Pioneering marine plastic detection system
A LADAR (laser detection and ranging) system has been developed that can supercharge plastic detection capabilities for real-time eco monitoring of rivers and coasts, harbours and ports.
Anglo-Norwegian R&D company Ladar Ltd’s LADAR system uses a laser beam pulse to provide reliable and long-range plastic detection with high-speed operation and no latency. Highly accurate measurement provides a full 3D perspective of the scanned area or target in real time. Its laser bandwidth configuration can be adapted to different light wavelengths depending on requirements.
“I’m not aware of any other commercially available solution that can detect debris so accurately in the surface water layer,” said company founder, Sverre Dokken.
Water penetrating capability
“In normal operating situations LADAR can detect objects in the surface layer at a range of a few metres up to a nautical mile distant,” said Mr Dokken.
This allows for the creation of an effective surveillance zone around a platform where plastic objects can be detected, characterised, classified and tracked. Relevant observational data is processed using AI algorithms and displayed in real time via an intuitive GUI (graphical user interface).
The system can accurately and precisely detect different sizes of plastic and display this data to enhance user performance, while also providing key information both prior to and after clean-up operations. Its 24/7 monitoring capability enables examination of plastic debris flow and breakdown cycle that can be inferred and used in modelling.
The system can be integrated into existing instrument decks or used as a standalone tool.
By Rebecca Jeffrey
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