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Seaside Ports are Optimizing Efficiency and Safety Using Interface Sensor Technologies

Among the various maritime sectors, Interface supplies measurement solutions to infrastructure and equipment makers for ports and waterway terminals that heavily rely on quality measurement solutions.

Ports are critical to our global economy. An estimated 2,500+ ports exist worldwide, with thousands more harbor entries and waterway commerce centers. Interface offers an extensive line of products commonly used in port and terminal applications of all types to modernize equipment and improve operations.

Interface’s sensors and instrumentation are used to test and confirm product designs and measure real-time functions of equipment used onshore, nearshore, and offshore. Our force measurement products are frequently used for modernizing and maintaining port-related machines, moving equipment, and lifts. This includes our submersible measurement solutions.

Our products are perfect for precise load measurement during lifting operations, cargo handling, cargo weight monitoring, mooring line monitoring, and general port equipment maintenance.

The most common use case for Interface products for container stacking and handling. Load cells are integrated into gantry and reach stacker crane systems that lift and move shipping containers. These devices measure the weight of each container, ensuring safe handling and preventing overloading.

Load cells play a vital role in mooring and anchoring systems. They measure the tension on mooring lines and anchor chains, ensuring they can withstand the forces exerted by wind, waves, and currents. This helps prevent ships from breaking free and protects the vessel and the surrounding infrastructure.

Cargo moving and weighing equipment at ports heavily rely on sensor technologies. Conveyor belts transporting bulk goods utilize load cells to measure the product’s weight accurately.

Many port and terminal crane systems incorporate load cells with built-in safety features to prevent overloading and potential accidents. These devices monitor the applied weight and automatically shut down or limit crane operation if the safe limit is exceeded.

The vehicles entering and leaving port terminals with cargo often pass over weighbridges equipped with load cells. These devices accurately measure the vehicle’s weight, ensuring compliance with weight regulations and preventing damage to infrastructure from overloaded vehicles. Scales using load cells ensure high-accuracy measurement.

Our load cell technologies ensure the safe and efficient operation of various port equipment by measuring the weight, tension, and compression forces exerted on different components, allowing operators to make informed decisions and prevent accidents.

Maritime Port and Terminal Applications Using Interface Products

  • Container Weighing
  • Ship-to-Shore Crane Load Monitoring
  • Ship Stability Testing
  • Quick Release Hooks (QRH)
  • Mooring Line Tension Monitoring
  • Dockside and Terminal Equipment
  • Container Handling Machines
  • Ship Loader Booms and Unloaders
  • Gantry Crane Safety Monitoring
  • Straddle Carriers
  • Conveyor Belt Design, Test and Measurement
  • Reach Stacker Automation

Due to the environment, safety requirements, and regulations for maintaining core operations of ports, quality sensor devices must withstand unpredictable conditions, including complete submersible use cases. Interface plays a vital role as a supplier of measurement solutions designed for maritime use. Our rugged weighing and force measurement products are designed for durable operation in areas that utilize waterways to transport goods from port to port.

We offer submersible products that meet harsh and extreme environmental requirements and are rugged in design. These products include our stainless steel load cells, load pins, load shackles, tension links, and several instrumentation devices.

Quick Release Hook (QRH) system

Mooring Lines Quick Release Hooks

A customer wants to test the strength of the cable line used in the hoist of their vessel. Customers need test their Quick Release Hook (QRH) system when their vessels are docked. They want to ensure the mooring lines are secured and the quick-release hooks can be easily and safely released. Interface’s WTSLP Stainless Steel Load Pin can be installed into the quick release hook, where forces from the mooring lines can be measured and displayed when paired with the WTS-BS-4 USB Industrial Base Station. The WTS-RM1 Wireless Relay Output Receiver Module alarm can also be triggered for the customer when maximum safety workload capacities are reached or overloaded. Learn more here.

reach stacker lifting a heavy container

Port Reach Stacker Safety

A reach stacker is a vehicle used in shipping ports and container terminals to lift, move, and stack heavy containers. A force monitoring system is needed to ensure the safety of surrounding personnel and to determine if the reach stacker can lift heavy loads. Interface’s WTSLP Wireless Stainless Steel Load Pins can be installed into the corners of the lifting mechanism of the reach stacker, where heavy-loaded containers are lifted and moved. The force results are then transmitted to the WTS-BS-1-HS Wireless Handheld Display for Single Transmitters or directly to the customer’s PC with the WTS-BS-6 Wireless Telemetry Dongle Base Station. Read more.

Crane Capacity Verification

A customer wanted a system to detect if their crane block could lift heavy loads securely to keep working conditions and personnel safe at docks and other maritime transportation applications. If lifting capacities were exceeded, the customer wanted a system to alarm them in real time. Interface’s Model WTSATL-JR Aluminum Compact Wireless Tension Link Load Cell was used to measure the load’s maximum capacity. The WTS-RM1 Wireless Relay Output Receiver Modules also triggered an alarm when the maximum capacity of weight/force was reached. The data was transmitted and could be reviewed with the WTS-BS-1-HS Wireless Handheld Display or on the customer’s PC. Using this solution, the customer verified if the crane is safe and functional enough to lift its working load limit (WLL) or safe working load (SWL) capacity.

Boat Hoist

A customer needed a boat hoist system to lift boats out of water for maintenance. They wanted a wireless solution to monitor the forces being applied through the hoist system. Interface suggested using multiple WTSSHK-B Wireless Crosby™ Bow Load Shackles at the pick-up points of the hoist mechanism. Data results of the individual loading points and total weight were transmitted wirelessly to the WTS-BS-4 Industrial USB Base Station when connected to a PC or laptop with supplied Log100 software. Interface’s wireless system and solution successfully measured the boat’s weight and ensured it would be safely lifted out of the water.

Integrated seamlessly into various port machinery and equipment, Interface measurement devices provide highly accurate, real-time data to save costs, improve productivity, and keep workers and cargo safe during port operations.

Maritime Approved Solutions

Monitoring and Controlling Spillway Lift Gates

Load cells are used in spillway gates to measure the force or load acting on the gate. The accuracy of these measurements is essential for managing water flow in spillways, dams, and similar water management structures. A load cell’s measurement data helps to monitor and control the position and stress on the gate to ensure safe and efficient operation.

Civil engineers and equipment manufacturers need immediate data to modernize vital infrastructure worldwide. A spillway gate’s exact capacity and dimensions may require a custom measurement solution to integrate the sensor into the design. Retrofitting spillways with advanced sensor technologies is essential to maintain gates, improve lift and closure, protect the environment, and safeguard people.

When selecting load cells for lift gates in spillways, it’s essential to consider factors such as the load range, accuracy, environmental conditions such as exposure to water and temperature variations, and the communication and control system. The load cells should be robust and designed to withstand the harsh conditions typically found in spillways.

Types of Interface Products Used for Spillway Lift Gates

  • LowProfile Load Cells are ideal for high accuracy and fatigue testing.
  • Mini Load Cells are best when space limitation for the sensor or a small measurement capacity fits the requirements.
  • Load Washer Load Cells are often used for structural monitoring and are easy to implement with a thru-hole design.
  • Multi-axis sensors are used with more than one axis of continuous measurement if necessary, or the project requires more data than a single sensor can produce.
  • Load Pins and Load Shackles are ruggedized and provide easy installation to existing equipment, such as gates.
  • Data Acquisition Systems can graph, log, and store data for continuous analysis and for creating safety systems.
  • Indicators Instruments enable the operator to have real-time analysis of measurement data.
  • Portable Instrumentation Modules are helpful when operators move around a site or need cableless devices.
  • Wireless Telemetry Systems are growing in popularity due to the cable-free options.
  • Submersible Load Cells are essential for some projects due to the exposure to moisture and various environmental conditions.
  • Enclosures are helpful to protect the sensor and instrumentation. They also provide mobility options for different types of project requirements.

How it Works: Load Cells Used for Monitoring and Controlling Spillway Gates

Load cells are positioned at various points on the gate structure to measure the force or load acting on the gate. This data helps determine the weight of water pressing against the gate, which is crucial for managing water flow. Load cells can monitor the load on a spillway lift gate during operation to ensure that the gate is not overloaded.

The load cell is connected to a data acquisition system or a controller for real-time monitoring and analysis. This system collects data from the load cells, which can be used to calculate the pressure exerted on the gate by the water.

The load cell data can be used to control the position of the gate. By continuously monitoring the load, the gate can be adjusted to maintain a particular load or to keep the gate at a specific position. This is important for controlling the water flow through the spillway.

Using Interface instrumentation solutions, the measurement data can trigger alarms if the load exceeds safe limits. This can alert operators to potential issues or dangerous conditions that must be addressed due to environmental factors or flood controls.

Interface’s Log100 Software is designed to map, record, and analyze the output data. It is valuable for assessing the gate’s performance and making necessary adjustments to ensure its longevity and reliability.

Controlling the Position of a Spillway Lift Gate

A civil engineering firm needs to control the position of a spillway lift gate to maintain a specific water level of a reservoir and control the water flow through the spillway. They desire a feedback control loop system for continuous monitoring.

Interface recommends using Interface’s 3-Axis Multi-Axis Sensor Load Cell to measure the force required to lift the gate and adjust the gate’s position to maintain the desired load. The Interface BX6 Data Acquisition System is programmed to maintain a constant load on the gate, ensuring that the water level in the reservoir remains constant, even as the inflow of water changes. The load cell can also measure the force required to lift the gate and predict the future position of the gate. The gate is then adjusted to ensure it reaches the desired position at the chosen time, with the ability to release a certain amount of water from the reservoir. This would help control the water flow downstream and prevent flooding.

The type of load cell and instrumentation selected for any spillway lift gate will depend on the application requirements. If you have questions about the type of measurement solution best suited for your project or design, please contact our application engineers.

Load Cells for Renewable Energy Production and Testing

Load cells are a versatile and reliable tool that can be used to measure a variety of forces and pressures. They are an essential part of the production and testing of renewable energy sources, helping engineers ensure these systems are safe and efficient.

Renewable energy companies, component makers, equipment manufacturers, and labs use Interface precision measurement devices for all phases of renewable energy testing and production. Interface’s LowProfile load cells, load pins, multi-axis sensors, wireless telemetry solutions, Mini load cells, and our sensors designed for use in submersible environments and harsh conditions are products used in the renewable energy market.  Find more information about these products in our new Interface Renewable Energy Solutions marketplace.

The advancement in renewables utilizing force measurement solutions enables us to tap into the Earth’s natural resources while preserving them for future generations. This includes growing use cases in advancing capabilities for solar panels, wind turbines, hydroelectric plants, geothermal systems, and bioenergy. This shift towards renewables reverberates across diverse industries, evident in the widespread adoption of electric vehicles and consumer products powered by the elements.

Currently, the top renewable energy sources in the world in terms of their current global installed capacity are hydropower, wind, solar and biomass. It is important to note that the ranking of these sources can change over time, as new technologies are developed, and more renewable energy projects are built.

Hydropower is the world’s largest renewable energy source. It is generated by the power of moving water, such as from rivers or waterfalls. Load cells measure the force of water flowing through a hydroelectric dam to control the flow of water. The information is used in the production and monitoring of the energy production. Load cells can also be used to measure the weight of the concrete used to build a hydroelectric dam and for assessing structural integrity. Check out our Hydropower Turbine Generator Monitoring App Note.

Wind power is the second largest renewable energy source. The energy is generated by the wind, which turns the blades of wind turbines to generate electricity. Wind power is a clean and renewable source of energy, and it is becoming increasingly cost-competitive. Load cells can be used to measure the torque and thrust of wind turbines to optimize the performance and ongoing operations. Load cells can also be used to measure the weight of the blades of wind turbines to make sure that the blades are strong enough to withstand the forces of wind depending on where the location.  Wind Turbine Bolt Monitoring provides an example of how our products are used in this type of energy production.

There are current programs around the world that are researching and development wind turbines that are located at sea. These offshore energy programs require force measurement solutions that are a submersible, ruggedized and wireless for use in energy production. Learn more by reviewing our Floating Wind Turbine Monitoring application note.

Solar photovoltaic (PV) and solar thermal are the third largest renewable and clean energy sources. Solar PV is generated by the sun’s light, which is converted into electricity by solar panels. Load cells can be used to measure the weight of solar panels to guarantee that the panels are properly supported and that they will not be damaged by wind or rain. Load cells can also be used to measure the force of the wind on solar panels to improve design and for ongoing element monitoring when in use. Get more details by reviewing Solar Panel Strength Testing.

Solar thermal is generated by the sun’s heat, which is used to heat water or air to generate steam or hot air, which can then be used to drive turbines to generate electricity. Load cells are used to measure the pressure and temperature of the water or air that is heated by the sun. Load cells can also be used to measure the weight of the solar collectors that are used to heat the water or air. Both use cases help in maintenance and to understand how to best protect the equipment from damage.

Biomass is the next largest renewable energy source and is generated by burning organic materials, such as wood, crops, or waste products. Biomass is a renewable source of energy, but it can also produce greenhouse gases. Measuring the energy production is critical. Load cells are vital in accurately measuring the weight of biomass fuel to safeguard against overloading the system. Load cells can also be used to measure the steam that is generated by burning biomass fuel. Interface Supports Renewable Energy Innovation details more examples.

Renewables_InfographicPoster

Read Interface Solutions for Growing Green Energy to see additional product applications.

Renewable and clean energy are often used interchangeably. Some sources are considered both renewable and clean. Renewable energy sources are important for ensuring our long-term energy security through sustainability. Clean energy sources are important for reducing our greenhouse gas emissions which science notes can significantly reduce our carbon footprint and combat the detrimental effects of global warming. Interface provides solutions that are helping to develop and deliver both renewable and clean energy.

As the world increasingly embraces renewables, we take significant steps toward building a more resilient and environmentally responsible energy landscape. This not only benefits us today but also fosters a healthier planet for future generations to enjoy. At Interface, we are committed to supporting this sustainable journey and contributing to a brighter, cleaner future for all of earth’s inhabitants.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Interface Solutions for Growing Green Energy

Interface Supports Renewable Energy Innovation

Demands for Quality Energy Measurement Solutions

Energy Solutions

Windmill Energy App Note

Wave Energy Generator

Floating Wind Turbine Monitoring

Interface Helps Power the World

Interface Details Hydrogen Electrolyzers Solution in Design News

Interface Most Promising Energy Tech Solution Provider

Innovative Interface Load Pin Applications

A load pin, which often replaces a standard clevis or pivot pin, is a strain gage sensor that measures the force applied across the device. The strain gages are installed within a small bore through the center of the pin. Interface load pins have been used in a wide variety of projects across many industries.

Load pins are a simple, but highly powerful sensor that provides data collection for accurate and frequent measurement. The load pin can replace a bolt, clevis, sheave, and an equalizer pin, as well as other load-bearing components to measure tensile and compression forces.

Machined from high tensile stainless steel, Interface load pins are suitable for exposed situations including seawater. We offer standard sizes of load pins between 1.1K lbf to 3.3M lbf (500kgs to 1500 MT). We also offer wireless load pins. Interface load pins are custom manufactured to meet specific dimensional requirements for each application, as detailed in our Use Cases for Load Pins webinar.

The most commonly referenced applications for load pins are for overhead equipment like cranes and lifts. Through ingenuity of engineers and our customers, load pins are rapidly expanding in popularity for infrastructure, aerospace, maritime, agriculture, and industrial use cases. The load pins of today are used to test and measure force, load, and weight in a much larger variety of applications. They are also growing in demands due to their wireless capabilities for both short and long distances. This includes uses not only for cranes and lifting devices, as well as construction equipment, industrial machines, nautical craft and equipment, aerospace structural environments, and civil engineering applications.

Infrastructure investment and projects around the world are on the rise. Investments in transportation ways like highways, waterways, bridges, mass transit, water supplies and power generation are frequently in demand of load pin solutions for use in all phases of the projects, from construction to maintenance and real-time monitoring.  Some of these examples are highlighted in Infrastructure Projects Rely on Interface.

Interface has a great deal of experience supplying ruggedized and standard use load pins for testing. Our load pins are highly demanded in the infrastructure industry not only due to the accuracy and reliability of our sensors, but also due to the fact that we offer a myriad of communication channels to offer both wired and wireless solutions. As requirements are made to repair and rebuild public infrastructure resilience, equity, and safety for all users are key criteria in design and build stages.  This is where Interface load pins are key to the solution, for durability, accuracy, quality, and ease-of-use.

Interface captured a few application examples of how our load pins are used for different types of projects, from maritime submersibles to monitoring new bridges during earth’s constant shifting.

AEROPSPACE:  Landing Gear Joint Testing

A global manufacturer in aerospace needs to test their new assembly and design by testing its landing gear joints. They want to ensure there are no flaws in the gear shock absorber design and can handle the applied forces when the craft lands from a flight. Interface’s WTSLP Wireless Stainless Steel Load Pins can be installed and replace the normal pin joints. The aircraft undergoes multiple drop tests at different heights, where the forces are applied on the load pins which then transmits the measurement data. The force results are transmitted wirelessly to the WTS-BS-4 USB Industrial Base Station and the WTS-BS-1-HA Handheld Digital Display for multiple transmitters. Read more about this load pin use case here.

MARITIME: Quick Release Hooks (QRH)

A customer wanted to test their quick release hook (QRH) system when their vessels are docked. They wanted to ensure the mooring lines are secured, but also, the quick release hooks were able to be easily and safely released. Interface’s WTSLP Stainless Steel Load Pin was installed into the quick release hook, where forces from the mooring lines can be measured and displayed when paired with the WTS-BS-4 USB Industrial Base Station. The load tension forces were displayed in real-time on the customer’s PC or laptop. The WTS-RM1 Wireless Relay Output Receiver Module alarm could also be triggered for the customer when maximum safety work load capacities have been reached or are overloaded. Using this solution, the customer was able to determine if their quick release hooks worked effectively within the safe working limit specifications, and was aware of any potential overload situations. Read more here.

INFRASTRUCTURE: Bridge Seismic Force Monitoring

A customer wanted to monitor seismic activity that occurs to a bridge by using force sensors and then continuously monitoring bridge forces before, during and after earthquakes occur. The customer preferred a wireless solution so they would not need to run long cables on the bridge. Interface helped to develop its LP Load Pin, which were custom made to fit their needs along Interface Inc. WTS Wireless Telemetry System continuous force monitoring was able to take place without long cables. Using this solution, the customer was able to monitor continuous loads, log information to the cloud and review information. Read about this solution here.

AGRICULTURE: Tractor Linkage Draft Control

A farming operation needs to measure the forces applied on their tractor’s draft control, between the tractor and any linked on attachments. Measuring the force helps the farmer sense any strains on the hitch of the tractor, and will be needed in order to apply any specific settings to the draft control when the tractor encounters rough terrain.  Interface’s WTSLP Wireless Stainless Steel Load Pin is a wireless load pin that can be installed directly in the hitch, replacing the normal shear pin of the tractor. Force results are transmitted wirelessly to the WTS-BS-4 USB Industrial Base Station, where they can view the results on a computer using Interface’s WTS toolkit. The customer can also view results on the WTS-BS-1-HS Handheld Display for Single Transmitters in real-time. Read more about this IoT Agriculture solution here.

 

INDUSTRIAL AUTOMATION: Crane Block Safety Check

A customer wanted a system to detect if their crane block can lift heavy loads securely, in order to keep working conditions and personnel safe. If lifting capacities are exceeded, the customer wanted a system to alarm them in real-time. Interface’s WTSLP Wireless Stainless Steel Load Pin replaced the existing load bearing pin in the crane block in order to measure the force being applied by the heavy load. The data was transmitted and displayed through both the WTS-BS-4 USB Base Station (when paired with the customer’s supplied PC computer/Laptop) and the WTS-BS-1-HA Wireless Handheld for real-time results. The WTS-RM1 Wireless Relay Output Receiver Module could also trigger an alarm when maximum capacity has been reached. The WTSLP Wireless Stainless Steel Load Pin, combined with the WTS products, was able to measure and determine force applied the moment a heavy load is lifted. The results were transmitted wirelessly, and ensured the customer whether or not the crane block was safely operational during production.

Are load pins the right solution for your project? Contact our load pin application engineers to learn more.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Load Pins, Tension Links, and Shackles

Uses Cases for Load Pins

Recap of Use Cases for Load Pins Webinar

Applications Catalog

Load Pins 101

LP-TL-Shackles-Brochure

Crane Safety Requires Precision Measurements Ship to Shore

Maritime companies include businesses and governments that develop and utilize hardware to support shipyards, marine terminals, cargo and trade support, exploration and defense, fishing, aquaculture, seafood processing, commercial diving, energy infrastructure and platforms, along with marine transportation. There are multiple categories of maritime companies, including those that build ships, provide maintenance, and oversee logistics for moving an estimated 11 billion tons of goods every year.

A subset of these maritime companies operate vessels and equipment that are responsible for the transport of people and cargo. It is estimated that in the United States, maritime companies employ over 400,000 workers. They are responsible for operating, transporting, moving, and transferring equipment and materials. There is a heavy reliance on reliable cargo cranes and lifting equipment to assist workers in these functions.

Due to the nature of work, safety and regulation are key to maintaining core operations for any type of maritime transport. The work performed on the vessels, as well as on dock, rely on heavy-duty equipment that utilizes accurate measurement for performance, weighing, monitoring, and reporting. Fundamental is the durability of the sensor equipment to withstand unpredictable environmental conditions. Quality, ruggedized equipment that is durable is vital in the operations that utilize waterways to transport goods port to port. This is where Interface plays a vital role as a supplier of measurement and weighing solutions that are designed for maritime use.

One of the most common use cases for Interface Maritime solutions is in the design and operational use of cranes. Cargo handling and crane operations are considered to be one of the most dangerous maritime jobs. The unpredictable nature of onshore and offshore environments requires crane operators to function with precise and accurate measurements throughout all procedures.

Sensors and instrumentation must be able to withstand the various exposures related to maritime work, while meeting the demanding schedules for heavy lifting, as well as moving single and multiple cargo containers at a time. In these types of maritime operations, speed is also an advantage for loading and unloading vessels. Considerations of weight of the cargo and environmental condition monitoring require accurate measurement.

Crane Capacity Verification and Block Safety Monitoring

As demonstrated in the Crane Capacity Verification Application and Crane Block Safety Check Application, a customer requires a system to detect if their crane block can lift heavy loads securely, in order to keep working conditions and personnel safe at docks and other maritime transportation applications. If lifting capacities are exceeded, the customer wants a system to alarm them in real-time.


Interface products are ideal for use in heavy equipment that the maritime industry relies upon for a wide variety of equipment used to push, pull, lift, release, contain, and move things in water and on land. Wireless and environmentally protected submersible solutions are standard fare for this industry. Interface load cells, torque transducers, load pins, load shackles and tension links, as well as DAQ and instrumentation solutions provide accurate force and torque data to monitor and confirm the design and in-action processes.  To keep your instrumentation protected, inquire about our Interface Enclosures.

Additional Resources

  1. Maritime Measurement Solutions for Onshore and Submersible Applications
  2. Ruggedized Test and Measurement Solutions Webinar
  3. Interface Submersible Load Cells
  4. Serving the Maritime Industry
  5. Hydrofoil Testing in Wave Tank
  6. Crane Force Regulation
  7. Crane Capacity Verification
  8. Crane Block Safety Check
  9. WTS Yacht Rigging Inspection
  10. Mooring Line Tension Testing
  11. Mooring Quick Release Hooks (QRH)
  12. Commercial Fishing Wire Rope Testing

Ruggedized Test and Measurement Solutions Webinar

Interface force measurement engineers and solution experts host an online discussion focused on products used to withstand one or more conditions related to temperature, cycling, moisture, environmental stresses. Learn about Interface’s stainless steel load cells, environmentally sealed options, submersible test and measurement products, enclosures, wireless capabilities, load pins, intrinsically safe products. We detail solutions used for all types of applications used in industries that include medical device, aerospace and defense, industrial automation, infrastructure, maritime and general test & measurement. We discuss sensors models, capabilities, features and FAQs. We dive into use cases, tips, measurement know-how and OEM products.

Interface Submersible Load Cells

Interface load cells and force measurement devices are designed for all types of environments. Providing solutions to those working in and serving the maritime industry is our priority. Interface offers products engineered to provide accurate and reliable measurement data near shore, offshore and underwater.

Interface offers a variety of force measurement products that are designed for harsh environments and submersible use cases, both for single tests as well as designed into components and manufactured goods. Often these products are used for continuous regulatory and safety monitoring applications.

Interface submersible load cells and specialized sensors can transmit data through underwater applications and harsh weather conditions. These load cells can survive through underwater submersions at different capacities, and relay information to surface level or underwater devices. Interface load cells are used to regulate harsh maritime situations such as underwater tension lines, underwater drilling, as well as for storm and tsunami monitoring.

Submersible load cells are available in a range of capacities and configurations, from miniature load cells to load shackles. Interface provides standard submersible products as well as custom solutions that are designed to the exact specification. We also provide instrumentation solutions that can be fully sealed with wireless components. Working with our expert engineers, we can provide waterproof housing of sensors, including for our line of LowProfile Load Cells and Interface Multi-Axis Sensors to be used in harsh environments and underwater.

An example of a submersible product is the Interface WMC Sealed Stainless Steel Miniature Load Cell. This is an environmentally sealed tension and compression load cell useful for rugged conditions. The stainless steel construction and small size of the load cell provides many benefits when used in underwater applications.  This model is available in capacities ranging from 5 to 500 lbf (22 to 2200 N) and utilizes Interface’s proprietary temperature compensated strain gages for precision measurement applications.

Another example of a submersible product is the Interface ISHK-B Load Shackle. It is designed for lifting and weighing in rugged or harsh environments, including submersible applications. The shackle pin is forged from high tensile stainless steel and high tensile carbon steel. Every load shackle is machined to exact specifications. The ISHK-B is internally gaged and the whole instrumented area is sealed to IP67 to protect it in service. The WTSSHK-B is the wireless version.

So, how do we guarantee accurate results even when these products are submerged or splashed? It’s all in the design, similar to the way new iPhones are made to be waterproof, our load cells can be designed to remain water-tight and accurate at a variety of depths. All electronic components are sealed so that data can be recorded and transmitted via waterproof cables or wirelessly.

Below are two examples of real applications that required Interface’s submersible load cell solutions.

Hydrofoil Testing In Wave Tank

Hydrofoil design is a delicate balance between performance and complexity. Finding the right shape without using overly complex angles to achieve the desired amount of lift is crucial when designing a successful hydrofoil. Once an engineer’s concepts are ready for testing, the best force measurement equipment is required to sense the subtle differences between hydrofoil designs. Lift and drag are the most important characteristics of a hydrofoil. The 3A120 3-Axis Force Load Cell is needed to read these forces. The Fz senses lift and the Fx and Fy sense the drag. The 3-Axis Force Load Cell and bridge amplifier are protected in a waterproof housing. The watercraft is placed in a wave tank or current simulator. Using the BSC4D-USB bridge amplifier increases the visibility of the load cell’s output signals. When using the load cell and bridge amplifier, the engineers can record the real-world lift and drag forces that the hydrofoils apply on the watercraft. This data allows a more in-depth comparison of proposed hydrofoil designs to find the best model for the job. Read more about this solution here.

Mooring Line Tension Testing

Due to the changing weather conditions, mooring cable lines undergo wear and tear. A customer wanted to ensure all mooring lines for ships or vessels are securely loaded at the same tension, so that they do not risk the mooring lines breaking or causing damage. Interface’s WTSTL Wireless Tension Link Load Cells can be attached to each mooring cable while in use. Results are sent through the WTS-BS-4 USB Industrial Base Station when connected to the customer’s supplied computer. Data can also be transmitted to the WTS-BS-1-HA Handheld Display for Multiple Transmitters, giving the customer the option to view multiple mooring cable line tensions. Using this solution, the customer was able to verify the tension on multiple mooring cable lines. Thus, resulting in their ship being safely docked and secure. Read more here.

Interface expert engineers can help you design customizable solutions for all types of applications using our products designed for offshore, underwater, and splash zone locations.

Here are a few more examples of products we provide to the maritime industry.

Additional Resources

Maritime Measurement Solutions for Onshore and Submersible Applications

Deeper Dive into Maritime Solutions from Interface

CASE STUDY: Serving the Maritime Industry

Maritime Brochure

Interface Explores Maritime Applications Near and Offshore

 

Maritime Measurement Solutions for Onshore and Submersible Applications

Maritime test and measurement applications are some of the most unique because they require specially designed equipment that can handle the often-harsh environments in testing, and during ongoing operational use.

The solutions for the maritime industry require technologies that measure force, torque, and weight under extreme and uncommon conditions. Interface provides products that have been used for withstanding the rigorous requirements of monitoring underwater tension lines, seaborne components and material testing, boat and ship engine testing, equipment durability and safety regulation monitoring, lift capacity measurements, energy extraction equipment, and storm and tsunami monitoring.

We have been a long-time supplier of sensor technologies and instrumentation that are applied in building and maintaining boats, yachts, and other water vessels of all sizes. Our force measurement solutions are used for waterborne vessels, maintenance, safety equipment, and offshore products. You can learn more in our maritime case study here.

Interface offers a wide variety of submersible and wireless load cells, DAQ, and instrumentation products. Our rugged load shackles, load pins and tension links are very popular for maritime test and measurement applications. Maritime manufacturers and field users rely on these quality products as they are designed for test and measurement requirements onshore, near-shore, and completely undersea.

Interface Maritime Capabilities and Solutions:

  • Stainless steel and rugged load cell designs for different temperatures and climates
  • Environmentally sealed products used in harsh environments
  • Wireless telemetry system components
  • Custom solutions based on safety and regulatory specifications
  • OEM engineered products for submersible use cases
  • Bluetooth and Wireless data acquisition and instrumentation for safety monitoring
  • Load pins and load shackles for continuous hoist and lifting applications

Included below are a few examples of applications our products are used for testing, force measurement, performance monitoring, regulatory and equipment maintenance:

  • Weight and tension monitor
  • Motor and engine testing
  • Submersible equipment tests
  • Commercial fishing wire rope testing
  • Hydrofoil testing in wave tank
  • Crane block safety check
  • Mooring tension testing and quick release hooks (QRH)
  • Crane capacity verification and force regulation
  • WTS yacht rigging inspection
  • Defense submergible tests

Interface understands that the maritime industry has high standards and requirements for force and torque testing, measurement, and weighing.  Accuracy in testing is absolutely critical. Interface’s quality measurement solutions provide accurate data needed for all types of maritime equipment used to ensure safety and success. Our Interface expert engineers can help you design customizable solutions for all types of applications using our products designed for offshore, underwater, and splash zone locations.

This is just a preview of our capabilities in the maritime industry. To learn more, check out our maritime solutions. We also recently developed a new maritime solutions brochure, which provides in-depth information on our submersible product offerings, as well as other ruggedized products for maritime applications.

Maritime-Brochure

Measurement Technologies for Boats, Yachts and Watercraft

Interface has been a long-term supplier of force and torque measurement solutions for the maritime industry. Learn how our products play a big role in a wide variety of test and measurement applications for waterborne vessels, maintenance and safety equipment. Our load cells and instrumentation are found in offshore products, as well as at docks and in the open water. We have captured some of these specific use cases of how our sensor technologies and instrumentation are used in the building and maintenance of boats, yachts, and watercraft of all sizes.

Our load cells and sensors work well in vehicles that are used in water. For example, we offer technologies that can wirelessly transmit data underwater and in harsh weather conditions, making them perfect for a variety machines used in water. These specialized load cells operate in underwater submersions at different capacities, and reliably relay information to those at the surface level for accurate sensor readings. Interface load cells of various designs can regulate harsh maritime situations in use cases such as underwater tension lines, underwater oil drilling, as well as storm and tsunami monitoring. Read more about offshore and near shore solutions here.

The applications we are highlighting below provide real-world examples of force measurement products used in boat, yacht and watercraft related products. The uses of force measurement range from testing fishing wire to yacht rigging inspection. Here’s a closer look:

Wireless Telemetry System (WTS) for Yacht Rigging Inspection

For a customer who wants to have a complete yacht rigging inspection to make sure the mast, still lines, and all movable hoisting lines are functional, Interface offers our robust WTS product line. These various wireless sensor technologies and components are designed for use to meet the proper specifications for sailing, testing the tension of the forestay, shroud, and backstay cables, and to test the tension of the movable lines when sailing.

With Interface’s WTSSHK-B Wireless Crosby™ Bow Load Shackle paired with the WTS-BS-1 Wireless Handheld Display for Unlimited Transmitters, the customer can switch and view between multiple shackles being tested. The WTS-BS-4 USB Industrial Base Station can also be attached to the customer’s computer to display real-time measurements from the shackles and log data. With this solution, the user is able to conduct both running and standing rigging inspections of their ship or vessel, and determine if all lines were functional and met safety standards. Read the entire WTS solutions used on this yacht here.

Commercial Fishing Wire Rope Testing

When a commercial fishing owner wanted to measure the force tension of the wire fishing rope connected to the fishing cage or net when their vessel goes to catch and ensure the wire rope is strong enough and safe enough to hold the maximum capacity of fish caught in the cage or net, they can turn to Interface.

Using a WTSTL Wireless Tension Link Load Cell attached between the end of the cable, and the end that hooks onto the fishing net, the tension link will be able to measure the forces of the full net of fish, or a heavy load at maximum capacities. The data information can be transmitted to both the WTS-BS-1-HS Handheld Display for Single Transmitters, or to the customer’s computer using the WTS-BS-4 USB Industrial Base Station. Utilizing this solution, the customer was able to determine if the fishing cable on their vessel was strong enough to hold the fish cage or net at maximum capacity when out catching.

Mooring Line Tension Testing

Due to changing environmental conditions, mooring cable lines undergo wear and tear. A customer wanted to ensure all mooring lines for ships and large commercial vessels are securely docked at the same loading tension, so that they do not risk the mooring lines to break or cause damage.

We provided a WTSTL Lightweight Wireless Tension Link, which can be attached to each mooring cable in use. Results are sent to the customers through the WTS-BS-4 USB Industrial Base Station when connected to the customer’s supplied computer. Data can also be transmitted to the WTS-BS-1-HA Handheld Display for Multiple Transmitters, giving the customer the option to view multiple mooring cable line tensions. The customer was able to verify the tensions to multiple mooring cable lines. Thus, resulting in the security of their ship being safely docked.

If you’re interested in learning more about our maritime solutions, call 480-948-5555 to contact an application engineer about your project requirements.