.png){kind=logo}
Monitoring systems
What is ATOM®
Suitable for installation on hulls made of any material, the ATOM® monitoring system is a device that constantly monitors the cathodic protection status of the hull and appendages. This instrument is essential for verifying that the sacrificial anodes are providing the necessary protection.
Easy to install, it provides clear data and can communicate via the NMEA2000 or Modbus RTU protocol.
The system consists of a control unit and a reference probe to be fitted to the hull via a certified bronze through-hull fitting.
The probe is connected to the control unit, which is managed by an electronic circuit board designed by Tecnoseal to carry out and analyse cathodic protection measurements.
The measurement points are connected via an electrical cable and cable lugs, with the part to be measured connected to the appropriate connector on the ATOM®.
The system measures the voltage difference between the probe and the measurement point. This value indicates the actual level of cathodic protection of the component being measured.
ATOM® can handle measurements at up to six independent points and, thanks to its ease of installation, it can be installed independently even during refitting or lay-up.
A clear, easy-to-read interface makes it simple to interpret the data, allowing you to keep track of the actual cathodic protection conditions.
Read the information brochure for further details.
How we manufacture it
The ATOM® monitoring system consists of two parts:
- Control unit with touchscreen display (housing the circuit board that manages the measurement).
- Reference probe
The electronic board (whose architecture was developed in-house), the software and the user interface were developed in collaboration with a partner company responsible for development.
The board has also been developed to support the NMEA2000 and Modbus RTU protocols, via which all information relating to cathodic protection can also be displayed on the vessel’s main monitoring system in the bridge with an IP64 protection rating on the front panel.
The reference electrode can be made of pure zinc or silver-silver chloride. It is manufactured entirely by Tecnoseal and supplied as a kit with the control unit.
Based on project specifications or simply on specific customer requirements, Tecnoseal can supply the ATOM® with the measurement points already configured.
Operation
System components
| Ref | Part |
|---|---|
| 1 | Control panel |
| 2 | Seal |
| 3 | Brackets |
| 4 | Nuts |
| 5 | 12-pin connector |
| 6 | 5-pin connector |
| 7 | Reference probe |
| 8 | Hull pitch ½" |
Technical specifications
| Properties | Value |
|---|---|
| Screen / Monitor | 4.3” TFT LCD, high brightness / 4.3” TFT LCD high brightness |
| Resolution / Resolution | 480 x 272 pixels |
| Candelas / Lumens | 700 |
| Touch screen | Resistive / Resistive |
| Inputs / Outputs Input / Output |
1 x 12/24V DC power supply input 1 x reference probe input 6 x measurement point inputs 1 x MODBUS RTU output 1 x NMEA 2000 input |
| Power supply / Power supply | 12/24 V – <500mA |
| Dimensions / Overall dimensions | 118 x 78 x 32 mm |
| Drilling template / Drilling template | 107 x 67 mm |
| Operating temperature / Operating temperature | -20 to +70 °C |
| Protection rating / Protection rating | IP64 |
| Weight / Weight | 200g |
| Front material / Frontal material | ABS |
| Case material / Box material | ABS |
What is a monitoring system
It is important to monitor electrochemical potentials to verify that the sacrificial anodes (or other cathodic protection systems) on the hull and appendages provide the necessary protection against galvanic corrosion.
As well as monitoring the vessel’s electrochemical potentials as an isolated system, the monitoring system is an essential tool for assessing interactions between the vessel and the surrounding environmental conditions (unprotected structures or vessels, issues with the quay system, stray currents).
How we produce it
The monitoring system consists of two parts:
- Electronic board for installation in the Antifouling control panel
- 1 or 2 reference probes
The electronic board (whose architecture was developed in-house), the software and the user interface were developed in collaboration with a partner company responsible for development.
The board has also been developed to support the Modbus RTU protocol, via which all information relating to cathodic protection conditions can also be displayed on the vessel’s main monitoring system.
The reference electrodes can be made of pure zinc or silver-silver chloride. Both types are manufactured entirely by Tecnoseal and supplied as a kit with the control unit.
Depending on project specifications or simply on specific customer requirements, Tecnoseal can supply the monitoring system with the measurement points already configured.
How it works
- This monitoring system for checking the condition of cathodic protection can be integrated into the power supply cabinet of the antifouling system. This solution saves space and optimises various functions within a single device.
- The power supply for the monitoring system is the same as that used for the 12/24 VDC antifouling system.
- It shares the 7" touchscreen monitor with the anti-fouling system.
- The reference probes (1 or 2) measure the electrochemical potentials and transmit the information to the control panel.
- All information displayed on the control panel can be transmitted to the vessel’s monitoring system via the Modbus RTU communication protocol.
- The system can manage between 1 and 12 measurement points in the standard configuration and up to 48 measurement points in a custom configuration.
What is a portable PC test
The portable test PC is an essential tool for measuring the electrochemical potentials of any metal object immersed or partially immersed in water (saltwater, brackish water, fresh water).
This instrument allows the following measurements to be carried out quickly:
- Measurements of the electrochemical potentials of metal hulls and metal fittings installed on them.
- Measurements of the electrochemical potentials of metal fittings fitted to hulls made of composite materials, carbon, fibreglass and others.
- Measurements of the electrochemical potentials of metal parts forming quays, sheet piling and any other submerged or semi-submerged metal structures.
- Verification of the effective operation of the cathodic protection system installed on the structure on which the measurements are carried out.
- Identification of any structures lacking cathodic protection or experiencing high current draw from the system, and therefore at risk of corrosion.
Portable PC test kit consists of the following components:
- Certified multimeter.
- Portable Ag/AgCl probe with a 15-metre cable.
Accurate and regular measurement of electrochemical potentials is important to ensure that sacrificial anodes (or other cathodic protection systems) provide the necessary protection against galvanic currents.
Tecnoseal’s technical department is available to carry out any analysis and
evaluation of the data collected during potential measurements,
and also offers clients its expertise in conducting
studies and
developing tailored solutions for the design of cathodic protection systems
or for enhancing and improving existing systems.