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Measurement Solutions for Harnessing Aquaculture Innovation

Aquaculture is pivotal in meeting the escalating global demand for seafood while addressing environmental concerns and wild stock limitations.  As this maritime industry burgeons growth for all edible aquatic organisms, regardless of whether they inhabit freshwater or saltwater environments, innovative solutions become imperative for sustainable development.

Interface offers sensor-based products that, by design, can aid in advancements, research, and modernizing various facets of aquaculture. Interface load cells are used in applications that regulate harsh maritime situations, such as fish farm mooring lines, salmon cage monitoring, hatcheries and feed management structures, and scales used in real-time seafood weighing.

With an estimated worth of $200B, the aquaculture industry is a significant global blue economy force and a crucial source of sustenance worldwide. Interface recognizes the pressing need for precise measurement solutions to navigate the sector’s challenges and bolster its growth.

Interface’s collection of submersibles, subsea and ruggedized load cells, load pins, tension links, and instrumentation is meticulously designed to cater to diverse applications, including aquaculture applications. These cutting-edge tools empower aqua culturists to make informed decisions and drive efficiencies.

Interface’s load cells can wirelessly transmit data through underwater applications and harsh weather conditions. These load cells can survive through underwater submersions at different capacities and still be able to relay information to those at the surface level.

Aquaculture Applications Leveraging Interface Products

Aquaculture aims to restore habitats and wild stocks and rebuild endangered species and populations. It also aims to cultivate aquatic plants for food, pharmaceuticals, and other purposes.  Aquaculture depends on critical line monitoring at sea. Mooring lines use Interface wireless load cells for tension monitoring in anchor lines. The sensor data enhances structural safety integrity, especially in adverse weather.

Commercial Fishing Operations

A commercial fishing operation wants to measure the force tension of the wire fishing rope connected to the fishing cage or net when their vessel goes to catch. They want to ensure the wire rope is strong and safe enough to hold the maximum capacity of fish caught in the cage or net. Interface’s WTSTL Wireless Tension Link Load Cells are attached between the end of the cable and the end that hooks onto the fishing net. This tension link measures the forces of the full net of fish and heavy loads at maximum capacities. The data is transmitted to the WTS-BS-1-HS Handheld Display for Single Transmitters. You can see the full application here: Commercial Fishing Wire Rope Testing.

Here are some additional application highlights that use different load cells and instrumentation to support success in aquaculture.

  • Aquaculture Structural Testing: The integrity of aquatic structures, including nets, cages, tanks, large farms, and large civil engineering projects, use precise force measurement from load cells.
  • Cleaning Systems and Equipment: Sensors, such as miniature stainless steel load cells, can assist in optimizing cleaning processes while safeguarding delicate fish nets. Ensuring effective biofouling removal without damaging fish nets is an important process that requires quality measurement controls.
  • Biomass Research: Estimating fish stock biomass to inform feed management and harvest predictions is an ongoing measurement requirement. Accurate weight measurement using sensor technologies aids in managing feed costs and predicting harvest yields.
  • Harvesting and Food Production: Ensuring precise feeding schedules in aquaponic systems can depend on force measurement solutions. Wireless load cells and instrumentation can enhance efficiency and precision in aquaculture operations.
  • Feeder System Monitoring: Tracking feed dispensation for optimal feeding effectiveness and monitoring fish health is another way to utilize load cell devices. Balancing nutrient delivery for sustainable aquaponic systems requires quality measurement tools. These devices leverage data for proactive health management and stock optimization in fresh and saltwater farms.
  • Scales: Providing accurate weight measurement in the water and on docks for various aquaculture applications.
  • Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) Tank Monitoring: Facilitating biomass estimation and growth monitoring. Using load cell technology for precise weight measurement for successful stock management.
  • Pump Monitoring: Force measurement devices provide great tools for optimizing pump performance and detecting anomalies by promptly detecting pump malfunctions or blockages.
  • Aquaponics: Monitoring feed distribution and nutrient balance for sustainable cultivation needs good sensor-based technologies to sustain harsh environments.
  • Environmental Remediation: Addressing environmental concerns through data-driven approaches is another application use case for load cells.

Interface’s force measurement solutions emerge as indispensable tools in propelling the aquaculture industry towards sustainability and efficiency. Aquaculture engineers, researchers, and managers can navigate challenges, optimize operations, and pave the way for a thriving future by harnessing the power of precision measurement.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Maritime Measurement Solutions for Onshore and Submersible Applications

Deeper Dive into Maritime Solutions from Interface

Maritime Solutions

Crane Safety Requires Precision Measurements Ship to Shore

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

Deeper Dive into Maritime Solutions from Interface

The maritime industry is one that Interface products are uniquely designed for based on the extensive technical requirements and challenges needing ruggedized solutions to perform in harsh environments. Like any industry that manufacturers vehicles and large machinery, the maritime industry requires supremely accurate force measurement systems for performance and safety testing and ongoing infield use. However, the maritime industry has the added challenge of needing measurement technologies and equipment that function in offshore and submersible environments, and that can hold up to intensely cold temperatures while still providing accurate data.

In our new maritime case study, we take a deeper dive into some of the use cases and solutions we provide to the industry.

Interface offers an entire line of products commonly used in maritime applications of all types, including our performance load cells, load pins, load shackles, tension links, wireless instrumentation, miniature load cells and engineered-to-order products. Interface products are used to test and measure continuous performance for waterborne vessels, dock equipment such as cranes and lifting apparatus, submersible devices, and offshore machines. Interface maritime solutions are made to survive in the conditions conducive to the industry, allowing users and component manufacturers to test and operate equipment that guarantee accuracy and reliability in performance.  Read more about solutions for maritime in this post.

To highlight some of the maritime applications and use cases of our products, the recently published case study exemplifies why Interface maritime solutions are aligned to the industry’s high standards and requirements for force and torque test and measurement, and weighing.

New Maritime Case Study

Interface has been a longtime leader in supplying products to the maritime industry. From hydrofoil testing to yacht rigging inspection, and even on the enormous cranes used on shipping docks, we provide solutions for a wide variety of applications in maritime. The U.S. maritime industry employs over 400,000 workers and according to the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), annual sales of boats, marine products and services were estimated at $42B. This includes organizations that develop hardware to support shipyards, marine terminals, fishing, aquaculture, seafood processing, commercial diving, and marine transportation.

Interface is the vendor of choice for maritime, for example we offer load cells that can wirelessly transmit data through underwater applications and harsh weather conditions. These load cells can survive through underwater submersions at different capacities, and still be able to relay information to those at the surface level. Interface load cells can also regulate harsh maritime situations such as underwater tension lines, underwater oil drilling, and storm and tsunami monitoring.

Interface wireless load pins, load shackles, and tension links are ideal for sea applications paired with our different wireless sensor transmitters, receivers, and handheld displays. Our Wireless Crosby Bow Load Shackles are used for mooring line tension testing and rigging inspections. Our load shackles are also inter-changeable with our WTSTL Wireless Tension Link Load Cell. The WTS-BS-4 Wireless Industrial USB Base Station is a popular transmitter that gives outstanding coverage and can be easily paired with one of our handheld displays such as the WTS-BS-1-HA Wireless Handheld Display for Multiple Transmitters, or the WTS-BS-1-HS Wireless Handheld for Single Transmitters.

For the full case study, click here.

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.

Interface Explores Maritime Applications Near and Offshore

Land, air, and sea are all the places where Interface force measurement devices are used to test and confirm product designs and measure real-time functions of equipment. Interface has long been providing an array of sensor solutions for use in the maritime industry.

The solutions are diverse including hydrofoil watercraft testing, yacht rigging inspections, and safety weight monitoring on massive cranes used on shipping docks and offshore. Interface provides various load cells, load pins, tension links, load shackles, instrumentation, and wireless products for splash zone, offshore and underwater sites.

The reason we are a top choice for products in or around the water is because of our line of submersible and rugged load cells and sensors designed for underwater applications and use in harsh weather conditions. From rigs and docks to structural waterways and bridges, our load cells can survive through underwater submersions at different capacities, and still be able to relay reliable and accurate data to instrumentation and receivers at the surface level. Interface measurement technologies are helping customers regulate harsh maritime situations including underwater tension lines for commercial fishing, nearshore hoisting apparatus at shipyards, undersea energy exploration, as well as storm and tsunami monitoring.

Specifically, our wireless load pins, load shackles, and tension links are ideal for marine applications. These products can be paired with our different wireless sensor transmitters, receivers, and handheld displays. Our Wireless Crosby Bow Load Shackles have been used for line tension testing and rigging. Our load shackles are inter-changeable with our WTSTL Wireless Tension Link Load Cell. The WTS-BS-4 Wireless Industrial USB Base Station is also a popular transmitter that gives outstanding coverage and can be easily paired with one of our handheld displays such as the WTS-BS-1-HA Wireless Handheld Display for Multiple Transmitters or the WTS-BS-1-HS Wireless Handheld for Single Transmitters.

Check out a few of our applications notes to see how these products can be used for testing in the maritime industry:

Hydrofoil Testing in a Wave Tank

Hydrofoil design for watercraft 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, using 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 Interface Model 3A120 3-Axis Load Cell is needed to read these forces. The Fz senses lift and the Fx and Fy sense the drag. Using a model BSC4D-USB bridge amplifier increases the visibility of the load cells output signals. When using the load cell and bridge amplifier, the engineers can record the real-world lift and drag forces the hydrofoils are having on the watercraft. This data allows a more in-depth comparison of proposed hydrofoil designs to find the best model for the job. Learn more.

Mooring Line Tension Testing 

Due to the changing weather conditions, mooring cable lines undergo wear and tear. Users want to ensure all mooring lines for ships or vessels are securely docked at the same loading tension so that they do not risk the mooring lines to break or cause damage. Interface WTSLTL Lightweight Wireless Tension Link 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 PC computer or laptop. 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 these Interface products, the customer was able to verify the tensions to multiple mooring cable lines. Thus, resulting in the security of their ship being safely docked on shore. Check out the app note here.

WTS Yacht Rigging Inspection

For a customer who wants to have a complete rigging inspection to make sure the mast, still lines, and all movable hoisting lines are functional and meet the proper specifications for sailing, Interface has the products to help. To test the tension of the forestay, shroud, and backstay cables, and the tension of the movable lines when sailing, Interface provided a WTSSHK-B Wireless Crosby™ Bow Load Shackle paired with the WTS-BS-1 Wireless Handheld Display for Unlimited Transmitters. This allows customers to switch and view between multiple shackles being tested during the inspection. The WTS-BS-4 USB Industrial Base Station can also be attached to the customer’s PC or laptop to display real time measurements from the shackles and log data. With this combination of technology, the customer was able to conduct both a running and standing rigging inspection of their ship or vessel and was able to determine if all lines were functional and met safety standards. Learn more here.

Dock Crane Safety and Capacity Verification

It is essential that heavy equipment used on the dock can verify that their crane is strong enough to safely lift a heavy load. For productivity and timing, it also is helpful to constantly measure and rate maximum load capacity. In these environments, a wireless solution is needed to avoid long cables, and to have a faster installation time. Using the WTSTL Lightweight Wireless Tension Link Load Cell, operators can measure the load’s maximum capacity. The WTS-RM1 Wireless Relay Output Receiver Modules also can trigger an alarm that can be set when the maximum capacity of weight and force. The data is transmitted and can be reviewed with the WTS-BS-1-HS Wireless Handheld Display, or, on the customer’s receiving technology. Read more here.

As you can see, Interface has got Maritime covered with a wide variety of products suitable for submersion and the harsh weather that can be found at sea. In addition, if our off-the-shelf products don’t quite meet your use case, Interface’s custom solutions team will work alongside you to create the most effective and efficient solution based on your needs.