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Completed Project

Hydro Deflection Monitoring System

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Project Overview

The Hydro Deflection Monitoring System is a cutting-edge, real-time digital solution engineered to secure critical dry-docking operations. Implemented on a strategic floating dock, this system delivers continuous, millimetric tracking of structural deformations. By replacing manual, error-prone line-of-sight checks, the project introduces automated decision support that safeguards assets and optimizes ship-loading cycles.

The Challenge

Floating docks undergo massive, uneven structural loading during vessel lifting and lowering cycles. Without precise data, infrastructure risks severe structural damage, including:

  • Hogging and sagging stress across the main deck.
  • Torsional twist from asymmetrical weight distribution.
  • Trim and list deviations causing unstable docking postures.
  • Environmental disruptions like heavy weather blinding traditional optical survey methods.

Our Solution

In collaboration with Metrica S.A., we deployed a custom Deflection Monitoring System (DMS) that operates independently of weather conditions and line-of-sight restrictions. The architecture operates on fundamental hydraulic principles, tracking hydrostatic pressure changes across a synchronized, digital sensor grid. The project is a Turnkey solution with Installation and commissioning of entire system, including hydraulic piping works in Stainless Steel (SS-316L), electrical & communication wiring and DMS Software system.

The 12-Sensor Architecture

To capture high-density spatial data, the system utilizes a specialized layout:

  • Dual-Wingwall Network: intelligent hydrostatic sensors are permanently fixed across the structure.
  • Balanced Distribution: 6 pressure level sensors are distributed along the port wingwall, and 6 along the starboard wingwall.
  • 3D Deformation Tracking: This 12-point matrix captures localized bending, longitudinal hogging/sagging, and cross-dock torsional twisting.

Key System Features

  • Millimeter-Level Accuracy: Real-time tracking up to ±0.05% Full Scale (FS) accuracy.
  • Automated Threat Detection: Visual and audible alarms trigger instantly if deflection thresholds are breached.
  • Zero Human-in-the-Loop Dependency: Eliminates continuous manual surveying, mitigating human error.
  • Universal Data Export: One-click logs in .csv and .xls formats for class compliance and audits.

Technical Architecture

The physical deployment integrates industry-grade instrumentation into a unified data ecosystem

The Sensors

Pressure Level Sensors featuring integrated ceramic cells. They dynamically compensate for atmospheric air pressure fluctuations to pinpoint precise relative vertical displacement.

The Aggregator

An central datalogger that acts as the hardware core, collecting, timestamps, and parsing sensor signals continuously.

The Software

A control-room software suite providing real-time numerical and graphical representations of dock behavior, trend lines, and custom user authorization tiers.

Benefits & Outcomes

Prolonged Asset Lifespan

Prevents over-yielding structural fatigue to maximize the dock's operational life.

Absolute Operational Safety

Empowers dock masters with data-backed confidence during critical heavy-lift transitions.

All-Weather Availability

Unaffected by thick fog, rain, or night operations, maintaining 24/7 docking readiness.

Regulatory Compliance

Aligns structural maintenance data with international marine classification guidelines of IACS such as DNV-RU-FD

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