Assessing the life expectancy of the Fino 1 research platform in the North and Baltic seas by monitoring the stress characteristics of the underwater mechanical structure
HBM's equipment has been operational on the Fino 1 research platform since July 2003 with excellent results so far.
The programme is part of the German federal government's Future Investment programme under the Fino project that looks at the effects of weather on research platforms in the North and Baltic seas.
The Fino 1 research platform is located in demanding offshore conditions about 45 km to the north of Borkum island in the North Sea.
Wind and sea forces acting on offshore underwater constructions cause structural stresses that can reduce the structure's operational life.
By using its strain gauge technology to monitor the varying small static and dynamic loads acting on the underwater construction, and then analysing these over time, HBM says it has been able to provide a better risk assessment of each structure over its entire life.
To meet the demanding conditions experienced in these waters, HBM undertook extensive development work to ensure that the strain gauge measuring points remained waterproof at depths of up to 80m, even in tough conditions.
This work included developing a special saltwater-resistant covering compound made of different-layered materials.
HBM specialises in providing transparent mapping and storage of data, such as varying structural strains, through to analysis via a network or data server.
HBM provides servicing for its strain gauge applications as well as the instrumentation and software for the evaluation software.
