communications which is one of the major standards for digital cellular communications in use in over 60 countries and serving over 1 billion subscribers. The GSM standard is currently used in the 900MHz, 1800MHz and 1900MHz bands. The first site chosen for the installation of the complete Smartcatch prototype system including the prototype data logging and upload system was the Aquaculture research and educational centre ‘Norsk Havbrukssenter’ (NH) near Bronnoysund, Northern Norway.The data logging server, logging PC, LAN and WLAN router were all mounted inside an IP55 insulated weatherproof electrical enclosure which in turn was mounted inside an outbuilding at the Norsk Havbrukssenter. Data upload and file back-up were arranged through a dedicated website through DynDNS which is a major provider of Domain Name Services (DNS). The website can be accessed over the internet from any normal PC (desktop or laptop) and also by mobile (cellular) phones with internet access.
Conclusions for WP5:
1. A Prototype Data Logging and Upload System that can efficiently gather and store data from multiple monitoring sources has been successfully designed, assembled and tested on three prototype monitoring installed as mooring ropes for aquaculture cages and buoys.
2. Data logging and gathering systems have previously been readily available but this Smartcatch system has been developed to be robust enough for a marine environment and the hardware and software have been developed to create an effective protocol for harvesting multiple data sources efficiently and also to have a low power usage.
3. Data upload and file back-up have been arranged through a dedicated website. The website can be accessed over the internet from any normal PC (desktop or laptop) and also by mobile (cellular) phones with internet access.
4. The system developed enables an operator to plug in and uploading the live streamed data for analysis on shore using the Software Package generated in Work Package WP4 (see also separate Deliverable Report D4.2).
5. The Smartcatch system will enable future SME development which can easily adapt the unit to stream or burst data over a wireless link for real time analysis in a future product.
Work Package WP6 - Systems Integration and Initial Test:
Task T6.1 - Integration of prototype systems.
As part of Work Package WP2 at the start of the project (as reported in Deliverable Report D2.2) and in following the project objectives, initially three areas of application for the Smartcatch ropes/cables were considered. Namely, the initial applications selected were:
1. Mooring ropes for a fish cage in an aquaculture installation
2. Mooring ropes for shipping vessels, mooring buoys, platforms etc
3. Elements of a fishing net but excluding towing cables
In the case of towing cables it was confirmed that the strength of the main towing cables is not really an issue in terms of the likelihood of catastrophic failure while their tensions/loads are measured and controlled by known existing means (load cells and sophisticated electronics and also closed-circuit television cameras for evidence of catch quotas). It is apparent that these main towing ropes are very long, have a large diameter and the loads can be very high (upto 75 tonnes) and variable. However, other parts of the net structure are also important and frequently over-stressed. It was considered that it may be only cost effective to monitor key or vulnerable parts of the trawl system rather than the main towing ropes.
During the course of P1 of the Smartcatch project and in particular at the Month M9 Meeting held to coincide with the AquaNor 2009 Exhibition and Conference in Trondheim, Norway, it was suggested that consortium beneficiaries should visit trawler vessels to examine the currently used equipment. During P2 of the project, members of the Smartcatch consortium had the opportunity to visit a large modern trawler in Peterhead, Aberdeenshire in Scotland. This visit was arranged to enable examination of trawler steel wire net ropes and measurement systems and also different types of vessel mooring ropes including Euroneema UHMWPE ropes as previously described in Deliverable Report D4.1 ‘Prototype integrated monitor and alarm system for attachment in Fishing Net applications and Mooring rope systems analysis’.
The project consortium agreed to focus on solving the problems with the more manageable smaller ropes of aquaculture installations and mooring rope applications - if a solution was developed here it could then be scaled up to the trawler net ropes and other applications. Therefore the majority of the Smartcatch project has effectively been spent producing the technology for the three applications described above of mooring ropes for a fish cage in an aquaculture installation, mooring ropes for shipping vessels, mooring buoys, platforms etc and thirdly for elements of a fishing net but excluding towing cables. Having previously independently validated each of the separate developed elements for the Smartcatch system (the Monitoring, Alarm and Rope systems in D4.1 the Software in D4.2 and the Data Logging and Upload system in D5.2) UK HERI then arranged for all of the individual prototype components to be initially sent to them for integration into complete prototypes and for these prototypes to be validated in lab scale testing to ensure correct operation and to finalise any integration issues.
The Monitoring and Alarm System was sent by GUT to UK HERI, Euroneema ropes with integrated Nitinol Wires were prepared and sent by IPN. Technosam attended the prototype testing at UK HERI to install the Smartcatch Software on the test PC for integration with the Data Logging and Upload system developed by Technosam and TI.
UK HERI planned to test the Smartcatch prototype units as follows:
i. In their I.T. (Information Technology) Workshop where the integrated prototypes could be tested on a dedicated PC and internet connections could be used and checked
ii In their Electrical Workshop where their diagnostic electrical equipment and their clean/filtered and anti-surge protected power supply could be utilised
iii In their main workshop where all of the prototype equipment could be integrated and tested on a fish cage mooring rope before being sent to site for installation, commissioning and testing
Test Procedure:
An 8m long Euroneema 10mm dia. prototype rope which had been delivered to UK HERI by IPN in a pre-stretched condition was used for testing the integrated prototype Smartcatch system. This rope had been designed and manufactured to act as a mooring rope at an Aquaculture installation in Italy to be installed by the project partner RefaMed following testing at UK HERI.
Anchor plates were installed at each end of the prototype rope and fixed to the concrete floor using resin-anchor bolts. A pull-chain was then used to initially take all of the slack out of the rope and then the rope was loaded in 0.5Tonnes increments and the monitoring system and software display on the PC were checked for incremental increases in their readouts. The rope was loaded up to 5.0Tonnes which is approximately half of the 9.7Tonne Safe Working Load of the 10mm Euroneema Rope.
Results: All of the integrated components that make up each complete Smartcatch prototype system worked perfectly well from the actual rope itself to the electronics and software. These would then be despatched to be installed for monitoring mooring ropes in aquaculture installations by T.I. and RefaMed in Norway and Italy respectively and also for seasonal testing in differing environments and weather conditions.
Task T6.2 - Validate prototypes in industrial tests:
Following the successful testing of the prototype Smartcatch systems as described in T6.1 above, complete systems including pre-stretched Euroneema ropes of specified lengths to suit each specific site installation were despatched to T.I. in Norway and RefaMed in Italy for installation, commissioning and testing as mooring ropes for marine buoys and aquaculture cages. The first site chosen for the installation of a complete Smartcatch prototype system was the aquaculture research and educational centre ‘Norsk Havbrukssenter’ (NH) located at Tofte, near Bronnoysund, Northern Norway. IPN supplied three Euroneema pre-stretched ropes of lengths 30m, 90m and 110m for mooring ropes – the 30m rope to be installed as a mooring rope for a mooring buoy and the 90m and 110m ropes to be installed as mooring ropes on the aquaculture installation.Data upload and file back-up were arranged through a dedicated website through DynDNS which is a major provider of Domain Name Services (DNS). The website can be accessed over the internet from any normal PC (desktop or laptop) and also by mobile (cellular) phones with internet access.
Task T6.3 - Development of installation methodology:
Subsequent to the lab scale validation and initial industrial testing, results will be used to aid development of practical, simple and cheap methods of fitting the monitoring system in the marketplace. The installation methodology is described in detail in the T.I. Deliverable Report D6.2.
Work Package WP7 - Validate Smartcatch prototype systems:
In field trials of each prototype - following the successful installation and initial testing of the prototype Smartcatch systems as previously described in Deliverable D6.1 the complete systems installed by T.I. in Norway and RefaMed in Italy were then monitored over a period and time and this also continued post project. The live access webpages displaying the monitored data from the three Smartcatch prototype ropes at Norsk Havbrukssenter are displayed on a large monitor screen in the control roon. The monitored data is copied automatically from the PLC to the PC every day.
Potential Impact:
The Smartcatch Project has developed working prototypes fully demonstrating the development of a Nitinol wire based non-contact stress sensing system for mooring rope applications and potentially fishing ropes as part of the active fishing gear in trawl nets.
The further development and commercialisation of the Smartcatch technology will provide a system that will give awareness of potential overloading of the loads on cage mooring ropes and warn of potential damage to mooring ropes during strong storms and currents and subsequent snapping of the ropes.
This awareness will help to prevent the loss or damage to farmed fish stocks with its substantial economical implications and therefore increasing the competitiveness of this industry. Furthermore the loss of escapees will be minimised which has an impact on the genetic diversity and local environment.
There is also a need for this type of technology that will enable fishermen to preserve the active fishing gear on boats, Trawls are the most commercially used fishing method. They use large and expensive nets that range from €1,350 to €40,000 per net for 10 to 20m class boats and the Smartcatch system could potentially increase the efficiency of fishing fleets.
The project consortium agreed to focus on solving the problems with the more manageable smaller ropes of aquaculture installations and mooring rope applications - if a solution was developed here it could then be scaled up to the trawler net ropes and other applications. Therefore the majority of the Smartcatch project has effectively been spent producing the technology for the three applications described above of mooring ropes for a fish cage in an aquaculture installation, mooring ropes for shipping vessels, mooring buoys, platforms etc and thirdly for elements of a fishing net but excluding towing cables.
Dissemination and Exploitation of the Results:
Project results will be disseminated throughout Europe to speed up market acceptance. This will be achieved through the use of a dedicated Smartcatch website, publication of results in relevant journals and magazines (based on case study material developed in WP7) and attendance of trade shows and conferences. Each consortium member will be allocated specific tasks that lie within their area of expertise and network.
An internal web forum was set up early in the project: www.webbforum.co.uk/smartcatch. This bulletin board has been established to ensure good communication and information among the project partners between meetings. Some of the Smartcatch Bulletin Board’s features include the e-mail alerts that are sent when new postings are added to the discussion topics. The bulletin board is also password protected.
There have been a number of publications of News Articles in Magazines, Newspapers, Company Annual Reports etc. The article “Måler krefter med naturen” was published in the Norwegian magazine “Norsk Sjømat” released July 2009. This article gives an overall description of the work being done with measuring forces in aquaculture sites in Norway. The article also gives a presentation of the Smartcatch project. Norsk Sjømat is distributed to the entire seafood business in Norway. An article about seabass and seabream fish farming was published in the same magazine in June 2010.
IPN has written an article presenting the project in the Portuguese Press.
Norske Sjømatbedrifters Landsforening (NSL – the Norwegian Seafood Association) and Technological Institute (TI) gave a press release about the Smartcatch project in April 2008. This press release resulted in several articles about the possibilities in the project in Norwegian news, both papers and on the internet, and both in branch related sites and in sites with no particular attachment to the seafood industry:
http://maritimt.com/nyheter/2008/intelligent-tau-kan-hindre-romming.html(opens in new window)
http://www.nrk.no/nyheter/distrikt/more_og_romsdal/1.5536369(opens in new window)
In June 2010 and June 2011, our German Association Group BVFISCH (BUNDESVERBAND DER DEUTSCHEN FISCHINDUSTRIE UND DES FISCHGROSSHANDELS) published an article in their Annual Report to their Association Members with reference to the Smartcatch Project.
Attendance at trade shows and exhibitions:
Aqua Nor 2009: Aqua Nor 2009 took place from 18–21st August 2009 in Trondheim, Norway and was the 16th international aquaculture exhibition.
During the four days of the exhibition, meetings and seminars, Aqua Nor attracted exhibitors and visitors from a total of 59 different countries. According to the organiser there were 14,018 visitors during the 4 days duration of the exhibition.
The partners in the Smartcatch project participated at Aqua Nor 2009. Both partners NSL and TI exhibited at this occasion. Flyers informing about the Smartcatch project were distributed from both partner’s stands and discussions took place with a number of visitors.
Offshore Mariculture Exhibition 2010: Partner Refamed participated with an exhibition stand at Offshore Mariculture Exhibition in Croatia, June 2010. This was supported by UK HERI.
Sustainabilitylive! 2010: UK HERI had an exhibition stand at Sustainabilitylive! 2010 which is the home of five leading environment exhibitions at the NEC in Birmingham. These exhibitions include hundreds of exhibitors, insightful seminars and conferences, interactive feature areas and lots more.
Aqua Nor 2011: Aqua Nor 2011 was arranged 16th – 19th August 2011 in Trondheim, Norway and was the 17th international aquaculture exhibition.
During the four days of the exhibition, meetings and seminars, Aqua Nor gathered exhibitors and visitors from a total of 61 different countries. According to the organiser there were more than 17,500 visitors during the 4 days duration of the exhibition.
The partners in the Smartcatch project participated at Aqua Nor 2011 as part of the Month M33 Technical Meeting. Both partners NSL and TI exhibited at this occasion. Flyers informing about the Smartcatch project were distributed from both partners’ stands and discussions took place with a number of visitors.
Aquaculture Europe Exhibition 2011: Partner Refamed participated with an exhibition stand at the Aquaculture Europe Exhibition in Rhodes, October 2011. This Exhibition was again supported by UK HERI who also supplied the Smartcatch Roll-up Banner.
In 2011 the Consortium Partners also identified the next 4 major aquaculture and fisheries exhibitions coming up in 2011 and 2012 for future consideration by the project partners for exploitation and dissemination:
DanFish International - Aalborg, Denmark – October 2011
Oceanology International - London – March 2012
Aquaculture UK 2010 - Aviemore, Scotland – May 2012
Offshore Mariculture Conference 2012 - Izmir, Turkey - October 2012
The Smartcatch project was presented at the annual conference “Sjømatdagene” in January 2010 by TI. The presentation was given to representatives from the aquaculture business in Norway. Its focus was both on the project in general, on measurements being done at aquaculture sites and on the possibilities with the software technology.
Supporting future EU research:
There has been established communication between the Smartcatch project and EATIP (European Aquaculture Technology & Innovation Platform) and FEAP (Federation of European Aquaculture Producers). This will ensure that relevant outputs of the Smartcatch project can support future EU research.
EATIP published an article on the Smartcatch Project in the autumn of 2010 and this was also widely disseminated to Aquaculture stakeholders both from within the industry and also the RTD sector.
Similarly FEAP also published an article on the Smartcatch Project in the autumn of 2010 and this was also widely disseminated to Aquaculture stakeholders both from within the industry and also the RTD sector.
In addition to this, our German Association Group BVFISCH identified a number of publications for the German Aquaculture and Fisheries sectors for possible future dissemination.
The Smartcatch website received an enquiry from euronews.net stating that they had identified the Smartcatch project as a possible subject of an innovation story. Euronews are presently making a series of 3-minute features entitled ‘Innovation’ featuring SMEs that are partnering in EU Research Projects. The programme is supported by DG Research in Brussels.
The Smartcatch consortium discussed this approach at the Month M39 Management and Technical Meeting held in Bronnoysund (northern Norway) in January 2012 and agreed to follow up this interest from Euronews with a view to possibly having a feature video produced for their ‘Innovation’ series.
At the same meeting, the Smartcatch consortium also discussed the possibility of making our own video report of the prototype testing and posting it on ‘YouTube’ which is the video-sharing website on which users can upload, view and share videos.
List of Websites:
http://smartcatch.pera.com(opens in new window)
Project Co-ordinator:
Mike Park - Executive Chairman
The Scottish White Fish Producers Association
North Lodge
Bath Street
Stonehaven
Aberdeenshire
AB39 2DH
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 1569 767573
email: mikeswfpa@aim.com
The EU generates approximately 5% (7.5 million tonnes) of the world’s fish production (Eurostat 2004) but still imports 20% of fresh and frozen fish, being the second largest importer of fish in the world. In terms of innovation and competitiveness, it has lagged behind other sectors (European Industrial Research 2006), primarily as a result of increasing cost and reduced efficiency caused by stock depletion, overfishing and increasing world competition. As for the fish farmers themselves, the technology and service providers in the aquaculture industry are experiencing increasing non EU-competition, especially from North America, Canada, New Zealand, Australia and Japan with regards to aquaculture technology. These high technology countries, which also have a national aquaculture sector are focusing on innovation and product development to reduce fish production costs and increase quality, and are increasingly focusing on the European market demand for fish products.
The aquaculture industry is growing at an average of 8.8% p.a. in Europe. This steady growth, particularly on the coastline where there are already high concentrations of other activities, present this sector with continuous rises in the price of land and water - this may force this industry to move further and further offshore in the near future. At present divers or remote control cameras are used for inspections of the ropes, these methods are expensive with a typical cost of €25,000 per year, are relatively frequent (minimum of 4 times a year) and have an accuracy issue. In addition the use of divers has considerable safety issues.
Therefore there is a need for a system that will give awareness of:
• overloading of the cage due to accumulation of marine fouling and other factors
• damage to mooring ropes during strong storms and currents and subsequent snapping of the ropes
This awareness will prevent the loss or damage to farmed fish stocks with its substantial economical implications and therefore increasing the competitiveness of this industry. Furthermore the loss of escapees will be minimised which has an impact on the genetic diversity and local environment.
There is also a need for a technology that will enable fishermen to preserve the active fishing gear on boats, Trawls are the most commercially used fishing method. They use large and expensive nets that range from €1,350 to €40,000 per net for 10 to 20m class boats. With increasing inefficiency, fishing fleets are fast becoming unprofitable.
Project Context and Objectives:
The concept of this project is to develop a Nitinol wire based non-contact stress sensing system for fishing and mooring ropes with a load force that will depend on the characteristics of the particular application.
This will be combined with a control and sensor system suitable for installation on:
• mooring ropes holding the cages used in the fish farming (aquaculture) industry
• net or mooring ropes used in the fishing industry
The system will be capable of sensing deviations in rope loads and of giving an accurate quantifiable assessment of the state of the ropes. The Sensor Wire to be used is a specifically heat treated Nitinol wire which undergoes a large change in electrical resistance for applied stress. It will be integrated into the mooring and fishing ropes and as such it will allow interpretation of the stresses and degradation of the ropes. Nitinol is a Nickel-Titanium Alloy with close equal atomic percentage proportions of Nickel (50-55.6% by weight) and Titanium.
The main Project Objectives for the reporting period RP2:
Updated Model of forces in Fishing Nets and Mooring Rope systems using empirical project lifetime data
Prototype integrated monitor and alarm system
Software package to take remote data, analyse it and display in a variety of user-defined methods
A report on the potential for using analysed data to feed back into a ship thrusters control system to reduce mooring rope stresses
A protocol for remote reporting of data for shore based analysis
Prototype data logging and upload system
A working prototype for each of the three environments
Development of Smartcatch installation methodology, validation of Smartcatch prototype systems
Development of IPR protection strategy including 1 patent applications, a detailed future funding and investment plan and final exploitation plans
Final dissemination report
Intermediate and end-users trained in understanding, operation and maintenance of the Smartcatch system and the transfer of technology for full exploitation
Progress reports and final reporting
Project Results:
The main Scientific & Technical results/foregrounds are decribed below by Work Package No. (for a more detailed description of the main S & T results/foregrounds together with photographs, tables, illustrations etc please see the associated Deliverable Reports)
Work Package WP1 – Research into Environmental Effects on Sub-systems:
The 4 Key Objectives of WP1:
- Characterise and Model Nitinol properties in a marine environment
- Investigate Nitinol Jointing Techniques
- Investigate Signal Induction Characteristics in a marine environment
- Understand transformer design optimisation techniques to maximise efficiency
- Task T1.1 - Characterise and Model Nitinol properties in a marine environment:
This activity involved reviewing literature for materials information on the properties of Nitinol in both a normal atmosphere and in a marine environment. This information provided data for setting up materials experimentation to create a model of behaviour under mechanical loading. Lab based experimentation also took place to help build a predictive model of behaviour under loading in a marine environment. The second part of Task T1.1 was to investigate electrical property changes under stress and load to feed into the predictive model to provide a total model of behaviour.
Finite Element Method was used initially to model Nitinol behaviour, however it was found not to be adequate for the application as the FEA model required the hysteresis to be specified to model the material. This limited the use of FEA to model Nitinol. Also FEA cannot be used to model the effects based on different stroke speeds applied to the Nitinol wire. Hence experiments were carried out to study the behaviour of Nitinol. The results from these experiments were then used to develop a new mathematical model using Artificial Neural Networks (ANN). The model developed using ANN proved to be more accurate and reliable than the FEA model. Further experiments will be carried out to validate the model developed. ANN can also be used to adapt the changes in different environmental conditions as well.
The Mechanical properties and behaviour of Nitinol has been studied and is discussed further in the Deliverable Report D1.1. Tensile tests on Nitinol wire showed good agreement with the literatures available. The structure of Nitinol and its transformation properties has been studied along with Shape memory and Super elasticity behaviour exhibited by the material. The electrical properties and Resistance versus strain relation and resistance with temperature relation have been discussed in the Report. The experimental data has been used to perform Finite Element Analysis (FEA) of Nitinol using existing Numerical models used in commercial FEA Software’s. The Stress strain relation of Nitinol wire has also been modelled in Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) using Nonlinear Autoregressive Network with Exogenous Input (NARX) model. The strengths and limitations of both modelling technique has been determined.
- Task T1.2 - Investigate Nitinol Jointing Techniques:
The aim of this study was to identify from literature possible techniques to join Nitinol to form a continuous loop. First of all, it is very important to have a good electrical contact between the two Nitinol wires since the wire will serve to pass an electrical current and at the same time guarantee that the wire is held secure to avoid slipping and the loss of the electrical signal.
Any selected jointing technique should envisage that resistance of contact should remain constant and be as low as possible. There are several jointing techniques available for Nitinol wire and the most common methods employed are welding, soldering, mechanical and adhesives.
The welding process for joining Nitinol wire is very effective if the weld is protected by an inert atmosphere and the heat zone is minimised. It can be successfully welded by different methods as Laser, Plasma, TIG, and Resistance welding. These welding processes have a strength of around 70% of the raw material but the phase transformation temperatures are however altered while the mechanical properties are deteriorated. Results for Nitinol wire welded to dissimilar metals, such as stainless steel for example, are not acceptable due to Nitinol’s tendency to “absorb” elements from the stainless steel, forming a brittle intermetallic phase close to the fusion line which cannot be stress relieved. In addition to the above, this type of welding is extremely difficult.
There are mechanical techniques that can join small Nitinol wires such as crimping, swaging and also using Nitinol’s superelastic or shape memory properties to join materials - for example using a Nitinol tube expanded by cooling it to the martensitic phase then deforming it, inserting the tube over another element and then clamping the element allowing the Nitinol tube to return to it’s austenite phase. Crimping is one of the most common and best methods to join Nitinol to itself or dissimilar materials. Solutions are available in many different shapes and sizes, for small diameter wires it is possible to use miniature tubes which are closed with special crimping pliers, these crimps can be placed at the end or somewhere along its length. In many cases another mechanical system that is also used to connect the wire and provide good electrical contact is an ordinary terminal block, there are also orthodontic connectors that could be used for fastening the two tips of the wire.
Adhesives are also possibly an attractive option for joining Nitinol to dissimilar materials - many different adhesive types such as UV cure, room temperature cure and heat cure can be applied depending on the application. Adhesives can also be used to seal the mechanical connection at the end of the joining process.
Soldering is another technique that can be applied to join Nitinol, the main problem is the tough passive oxide layer that covers the Nitinol components since this layer does not promote a good solder wetting. By this reason it is necessary to use an aggressive flux to remove the oxide, then a standard Sn-Ag solder can be applied to attain good results.
Deliverable Report D1.2 covers the above Task T1.2 in more detail and also contains the relevant references used in the research.
Nitinol jointing techniques are also further investigated in Work Package WP3 – ‘Development of Sensor Wire Jointing and Fixing’ and further described in the Deliverable Reports D3.1 & D3.2.
- Task T1.3 - Investigate Signal Induction Characteristics in a marine environment and
- Task T1.4 - Understand transformer design optimisation to maximise efficiency
In this section of the Work Package WP1, electromagnetic induction technology design parameters were investigated and the characteristics and design parameters for an optimum Inductive Signal Detector (ISD) system in a marine environment were also investigated. These were:
- Power Supply
- Toroidal Current Transformer electrical characteristics
- voltage applied
- power rating
- frequency
- turns ratio
- core dimensions
- core material
- Nitinol Wire Loop
- diameter
- length
- Current Transducer
- primary current range
- output voltage
- turns ratio (toroidal current sensors)
- frequency
- accuracy
There were three series of experiments completed in this work. The first series of tests measured resistance in relation to length and diameter of NiTi wire. This test showed that by reducing the diameter the resistance increases logarithmically. As a result, the thinner the wire will be the more power the system will need. On the other hand increasing the diameter decreases the resistance, however the wire becomes more rigid and harder to integrate within a mooring rope or fishing net. Resistance is also linearly dependent on length.
Additionally, 3 types of experiments were carried out where contact and non-contact induction current transformers were used. Contact transformers without power electronic components didn’t limit the current, and as a result overheating and over-current damages were caused on the wires tested. Non-contact current transformers, on the other hand, they did limit the current induced and non-contact current transducers were able to successfully recover the current induced without overheating NiTi issues. The increase in frequency for toroidal current transformers reduced the size of the core and improved the signal induced by a factor of 8. More development in this area is currently being carried out in order to design the optimum current transformer and transducer. The optimisation will be completed in Work Package WP5.
Deliverable Report D1.3 (Report on the characteristics and design parameters for an optimum inductive signal detector in a marine environment) covers the above Tasks T1.3 and T1.4 in more detail and also contains the relevant references used in the research.
Significant Results in Work Package WP1:
- Finite Element Analysis (FEA) was used initially to model Nitinol behaviour but proved to be not adequate for the application. Also FEA cannot be used to model the effects based on different stroke speeds applied to the Nitinol wire and so actual experiments were carried out to study the behavioural properties. The results from these experiments were then used to develop a new mathematical model using Artificial Neural Networks (ANN). The model developed using ANN proved to be more accurate and reliable than the FEA model.
- Identified from literature surveys possible techniques to join Nitinol to form a continuous loop and the most common methods employed are various welding techniques, soldering, mechanical connections and adhesives.
- Electromagnetic induction technology design parameters were identified and the characteristics and design parameters for an optimum Inductive Signal Detector (ISD) in a marine environment were investigated.
Work Package WP2 – Preparatory Research into Net, Cage and Mooring Cable Forces:
The 3 Key Objectives of WP2:
- Investigate the forces on the cabling of Fishing Nets and Mooring Ropes and create a first draft model
- Set in place equipment to measure the actual forces in Fishing Net and Mooring Ropes in a live environment and aim to collect logged data over the lifetime of the project to aid in the final updating of the force model and analysis software
- Review current practice in Mooring systems to determine best practice and trends
- Task T2.1 - Investigate the forces involved in Fishing Nets and Mooring Ropes:
Working together in Norway on this task, T.I. and Seloy selected an Aquaculture installation at Lovund Island (west coast of Norway) for installing the load sensing equipment on the mooring ropes on a fish cage.
Data from the mooring rope load cells and wind speed/direction sensors is transmitted by a WLAN Router (via the Internet by HTTP/VPN) and can be received and viewed by a secondary PC connected to the Lovund dedicated website where the data is transmitted in real time.
- Task T2.2 – Measurement of actual forces in Fishing Nets and Mooring Ropes:
Definition of the objectives
Time related loads for selected rope structures are the basic information required for the design of the rope sensor. Selection and evaluation of parameters of Nitinol wire sensor is possible only if life time behaviours of a rope and Nitinol wire itself are known and correlated with load history. This work package is devoted to detailed research regarding information that allows define the mentioned correlation.
Following the project objectives two areas of application of the rope/cable structures were considered. Namely, after initial selection they are:
1. Mooring rope for a fish cage
2. Elements of a fishing net excluding towing cables
The parameters of principal interest for the project that need to be defined for the planned life of the sensor line are:
1. Load amplitude spectrum and its time distribution
2. Load frequency spectrum and its time distribution
3. Safety factors adopted for different accuracy of evaluation of maximum loads
4. Time related changes of Nitinol in wire form while exposed to loads defined in point 1 and point 2, in operational environment.
5. Time related changes of the ropes while exposed to loads defined in point 1 and point 2, in operational environment.
Literature search
A literature review and search was devoted to the subjects listed above.
The data regarding fish cage mooring loads and behaviour are not well covered by literature information. It was decided to turn the data regarding other applications of rope/cable structures in marine structures and systems. The areas that face similar problems were indicated as follows:
1. Mooring of oceanographic buoys.
2. Mooring of semisubmersible drilling platforms.
3. Umbilicals and cables of remotely operated vehicles.
4. Fishing tools.
Some 60 literature documents which are more or less related to the subject of the project were found (this literature is listed in a separate document available to the partners). The literature search indicates substantial interest in studies of rope behaviour. There are several models and algorithms proposed. There are also more or less simplified commercially available programmes used in rope/net system design. However, they are more suitable for calculations of maximum dimensioning forces.
To find experimental data on forces acting in fishing gear components it was decided to utilise the results of measurements and calculations performed by Polish researchers in previous years. The most interesting materials were already collected. However analysis of the data, require more effort than previously expected.
In the case of towing cables it was confirmed that the strength of main towing cables is not an issue while their tensions are measured and controlled by known means. However, other parts of net structure are also important and frequently over-stressed.
Following the literature search, required information regarding time related changes of Nitinol in wire form in comparable operational environment appeared not to be available. This indicates a need for additional experiments to be performed.
Development of the programme code to evaluate forces acting on moored and towed ropes
Hydrodynamic properties of different types of ropes and cables can be analysed using the algorithms and programmes mentioned above. However, detailed definition of loading phenomena and boundary conditions is required to obtain reliable solution. Application of these algorithms requires substantial preparation effort. The results of the load calculations cannot be expressed in a form useful for the project (statistical data). Therefore, applicability of these algorithms and programs for this project is limited.
A simplified calculation method was adopted to allow quick calculation of shapes and forces of cable like structures due to gravity and hydrodynamic loads. It is based on the Hoerner model and allows for analysis of two types of cable arrangements. The algorithm was transformed into a computer program. One model of the cable arrangement can be used to calculate shape and load of a cable used for towing of submerged end of the cable loaded with forces. The second model can be used to calculate shape and forces of more symmetrical arrangement (positions) of both of the cable ends. The method adopted to solve the equations is very effective, so practical calculations for single configuration of parameters can be accomplished very quickly. Results of calculations are presented in numerical and graphical (cable shape) form. More complicated arrangements of cable systems can be analysed using superposition of elementary results. The programme can be further developed if required for further analyses.
- Task T2.3 – Development of a model of the forces in Fishing Nets and Mooring Ropes:
Thoring of the forces continued throughout the netire length of the project and is reported in detail inthe Deliverable Report D2.3.
Significant Results in Work Package WP2:
- As part of Work Package WP2 the loading conditions for trawling have been established
- Different rope layouts used for the application have been investigated
- The average loading data for different type of fishing gear made of different materials has been reviewed
- Software has been developed to calculate the hydrodynamic loads on the moored and towed ropes
- To assure quality of loads measured on a working Fish Farm (cage system) current measurements are to be performed according to the Norwegian Standard NS 9425
- Sensing and monitoring equipment installed on mooring ropes on Norwegian Aquaculture installation on an island off the west coast of Norway.
- Following the results of the research it is possible to evaluate annual number of load cycles acting on a moored system at 6-8 million cycles due to wave action - this indicates the importance of knowledge of the fatigue behaviour of the materials used for the sensor wire and the sensing rope
- It is apparent that to obtain reliable data regarding the wire behaviour and reflecting the state of the rope several long lasting tests are required
Work Package WP3 – Development of Sensor Wire Jointing and Fixing:
The 4 Key Objectives of WP3:
- Development of techniques for integration of Nitinol into Fishing nets and Mooring Rope Systems
- Review of available jointing technologies and current market costs
- Development of Jointing Techniques for jointing of the Nitinol wire to create an electrical loop and to the sensor system in a marine environment
- Investigation of the corrosion effects of the marine environment on the wire, jointing and connection
- Task T3.1 – Develop techniques for integration of Nitinol and jointing techniques:
To create a continuous wire loop inside the rope systems it is necessary to connect the two ends of the wire. There are different techniques available to perform this connection, for example various welding techniques, crimping or gluing although most of them represent a problem for electrical resistance measurements. In the case of various welding methods the wire always has to be heated and this will create changes in the microstructure decreasing the tensile strength (to around 50% of the base metal). In addition to this, the fatigue resistance decreases (mostly due to Ti2Ni precipitates at the grain boundaries) and according to the extensive literature review it would be extremely hard to study and control all the parameters of welding connections. Conductive glue is another method but it would be necessary to take in consideration the glue resistance and the contact area of the connections - it would also take a long time to cure and require gripping. Finally the crimping and terminal block connections (mechanically applied) are easiest, faster and more efficient to use, the materials to connect will be directly in contact with each other, no variations of the microstructure are induced and it is not necessary to use extra heavy machinery as for instance in the welding methods, since the crimping terminals are applied using a special pair of pliers.
Tensile tests to connections: Several samples of the Nitinol wire from Fort Wayne Metals, diameter 0.4mm were prepared with a terminal block as well as with crimping copper terminals. The tensile connection tests were performed following the ASTM F-2516 standard, where the samples were extended up to 6% in the first cycle and then unloaded and extended again until the connection fails. A stroke speed of 3mm/min was used in the tests.
The terminal block exhibited extremely good gripping capacity withstanding around 60% (≈850Mpa) of the total strength of NiTi (≈ 1500MPa), it is possible to extend the wire in the elastic region without any slipping. The connections start to fail for extensions around 14% of the total length. This type of connection is very easy to apply and has proven to be very efficient although it is not appropriate for small diameters of wires.
Several samples of Mattek’s wire (diameter 0.7mm) were prepared using copper crimping terminals to connect the wires. The tests were performed following the ASTM F-2516 standard, using samples with gauge lengths around 60mm extended at a stroke speed of 3mm/min.
The crimping technique is extremely simple to apply, fast to use and provides good gripping of the wire (≈ 450MPa) as well as providing excellent contact between Nitinol wires, the connection will have better gripping ability after being insulated with the PU based resin, used in the corrosion tests.
Several samples of crimping connections were insulated using the PU based resin from Wurth (ref: 0890 450 002). The tensile tests were performed according to the ASTM F 2516 standard and were designed to verify the gripping capacity of the resin to the wires and terminal connectors.
The resin insulation provides excellent adhesion to metals increasing the strength of the jointing to approximately 900MPa. It is also clearly evident from the figure above that the elastic domain of the Nitinol is not affected by slipping for extensions up to 6%. This led us to conclude that the resin is a good option to protect the connections from salt water and also increase the gripping capacity.
- Task T3.2 – Corrosion testing of best jointing techniques:
Is widely known that NiTi alloys are very corrosion resistant but also very sensitive to surface condition, materials with as-drawn and heat-treated surfaces are more susceptible to pitting corrosion due to presence of oxides and processing contamination.
Several articles have demonstrated that corrosion resistance is very dependent upon the passive oxide layer formed on the surface, this layer is highly resistant to corrosion and it has the ability to repassivate in case of a small destruction of the passive film. In order to validate the corrosion resistance of NiTi alloy’s and the couple NiTi-Cu to marine environments, salt spray chamber corrosion tests were performed following the standard ASTM B 117 (Method of salt spray (Fog) testing). The samples were exposed to a salt fog (5% NaCl) at different conditions of temperature, electrical potential and stress loading. Three phases were performed, with a duration of 31 days each.
Corrosion tests - 1st phase: The tests were performed using non insulated wires from different suppliers (Memory Metalle and Fort Wayne Metals), and several types of copper connections systems (terminal blocks and crimping terminals (preliminary approach) to test the galvanic couple NiTi-Cu. In order to simulate the worst scenario a potential of -5V was applied to half of the samples and 0V applied to the other half, this potential was used to study how the electrical current would affect the passive layer of the wire in terms of corrosion, a negative potential was used as it is more aggressive.
Corrosion tests – 2nd phase: This phase aimed to test the insulation capacity of the connections provided by the resin as well as the effects of salt spray fog in insulated wires. To accomplish this, the same Nitinol types and suppliers used for the 1st Phase (Memory Metalle and Fort Wayne Metals) and an electrical potential of -5V was applied to half of the sample and 0V to the other half. The Nitinol wire was insulated with a polymer and the connections that will close the wire loop in the ropes (terminal blocks and crimping) were insulated using a two component resin based of Polyurethane (PUR), type WU in accordance with DIN VDE 0291. Different geometries of moulds were used in order to test all types of connections, this allowed the incorporation of connector systems (sockets/plugs…) inside the resin that can insulate voltages up to10kV.
Corrosion tests – 3rd phase: This 3rd phase of the corrosion tests aimed to study extreme corrosion conditions, using higher cyclic temperatures. A batch of samples were prepared in order to simulate different connections systems using material from Memory Metalle and Fort Wayne metals type “N” and “#9”, respectively. The wires were insulated with a polymer and the copper connections with a two component PUR resin. In this phase it was used an accelerated corrosion test method CCT-2 (Cyclic Corrosion Tests), exposing the specimens to changing climates over time, were the specimens were placed in an enclosed chamber and exposed to a changing climate that compromises of the following 3 parts repeating cycle.
- 2 hours exposure to a continuous indirect spray of neutral salt water solution (ph=6,5 to 7,2) which falls-out on to the specimens at a rate of 1,0 to 2,0 ml/80cm /hour at 35ºC
- 4 hours air drying in a climate of 20 to 30 %RH at 60ºC
- 2 hours exposure to a condensing water climate (wetting) of 95 to 100%RH at 50ºC
The program was repeated every eight hours during 30 days.
Following the completion of the tests it was concluded that the galvanic couple NiTi-Cu don’t react with each other and the insulation provided by the resin was effective in conditions of high humidity and low temperatures as in dry air and high temperatures. The electric potential applied to the samples did not affect both materials, even for higher potentials (-10V).
Deliverable Report D3.1 (Report on jointing techniques for integration of Nitinol into fishing nets, aquaculture cages and mooring rope systems and the effects of corrosion due to marine environments) covers the above Tasks T3.1 and T3.2 in much more detail and also contains the relevant references used in the research.
- Task T3.3 – Test performance of electrical characteristics of fully jointed cabling:
Tensile testing with measurement of electrical resistance on Nitinol wires: The electrical resistance of NiTi wires is expected to change when a load is applied in the wire making it extend and the electric resistance variation is dependable of this extension. To study this variation, tests were performed using a tensile machine to control the extension of the wire and the Wenner method previously presented to monitor the resistance variation. Samples with gauge lengths around 100mm from Memory Metalle and Fort Wayne metals were extended at rates of 5mm/min and 20mm/min following the standard ASTM F 2516-07.
From the results it was concluded that all NiTi wires have an excellent and constant variation of the electric resistance. This variation is highly dependent of the extension applied in the wires. The resistance variation is very predictable even using materials from different suppliers and with different mechanical and chemical properties. The small deviations existent in the tests results showed above are mostly due to different gauge lengths. The strain curves shows us that higher strain rates promote a more linear variation of the electrical resistance although, when the wire suffers a small elongation, the resistance measured in NiTi wires increases, not only when the wires are being stretched in the elastic region but also when we are clearly in the plastic domain (transformation from austenite to stress induced martensite above 8% of extension). Also during the unloading of the wire we have the electrical resistance decreasing attached with the recovery of the initial length of the wires. This phenomenon led to the conclusion that NiTi wire would be able to be used as a sensor to measure extensions in ropes.
Significant Results in Work Package WP3:
- Developed alternative techniques for integration of Nitinol wire into rope systems
- Environmental conditions – corrosion testing and studies
- Jointing techniques and electrical performance
Work PackageWP4 – Development of Monitor and Alarm Control System:
The 4 Key Objectives of WP4:
- Review scientific data and first draft model to determine strategies for developing a robust analysis package
- Develop a prototype monitor and alarm system
- Develop a prototype software analysis package to analyse stress data
- Review the needs of future shipping applications with a view to possible integration of the technology into ship control
Measurement of the strain of mooring ropes will be made indirectly using measurement of the resistance of Nitinol wire integrated into the rope. By measuring the resistance it is possible to calculate the current strain of a mooring rope. Detection of critical strain will start the alarm procedure.
2.1 Resistance measurement using an induction transformer
While experimenting with resistance of the nitinol wire excited by an ac voltage we have found quite an interesting relationship between changes of resistance of the wire and voltage which we can read on a resistor placed in a primary circuit. The circuit was tested to find optimum parameters. The relationships are comparatively linear and the current needed to be induced is very low. The transformer is also very small. Of course the nitinol wire loop needs to be connected to the secondary coil of the transformer but the winding can be separated (we use 20 mm dia ferrite cups) and assembled after a rope is installed. The resultant voltage will be measured by a bridge based device adjusted by a microcontroller to specific conditions.
A Microsens Modular Access & xWDM (Wireless Data Module) Platform was identified by Gdansk University of Technology (GUT) as being suitable for the Communications Module for the Smartcatch Technology (Microsens item nos. 2xMS416001M, 2xMS416005M-24).
The Modular Platform is based on universal communication modules for installation in various chassis types and uses a standard 19’’ RACK case. These cases are used in many countries, are very easy to obtain and also to extend.
Module A (Figure 17 in D4.1) is a microprocessor module used to gather data from each of the resistance meters in the monitoring system. Module B is the “connection ending” - we can use 1 to 8 modules to connect appropriate numbers of resistance meters. Module B is also used as reference meter with non-tensioned ropes for temperature compensation. Module C is a water temperature profile meter also used for temperature compensation (to choose the best temperature compensation method). The 19’’ Microsens RACK case has its own connection PCB board as Data bus and Power bus. The standard communication connections are via RS485 Communications Cables which have a range limitation of approximately 1000 metres (external power supply: 230V AC, 50Hz.).
Smartcatch Prototype Ropes:
Following the work carried out by IPN in Work Package WP3 (as reported in Deliverable Reports D3.1 and D3.2) IPN continued to develop the prototype ropes with embedded Nitinol monitoring wires and testing with Nitinol wires from different suppliers (Mateks, Memory Metalle and Fort Wayne Metals Ltd.).
From previous R&D, IPN suggested the use of synthetic fibre ropes or ‘polysteel’ ropes which are manufactured from Polypropylene and Polyethylene. The previous ropes tested by IPN in Work Package WP3 were nylon ropes but IPN later investigated the use of polysteel ropes and other synthetic fibre ropes using UHMWPE fibres (Ultra High Molecular Weight Polypropylene) such as those in the Euroneema range manufactured by Lankhorst Euronete. Euronete in Portugal were approached by IPN and they confirmed that they could produce suitable prototype ropes for the Smartcatch technology using their Euroneema SK75 range with the pvc-insulated Nitinol wire embedded in the core of the rope. A Non-Disclosure Agreement was made between Lankhorst Ropes and IPN in order to protect some confidentiality issues between the two partners. Lankhorst revealed an interest in developing the collaboration with the Smartcatch project as well as the possibility of participating in the dissemination of the technology with their clients. From the results of previous Nitinol wire testing, IPN selected Fort Wayne Metals Ltd as the preferred supplier based on the fact that the purity of the Nickel-Titanium was superior and there were much less inclusions in the wire. Nitinol Alloy Grade #9 with a 0.7mm diameter, light oxide finish and in the straight annealed condition with a transition temperature (Ap) of around -20C was chosen for the application for the Smartcatch protototype ropes.
Insulation of the nitinol wire was carried out by Birch Valley Plastics Ltd (Plymouth, UK) using brightly coloured (red or orange) PVC oversheathing, the insulated wire was then sent to Portugal for the Euroneema SK75 rope to be manufactured incorporating two Nitinol wires in the core. Euroneema SK75 is 12-strand braided rope manufactured from UHMWPE yarns with a higher strength than conventional steel rope and has a corresponding weight seven times lower and is recommended for towing and mooring rope applications. It has good chemical resistance and excellent abrasion and UV resistance and floats in water. The 10mm diameter rope selected for the Smartcatch prototype ropes has a Maximum Breaking Force of 97kN (9.9tf) and weighs just 59g/m. Euroneema SK75 is 12-strand braided rope manufactured from UHMWPE yarns with a higher strength than conventional steel rope and has a corresponding weight seven times lower and is recommended for towing and mooring rope applications. It has good chemical resistance and excellent abrasion and UV resistance and floats in water. The 10mm diameter rope selected for the Smartcatch prototype ropes has a Maximum Breaking Force of 97kN (9.9tf) and weighs just 59g/m.
GUT - Prototype Rope Testing: Two 50m Euroneema SK75 10mm dia. ropes were prepared by IPN (as described previously above) with 0.7mm dia. pvc insulated Nitinol wires embedded in the core of each rope and these were sent to GUT for further testing (the gauge lengths of ropes being able to be tested at IPN is obviously very limited).
Test facility arrangement-The tests described below were carried out at the Underwater Technology Department (part of the Faculty of Ocean Technology and Shipbuilding) at the laboratory devoted to tests of large ship structures. This facility was selected because of its high strength floor foundations for anchoring the ropes under load. However, because of the long length of the ropes a return pulley had to be used at around 25m in order that the full length of the ropes could be tested. the rope was stretched between two pulleys fixed to the high strength floor foundation. To stretch the rope a 12 ton overhead gantry crane was used - this assured potential elongation of the ropes up to 5m which is equal to around 10% of the prototype rope length. A high quality resistance meter (multimeter) was used to measure resistance of the sensor wire aswell as the prototype monitoring system for comparison.
To assure a good (stable) connection, intermediate tin plated copper conductor of 1.5mm2 was used with screw clamps to connect to the Nitinol wire terminals. Summary of the results of the Prototype Rope Testing at GUT:
1. The results are expressed both in physical and relative measurements.
2. The first load cycle is an example of the pre-stressing process required to adjust fibres (rope) geometry. Total strain was more than 4% at maximum load of 5.5 kN.
3. The new terminations proved to be reliable.
4. The tests were run up to 50% of breaking load approximately. The load-strain curves expressed in relative measures are linear and repeatable.
5. During unloading, some hysteresis (parabolic shape) below loading curve is visible.
6. The results indicate good co-operation of the rope structure and insulated Nitinol conductors.
7. The results indicate that the Nitinol sensor wire can be a good indicator of real rope geometry if the rope is manufactured from creeping-relaxing (plastic) material.
Conclusions taken from Deliverable Report D4.1
1. GUT and Technosam in collaboration with Webster & Horsfall, UK HERI, TI, IPN and AGW have successfully completed the Design and Build of the prototype Smartcatch Measurement, Monitoring and Alarm Systems
2. Synthetic Fibre and Steel Wire Ropes embedded with pvc-insulated Nitinol wires at their core and of various lengths have been successfully designed, manufactured and tested at GUT, IPN, Webster & Horsfall (and latterly at UK HERI - see Deliverable Report D6.1)
3. The results from the industrial testing of the prototype measurement and monitoring system, the successful rope testing and the rope failure analysis has led to the development of an 8-point plan for Design Considerations for the design and manufacture of future prototype ropes (see page 57 above)
4. Suitable insulated spliced ends for the ropes capable of withstanding the Maximum Breaking Loads of the prototype ropes have been identified, manufactured and tested
5. Smartcatch system ropes (if using UHMWPE fibres and using the centre core approach for the Nitinol wires) will need to be pre-stretched under a certain load to remove all the slack before the spliced ends are performed and insulated.
Task T4.2 - Development of a Software Package:
The stress data measured by the electrical system is monitored, analyzed and logged by industrial SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) software. The software is developed using NI LabView 2011. This is a graphical programming environment used to develop sophisticated measurement, test and control systems. The software contains one screen for monitoring the received values, displaying the historical values on a trend graph. On this main screen is displayed the measuring system with the current and past measured values.
At the upper-right part of the screen the currently measured rope values are displayed in the meters. The maximum value can be changed by clicking on the last value on the meter gauge and entering the desired maximum value of the scale. In the upper left part of the screen two setting value can be modified. At the port dropdown box the communication port of the PC can be set at which the measuring system is connected to. The reading frequency sets the polling interval of the rope measuring system. The default value is 60 sec, - this means that the software reads rope data in each one minute.
In the Graph window the measured values is displayed in a trend graph format. Using the graph palette on the top of the screen the trend graph can be zoomed in and out, the time range and value axis can be changed. The graph palette appears with the following buttons, in order from left to right:
• Cursor Movement Tool (graph only) - Moves the cursor on the display.
• Zoom—Zooms in and out of the display.
• Panning Tool -Picks up the plot and moves it around on the display.
The measured data is logged to a .csv format file. At each reading from the measuring system the values are saved for each rope including the time stamp of the measurement. The files are saved to a subdirectory called \DataLog and each day a separate datalog file is created.
3. Communication
The measuring system can measure up to 8 points/ropes at a time. It has an RS232 port to the data acquisition system. Through that port the data can be read using the Modbus protocol.
The Modbus standard is a very flexible, yet easy to implement industrial communication protocol. The format of these Modbus messages is independent of the type of physical interface used. On plain old RS232 are the same messages used as on Modbus/TCP over Ethernet.
Thanks to this flexibility the measured data can be read by any modbus capable intelligent device: PLC, HMI panels, industrial PC, standard PC, the (measuring module) will never transmit data without receiving. The measuring device uses modbus over a serial line. It is an asynchronous point-to-point communication that uses an RS243 port and the original modbus communication protocol. It’s a master-slave protocol. Only one master (PC) is connected to the bus, and one or several (247 maximum number) slave nodes are also connected to the same serial bus. The communication is always initiated by the master. The slave node request from the master (PC). The master node initiates only one Modbus transaction at the same time.
Work Package WP5 - Development of Signal Communications System:
2 Data acquisition and analysis system
The concept of a data acquisition transmission and management system is shown in a form of block diagram on Figure 1. The system is composed of different levels. The solutions of data processing on these levels are different and of different significance for the project objective.
The most important is bottom level where reliable information must be generated as result of measurement of values of physical phenomena. Data generated on this level are normalized by measuring unit to analog or digital format and transmitted from several measurement devices to a field (farm) mounted data collection device. From the device information is transferred using any available networking means. This can be cable radio link modem of any kind depending on distance and availability. For the scope of the project it is proposed to use existing data transfer equipment and concentrate on transmission between measuring. These methods were analysed in details to evaluate their adherence to project objectives. Some experimental prototypes were built and evaluated experimentally.
Task T5.2 - Development of a data logging protocol and efficient data storage system:
The main idea for the Smartcatch Data Logging and Data Storage System (or Monitoring System) was to create a very flexible system – one suitable for the three previously defined applications of the Smartcatch technology - fishing nets, aquaculture mooring ropes and vessel mooring ropes. It was decided that the transmission of communications between the monitoring equipment and the data logging and upload system would be made by GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) which is a GSM data transmission technique that does not set up a continuous channel from the transmission terminal but transmits and receives data in ‘packets’. It makes very efficient use of the available radio spectrum and users pay only for the volume of data sent and received. GSM is the Global System for Mobile Communications which is one of the major standards for digital cellular communications in use in over 60 countries and serving over 1 billion subscribers. The GSM standard is currently used in the 900MHz, 1800MHz and 1900MHz bands. The first site chosen for the installation of the complete Smartcatch prototype system including the prototype data logging and upload system was the Aquaculture research and educational centre ‘Norsk Havbrukssenter’ (NH) near Bronnoysund, Northern Norway.The data logging server, logging PC, LAN and WLAN router were all mounted inside an IP55 insulated weatherproof electrical enclosure which in turn was mounted inside an outbuilding at the Norsk Havbrukssenter. Data upload and file back-up were arranged through a dedicated website through DynDNS which is a major provider of Domain Name Services (DNS). The website can be accessed over the internet from any normal PC (desktop or laptop) and also by mobile (cellular) phones with internet access.
Conclusions for WP5:
1. A Prototype Data Logging and Upload System that can efficiently gather and store data from multiple monitoring sources has been successfully designed, assembled and tested on three prototype monitoring installed as mooring ropes for aquaculture cages and buoys.
2. Data logging and gathering systems have previously been readily available but this Smartcatch system has been developed to be robust enough for a marine environment and the hardware and software have been developed to create an effective protocol for harvesting multiple data sources efficiently and also to have a low power usage.
3. Data upload and file back-up have been arranged through a dedicated website. The website can be accessed over the internet from any normal PC (desktop or laptop) and also by mobile (cellular) phones with internet access.
4. The system developed enables an operator to plug in and uploading the live streamed data for analysis on shore using the Software Package generated in Work Package WP4 (see also separate Deliverable Report D4.2).
5. The Smartcatch system will enable future SME development which can easily adapt the unit to stream or burst data over a wireless link for real time analysis in a future product.
Work Package WP6 - Systems Integration and Initial Test:
Task T6.1 - Integration of prototype systems.
As part of Work Package WP2 at the start of the project (as reported in Deliverable Report D2.2) and in following the project objectives, initially three areas of application for the Smartcatch ropes/cables were considered. Namely, the initial applications selected were:
1. Mooring ropes for a fish cage in an aquaculture installation
2. Mooring ropes for shipping vessels, mooring buoys, platforms etc
3. Elements of a fishing net but excluding towing cables
In the case of towing cables it was confirmed that the strength of the main towing cables is not really an issue in terms of the likelihood of catastrophic failure while their tensions/loads are measured and controlled by known existing means (load cells and sophisticated electronics and also closed-circuit television cameras for evidence of catch quotas). It is apparent that these main towing ropes are very long, have a large diameter and the loads can be very high (upto 75 tonnes) and variable. However, other parts of the net structure are also important and frequently over-stressed. It was considered that it may be only cost effective to monitor key or vulnerable parts of the trawl system rather than the main towing ropes.
During the course of P1 of the Smartcatch project and in particular at the Month M9 Meeting held to coincide with the AquaNor 2009 Exhibition and Conference in Trondheim, Norway, it was suggested that consortium beneficiaries should visit trawler vessels to examine the currently used equipment. During P2 of the project, members of the Smartcatch consortium had the opportunity to visit a large modern trawler in Peterhead, Aberdeenshire in Scotland. This visit was arranged to enable examination of trawler steel wire net ropes and measurement systems and also different types of vessel mooring ropes including Euroneema UHMWPE ropes as previously described in Deliverable Report D4.1 ‘Prototype integrated monitor and alarm system for attachment in Fishing Net applications and Mooring rope systems analysis’.
The project consortium agreed to focus on solving the problems with the more manageable smaller ropes of aquaculture installations and mooring rope applications - if a solution was developed here it could then be scaled up to the trawler net ropes and other applications. Therefore the majority of the Smartcatch project has effectively been spent producing the technology for the three applications described above of mooring ropes for a fish cage in an aquaculture installation, mooring ropes for shipping vessels, mooring buoys, platforms etc and thirdly for elements of a fishing net but excluding towing cables. Having previously independently validated each of the separate developed elements for the Smartcatch system (the Monitoring, Alarm and Rope systems in D4.1 the Software in D4.2 and the Data Logging and Upload system in D5.2) UK HERI then arranged for all of the individual prototype components to be initially sent to them for integration into complete prototypes and for these prototypes to be validated in lab scale testing to ensure correct operation and to finalise any integration issues.
The Monitoring and Alarm System was sent by GUT to UK HERI, Euroneema ropes with integrated Nitinol Wires were prepared and sent by IPN. Technosam attended the prototype testing at UK HERI to install the Smartcatch Software on the test PC for integration with the Data Logging and Upload system developed by Technosam and TI.
UK HERI planned to test the Smartcatch prototype units as follows:
i. In their I.T. (Information Technology) Workshop where the integrated prototypes could be tested on a dedicated PC and internet connections could be used and checked
ii In their Electrical Workshop where their diagnostic electrical equipment and their clean/filtered and anti-surge protected power supply could be utilised
iii In their main workshop where all of the prototype equipment could be integrated and tested on a fish cage mooring rope before being sent to site for installation, commissioning and testing
Test Procedure:
An 8m long Euroneema 10mm dia. prototype rope which had been delivered to UK HERI by IPN in a pre-stretched condition was used for testing the integrated prototype Smartcatch system. This rope had been designed and manufactured to act as a mooring rope at an Aquaculture installation in Italy to be installed by the project partner RefaMed following testing at UK HERI.
Anchor plates were installed at each end of the prototype rope and fixed to the concrete floor using resin-anchor bolts. A pull-chain was then used to initially take all of the slack out of the rope and then the rope was loaded in 0.5Tonnes increments and the monitoring system and software display on the PC were checked for incremental increases in their readouts. The rope was loaded up to 5.0Tonnes which is approximately half of the 9.7Tonne Safe Working Load of the 10mm Euroneema Rope.
Results: All of the integrated components that make up each complete Smartcatch prototype system worked perfectly well from the actual rope itself to the electronics and software. These would then be despatched to be installed for monitoring mooring ropes in aquaculture installations by T.I. and RefaMed in Norway and Italy respectively and also for seasonal testing in differing environments and weather conditions.
Task T6.2 - Validate prototypes in industrial tests:
Following the successful testing of the prototype Smartcatch systems as described in T6.1 above, complete systems including pre-stretched Euroneema ropes of specified lengths to suit each specific site installation were despatched to T.I. in Norway and RefaMed in Italy for installation, commissioning and testing as mooring ropes for marine buoys and aquaculture cages. The first site chosen for the installation of a complete Smartcatch prototype system was the aquaculture research and educational centre ‘Norsk Havbrukssenter’ (NH) located at Tofte, near Bronnoysund, Northern Norway. IPN supplied three Euroneema pre-stretched ropes of lengths 30m, 90m and 110m for mooring ropes – the 30m rope to be installed as a mooring rope for a mooring buoy and the 90m and 110m ropes to be installed as mooring ropes on the aquaculture installation.Data upload and file back-up were arranged through a dedicated website through DynDNS which is a major provider of Domain Name Services (DNS). The website can be accessed over the internet from any normal PC (desktop or laptop) and also by mobile (cellular) phones with internet access.
Task T6.3 - Development of installation methodology:
Subsequent to the lab scale validation and initial industrial testing, results will be used to aid development of practical, simple and cheap methods of fitting the monitoring system in the marketplace. The installation methodology is described in detail in the T.I. Deliverable Report D6.2.
Work Package WP7 - Validate Smartcatch prototype systems:
In field trials of each prototype - following the successful installation and initial testing of the prototype Smartcatch systems as previously described in Deliverable D6.1 the complete systems installed by T.I. in Norway and RefaMed in Italy were then monitored over a period and time and this also continued post project. The live access webpages displaying the monitored data from the three Smartcatch prototype ropes at Norsk Havbrukssenter are displayed on a large monitor screen in the control roon. The monitored data is copied automatically from the PLC to the PC every day.
Potential Impact:
The Smartcatch Project has developed working prototypes fully demonstrating the development of a Nitinol wire based non-contact stress sensing system for mooring rope applications and potentially fishing ropes as part of the active fishing gear in trawl nets.
The further development and commercialisation of the Smartcatch technology will provide a system that will give awareness of potential overloading of the loads on cage mooring ropes and warn of potential damage to mooring ropes during strong storms and currents and subsequent snapping of the ropes.
This awareness will help to prevent the loss or damage to farmed fish stocks with its substantial economical implications and therefore increasing the competitiveness of this industry. Furthermore the loss of escapees will be minimised which has an impact on the genetic diversity and local environment.
There is also a need for this type of technology that will enable fishermen to preserve the active fishing gear on boats, Trawls are the most commercially used fishing method. They use large and expensive nets that range from €1,350 to €40,000 per net for 10 to 20m class boats and the Smartcatch system could potentially increase the efficiency of fishing fleets.
The project consortium agreed to focus on solving the problems with the more manageable smaller ropes of aquaculture installations and mooring rope applications - if a solution was developed here it could then be scaled up to the trawler net ropes and other applications. Therefore the majority of the Smartcatch project has effectively been spent producing the technology for the three applications described above of mooring ropes for a fish cage in an aquaculture installation, mooring ropes for shipping vessels, mooring buoys, platforms etc and thirdly for elements of a fishing net but excluding towing cables.
Dissemination and Exploitation of the Results:
Project results will be disseminated throughout Europe to speed up market acceptance. This will be achieved through the use of a dedicated Smartcatch website, publication of results in relevant journals and magazines (based on case study material developed in WP7) and attendance of trade shows and conferences. Each consortium member will be allocated specific tasks that lie within their area of expertise and network.
An internal web forum was set up early in the project: www.webbforum.co.uk/smartcatch. This bulletin board has been established to ensure good communication and information among the project partners between meetings. Some of the Smartcatch Bulletin Board’s features include the e-mail alerts that are sent when new postings are added to the discussion topics. The bulletin board is also password protected.
There have been a number of publications of News Articles in Magazines, Newspapers, Company Annual Reports etc. The article “Måler krefter med naturen” was published in the Norwegian magazine “Norsk Sjømat” released July 2009. This article gives an overall description of the work being done with measuring forces in aquaculture sites in Norway. The article also gives a presentation of the Smartcatch project. Norsk Sjømat is distributed to the entire seafood business in Norway. An article about seabass and seabream fish farming was published in the same magazine in June 2010.
IPN has written an article presenting the project in the Portuguese Press.
Norske Sjømatbedrifters Landsforening (NSL – the Norwegian Seafood Association) and Technological Institute (TI) gave a press release about the Smartcatch project in April 2008. This press release resulted in several articles about the possibilities in the project in Norwegian news, both papers and on the internet, and both in branch related sites and in sites with no particular attachment to the seafood industry:
http://maritimt.com/nyheter/2008/intelligent-tau-kan-hindre-romming.html(opens in new window)
http://www.nrk.no/nyheter/distrikt/more_og_romsdal/1.5536369(opens in new window)
In June 2010 and June 2011, our German Association Group BVFISCH (BUNDESVERBAND DER DEUTSCHEN FISCHINDUSTRIE UND DES FISCHGROSSHANDELS) published an article in their Annual Report to their Association Members with reference to the Smartcatch Project.
Attendance at trade shows and exhibitions:
Aqua Nor 2009: Aqua Nor 2009 took place from 18–21st August 2009 in Trondheim, Norway and was the 16th international aquaculture exhibition.
During the four days of the exhibition, meetings and seminars, Aqua Nor attracted exhibitors and visitors from a total of 59 different countries. According to the organiser there were 14,018 visitors during the 4 days duration of the exhibition.
The partners in the Smartcatch project participated at Aqua Nor 2009. Both partners NSL and TI exhibited at this occasion. Flyers informing about the Smartcatch project were distributed from both partner’s stands and discussions took place with a number of visitors.
Offshore Mariculture Exhibition 2010: Partner Refamed participated with an exhibition stand at Offshore Mariculture Exhibition in Croatia, June 2010. This was supported by UK HERI.
Sustainabilitylive! 2010: UK HERI had an exhibition stand at Sustainabilitylive! 2010 which is the home of five leading environment exhibitions at the NEC in Birmingham. These exhibitions include hundreds of exhibitors, insightful seminars and conferences, interactive feature areas and lots more.
Aqua Nor 2011: Aqua Nor 2011 was arranged 16th – 19th August 2011 in Trondheim, Norway and was the 17th international aquaculture exhibition.
During the four days of the exhibition, meetings and seminars, Aqua Nor gathered exhibitors and visitors from a total of 61 different countries. According to the organiser there were more than 17,500 visitors during the 4 days duration of the exhibition.
The partners in the Smartcatch project participated at Aqua Nor 2011 as part of the Month M33 Technical Meeting. Both partners NSL and TI exhibited at this occasion. Flyers informing about the Smartcatch project were distributed from both partners’ stands and discussions took place with a number of visitors.
Aquaculture Europe Exhibition 2011: Partner Refamed participated with an exhibition stand at the Aquaculture Europe Exhibition in Rhodes, October 2011. This Exhibition was again supported by UK HERI who also supplied the Smartcatch Roll-up Banner.
In 2011 the Consortium Partners also identified the next 4 major aquaculture and fisheries exhibitions coming up in 2011 and 2012 for future consideration by the project partners for exploitation and dissemination:
DanFish International - Aalborg, Denmark – October 2011
Oceanology International - London – March 2012
Aquaculture UK 2010 - Aviemore, Scotland – May 2012
Offshore Mariculture Conference 2012 - Izmir, Turkey - October 2012
The Smartcatch project was presented at the annual conference “Sjømatdagene” in January 2010 by TI. The presentation was given to representatives from the aquaculture business in Norway. Its focus was both on the project in general, on measurements being done at aquaculture sites and on the possibilities with the software technology.
Supporting future EU research:
There has been established communication between the Smartcatch project and EATIP (European Aquaculture Technology & Innovation Platform) and FEAP (Federation of European Aquaculture Producers). This will ensure that relevant outputs of the Smartcatch project can support future EU research.
EATIP published an article on the Smartcatch Project in the autumn of 2010 and this was also widely disseminated to Aquaculture stakeholders both from within the industry and also the RTD sector.
Similarly FEAP also published an article on the Smartcatch Project in the autumn of 2010 and this was also widely disseminated to Aquaculture stakeholders both from within the industry and also the RTD sector.
In addition to this, our German Association Group BVFISCH identified a number of publications for the German Aquaculture and Fisheries sectors for possible future dissemination.
The Smartcatch website received an enquiry from euronews.net stating that they had identified the Smartcatch project as a possible subject of an innovation story. Euronews are presently making a series of 3-minute features entitled ‘Innovation’ featuring SMEs that are partnering in EU Research Projects. The programme is supported by DG Research in Brussels.
The Smartcatch consortium discussed this approach at the Month M39 Management and Technical Meeting held in Bronnoysund (northern Norway) in January 2012 and agreed to follow up this interest from Euronews with a view to possibly having a feature video produced for their ‘Innovation’ series.
At the same meeting, the Smartcatch consortium also discussed the possibility of making our own video report of the prototype testing and posting it on ‘YouTube’ which is the video-sharing website on which users can upload, view and share videos.
List of Websites:
http://smartcatch.pera.com(opens in new window)
Project Co-ordinator:
Mike Park - Executive Chairman
The Scottish White Fish Producers Association
North Lodge
Bath Street
Stonehaven
Aberdeenshire
AB39 2DH
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 1569 767573
email: mikeswfpa@aim.com