Acoustic study buoys: kits for custom-made lines
[CREATION]
– 100 elements for the assembly of 20 lines
– Material:
– Dyneema UHMPE
> 8 Strand Polyester
> woven cover
> floating protection tubes
> EVA buoys
ACTIVITY
Since its creation, the SOMME company has collected over 25 years of acoustic data recorded in different parts of the world thanks to a broad range of data systems. The data recorded in situ is then analysed via processing chains developed by them, applied to numerous databases and regularly published in specialised press.
CHALLENGE
The company regularly carries out short term measuring campaigns with acoustic study buoys. These campaigns last between 2 months to 3 years maximum. The challenge is to be able to reuse the lines that moor these acoustic buoys. The idea is also to help facilitate the installation, handling and frequent maintenance of the lines.
INO-ROPE SOLUTION
SOMME appealed to Ino-Rope for its reduced impact line system. Entirely made in ropes, these “featherweight” lines make the installation much easier for the meteorological measuring company. After a first successful prototype created in early 2021, Ino-Rope worked on a system allowing the custom-assembly of each line, according to the needs of the campaigns. A basic kit composed of 5 elements was created:
– Dyneema protection line
– subsurface buoy
– “intermediary” single line
– line under the buoy with anti-fouling protection
– floating line with signage
These 5 elements were produced as a series of 20 kits (100 elements in total) enabling the conception of twenty lines. Once the kits were delivered, the company could then assemble them according to their needs: the assembly is facilitated by a system of connectors on stainless steel shackles.
Other than the concept of kit design, comes the notion of reusing materials and a circular production: “SOMME measuring campaigns last 3 years maximum, and yet the lifespan of Dyneema is of at least 10 years in the marine environment! We suggested to our client to reuse some of the lines used in the past to create these new kits. We also reuse some Dyneema offcuts, within a goal of sustainability” explained Thibault Reinhart, in charge of the feasibility project for Somme. “Our client is delighted by this approach of “re-conception” and reuse of materials. It also triggers a considerable cost optimisation. Furthermore, this kit system provides greater flexibility that counterbalances the constraints of custom-made projects.
A project that’s easily adjustable and reproducible for Ino-Rope, and that answers the wish to develop sustainable projects positively, with less impact on the marine environment.
