Shock measurement system aids safety
It is well understood how harmful shocks from rough seas can be for both the human body and for the structure of a vessel.
Sweden based Research Electronics AB has developed CASTON to provide a more accurate way to measure shock from not only rough seas but also from vibrations caused by worn bearings and malfunctioning engines. Vibrations can be identified before a potentially catastrophic failure. They could be caused something as easy to fix as a loose engine mount which, left unfixed, could result in damage costing far more than the CASTON monitoring system.
CASTON records fast shocks and detailed vibration patterns by high frequency monitoring. A vast amount od data is stored into the USB memory for graphic presentation and analysis. Present levels of shock and vibration be shown continuously onboard, allowing the helmsman to assess the situation and react to reduce the potential risk to passengers and crew.
The recording device will simultaneously send the values to the USB memory. The data from the seconds before the threshold level has been reached and the seconds after are sent to memory. Sensors below deck are continuously monitoring the condition of engines and gearboxes. Any significant change from the normal vibration pattern will be seen on the display and stored for analysis. Simple remedial work can be carried out at once.
When safely back in port the recorded data can be analysed, making CASTON a veritable ‘black box’ that can also be used for accident analysis.
CASTON is a modular system which enables the user to choose various alternatives of function and number of sensors. A portable version is also available with all the devices in the CASTON series. The portable IP67 Peli-case contains as standard two 3 axis sensors with processor unit and a battery which will last for some 20 hours of operation, a battery charger, suitable cables to the sensors, and a cable between the processor unit and the case.
For the CASTON series, Research Electronics AB cooperates with fellow Swedish company Ullman Dynamics AB, manufacturer of impact absorbing seating systems for fast craft, and Seacross for data display.
