Taut Wires | For Precision Position Measurement of Submerged Objects (2024)

Taut Wires | For Precision Position Measurement of Submerged Objects (1)

Overview

High-quality taut wire systems for accurate position measurement in on- and offshore environments

Whether the coordinates of a subsea cable, or the position of submerged tunnel segments – the absolute and/or relative position of (submerged) objects are generally of vital importance to the successful completion of a subsea operation. A taut wire is a highly reliable subsea metrology technique that provides detailed insight in the position of a submerged object. Seatools supplies various taut wire systems of unprecedented accuracy, which enables our clients to improve their operational efficiency and the quality of the work they deliver. Our taut wire systems stand out thanks to sophisticated algorithms that correct for catenary effects caused by currents and gravity. We combine our algorithms with highly accurate sensor technology and refined mechanical designs.

Expertise
  • Taut wire systems for position measurement of (submerged) objects
  • Subsea metrology systems
Value creation
  • Unprecedented measurement accuracy
  • Straightforward installation and calibration
  • Operable in any environment: above surface, subsea, splash zone, or mixed
Track record
  • Systems for the marine civil, offshore renewables, and offshore oil & gas
  • Delivered multiple systems for offshore installation projects
  • Delivered systems for subsea cable installation projects

Our HighWire enabled Boskalis to install sewer pipes in currents of up to 4 knots at an extremely high accuracy level of 1 centimeter, contributing to smooth operations and reduced valuable operating time.

HOW WE CREATE VALUE

  • Straightforward installation and calibration

    Taut Wires | For Precision Position Measurement of Submerged Objects (2)

    Calibration can be performed in a highly automated manner: the system can be calibrated on deck, immediately before an operation, and without the need for high-tech equipment or in-depth knowledge.

  • Efficient operations thanks to unprecedented measurement accuracy

    Taut Wires | For Precision Position Measurement of Submerged Objects (3)

    Our taut wires achieve unprecedented levels of measurement accuracy. With the use of algorithms that correct for catenary effects caused by currents and gravity and a combination of high-accuracy sensors with balanced mechanical designs, we are able to reach previously unattainable levels of accuracy. In practice, these extreme accuracy levels have proven to enable smooth installation operations, saving valuable offshore time.

  • Operable in any environment: above surface, subsea, in a splash zone, or mixed

    Taut Wires | For Precision Position Measurement of Submerged Objects (4)

    Multiple-zone operability has obvious benefits for subsea cable-laying processes in beach-landing areas and shallow waters where a measured object (e.g. a cable plough) travels from one zone to the next. Traversing zones does not affect the taut wire, whereas other positioning reference systems, such as a USBL, are not able to function under these circ*mstances.

Taut Wires | For Precision Position Measurement of Submerged Objects (5)

Field-proven taut wire systems

Semi-standardized solutions

  • HighWire® – Taut wire position reference system

Taut Wires | For Precision Position Measurement of Submerged Objects (6)

Accurate positional data under harsh conditions

The HighWire is a robust taut wire system for offshore and submerged operations. The system can be applied in operations that require accurate and real-time positional data of submerged objects, such as during pile driving, mudmat or caisson installation, spool piece installation, and marine civil engineering projects.

Key features:

• Unprecedented measurement accuracy
• Operable in any environment: above surface, subsea, splash zone, or mixed
• Unaffected by noise

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How can our taut wire systems help you achieve accurate and effective offshore and subsea installation operations? Our experts gladly discuss and advise on potential solutions for your project.

TRACK RECORD

Taut Wires | For Precision Position Measurement of Submerged Objects (7)

Taut Wires | For Precision Position Measurement of Submerged Objects (8)

Taut Wires | For Precision Position Measurement of Submerged Objects (9)

Taut Wires | For Precision Position Measurement of Submerged Objects (10)

Taut Wires | For Precision Position Measurement of Submerged Objects (11)

Project duration:
9 months
Client:

Taut Wires | For Precision Position Measurement of Submerged Objects (12)

Effective positioning of submerged tunnel segments thanks to highly accurate measurement system

For the construction of the Busan-Geoje tunnel, Strukton was awarded the construction, immersion, and accurate positioning of tunnel segments. Because of the crucial importance of high accuracy levels during the subsea positioning of tunnel segments, Seatools developed a Tunnel Segment MeasurementSystem (TSMS). The TSMS is a compact and light-weight measurement system, based on a combination of taut wire technology and accurate distance sensor technology.

Date:
March 2009
Project duration:
4 months
Client:

Taut Wires | For Precision Position Measurement of Submerged Objects (13)

Effective installation of sewage outfall pipes enabled by extreme measurement accuracies

In 2004, the HighWire was delivered for a project that required Boskalis to install sewage outfall pipes at water depths of 50 meters, in currents of up to 4 knots. In this setting, the HighWire® system realized an extremely high accuracy level of 1 centimeter and enabled our client to make male/female connections as quickly and smoothly as possible, and save valuable operating time.

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Project duration:
3 weeks
Client:

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Accurate registration of a cable’s position during subsea cable installation projects

Thanks to the system’s success in 2004, Boskalis decided to rely on the HighWire® again to determine the position of a subsea cable plough. During the upgrade required for this project, the wire orientation was changed from nearly vertical to nearly horizontal, and a modification of both the system’s mechanical design and its software were successfully completed.

Again, the system performed excellently, even outstripping the 2004 accuracy level of 1 cm.

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Date:
March 2006
Project duration:
4 months
Client:

Taut Wires | For Precision Position Measurement of Submerged Objects (15)

Accurate and real-time touchdown point and cable shape monitoring without ROV

On request of Tideway, Seatools developed a dedicated Touchdown Monitoring System for the installation of the Norned cable. The system, based on taut wire technology, provides accurate and real-time data about the cable’s position and shape in water depths of up to 75 meters. The system provides data at full laying speeds and, at times, strong tidal currents; conditions in which expensive ROVs are unable to operate.

Date:
March 2006
Project duration:
4 months
Client:

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Accurate and real-time cable departure angle measurement

During the installation of the Norned cable, our client applied this cable departure monitoring system in conjunction with the cable touchdown monitoring system. The combination was deployed in order to obtain unobstructed insight in the cable’s shape, touchdown position, and behavior. The cable departure monitoring system is executed with a Seatools Twinclino sensor, which provides the cable departure angle in two directions in a highly accurate manner.

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CONTACT

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CONTACT FORM

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General
+31 (0) 186 68 00 00
info@seatools.com
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+31 (0) 186 68 00 00
sales@seatools.com
Service (outside office hours, emergency only)
+31 (0)186 65 00 75
Taut Wires | For Precision Position Measurement of Submerged Objects (2024)

FAQs

Taut Wires | For Precision Position Measurement of Submerged Objects? ›

A taut wire is a highly reliable subsea metrology technique that provides detailed insight in the position of a submerged object.

How does a taut wire determine vessel position? ›

The Taut Wire position reference system is mainly mechanical in principle, not reliant on transmissions through air or water. Position reference is obtained from measurements of wire angle and water depth, the position of the vessel being defined relative to the location of the stationary weight.

What is the purpose of the taut wire? ›

Its purpose is to provide accurate data of a surface vessel's movements with respect to the position of a depressor weight on the sea floor. A wire is maintained at a constant tension by means of a depressor weight on the sea-bed and a pneumatic and electric servo-assisted “mooring” system.

What is the taut wire system used for security at? ›

At correctional facilities, Taut Wire systems are typically installed as the inner fence providing both immediate detection and delay.

What is the weight of taut wire? ›

The wires in use in modern taut wire systems are generally 5mm or 6mm in diameter. Weights are in the region of 400kg to 500kg.

What is the difference between DP2 and dp3 dynamic positioning? ›

A DP 3 system has an extended hardware configuration compared to a DP 2 system. The triple redundant DP controller is still used and a minimum of three operator stations is required. There will also be three IO units to interface components, as opposed to a double set of sensors typically used in a DP 2 configuration.

Why must the wire be kept taut? ›

Catenary wires are kept in mechanical tension because the pantograph causes mechanical oscillations in the wire. The waves must travel faster than the train to avoid producing standing waves, which could break the wire. Tensioning the line makes waves travel faster, and also reduces sag from gravity.

What is the practical use of taut line? ›

It is typically used for securing tent lines in outdoor activities involving camping, by arborists when climbing trees, for tying down aircraft, for creating adjustable moorings in tidal areas, and to secure loads on vehicles.

What is a tout wire? ›

A taut wire is a highly reliable subsea metrology technique that provides detailed insight in the position of a submerged object. Seatools supplies various taut wire systems of unprecedented accuracy, which enables our clients to improve their operational efficiency and the quality of the work they deliver.

Which wire is used as a safety measure? ›

The earth wire which has the insulation of green color is usually connected to a metal plate buried deep in the earth near the house. This is used as a safety measure, especially for those appliances that have a metallic body, for example, electric press, toaster, table fan, refrigerator, etc.

What is the best wire for security system? ›

In summary, 22 AWG wire is typically recommended for standard security sensors, while 18 AWG is better for high-power devices. The choice between solid and stranded wire, as well as the number of conductors, should be based on specific installation requirements.

What type of wire is used in installing security system sirens? ›

That being said, we find that 18-gauge or 22-gauge tends to work best for completing the connections. If you are going out to buy new wiring, then 18-gauge is probably your best bet. We also sell 18-2 wire on our website that is perfect for wiring a siren.

What is the light weight taut wire? ›

The Light Weight Taut Wire is a position reference system designed for use in deck-mounted port or starboard position on surface vessels. Its purpose is to provide accurate data of a surface vessel's movements with respect to the position of a depressor weight on the sea floor.

What is taut cable? ›

If a cable is taut, then it is under tension. What you may be remembering is that, in a static situation, the total force on the cable must be zero because it is not moving.

How much does a high tensile wire weight per meter? ›

High Tensile PC Wire. Wire with Spiral Ribs (Standard JIS G 3536). Nominal Diameter: 7 mm diameter. Theoretical Weight: 302 gm/m.

How do you find the position of a vessel? ›

By taking compass bearings of suitable objects on the shore and transferring these bearings on to the chart, the point of intersection of the bearings, called a fix, gives the ship's position.

How does dynamic positioning work? ›

The DP System maintains a vessel's desired position and/or heading by use of the DP control computer which automates the control of vital power and propulsion systems in order to control 3 of 6 axes of a vessel's movement: • surge (aft and forward), • sway (side to side), and • yaw (heading).

What two technologies help guide and keep the vessel in position? ›

Position reference sensors, combined with wind sensors, motion sensors and gyrocompasses, provide information to the computer pertaining to the vessel's position and the magnitude and direction of environmental forces affecting its position.

Do cruise ships have dynamic positioning? ›

Cruise ships use DP to dock and undock. So by the use of transitive properties, they are the ones who are obtuse enough.

References

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