We are focussing more and more on projects which involve real-time interfacing to PC software for manufacturing and special projects. These systems typically will integrate position, speed and attitude sensors and often highly accurate laser measurements. In many instances the measurement made by one device will control the speed or attitude of another. Our expertise is in marrying the hardware - and in some case designing and building electronics - with control software for display, logging and reporting.

The following indicates some typical projects we have completed previously, if you have a specific requirement please contact us and we will be happy to discuss the project with you. We are normally able to offer a fixed price quote as we have good control over costs and development capabilities.

If you have any questions regarding these systems or you have similar requirements, contact sales@ilexuk.com

Robert Wynn & Son Our Columbus package was supplied to Wynns for both their "Inland Navigator" and "Terra Marique" vessels. These specialist vessels are used to transport large cargo items using the inland waterways and canals. The "Terra Marique" transported the first commercial Concorde from Isleworth on the River Thames to an aircraft museam in Edinburgh. Our software was used to provide real-time information on hull clearance in very shallow waters and ensure continuity of passage.

“GEOSCAN” - British Waterways A specialist package was required by British Waterways to allow continual profiling of canals both above and below the waterline. We were commissioned to write a data acquisition package to control and log a very fast laser scanner for tow path, canal bank and tunnel profiles and a Tritech profiler for underwater cross sections of the river /canal bed.

The system interfaced and logged real-time sensors - GPS Gyro, Motion Sensor, MDL Laserscanner and Tritech Profiler.

A data processing system was incorporated which provided accurate position and measurement data to be determined in a single pass down a river or canal.

“ROMAN” - Remote Underwater Vehicle We were contracted by Smit Land & Marine to produce a mimic system for a four legged underwater vehicle to be used for salvage and intervention work.

All control infomation was relayed to the surface control using a SCADA system connected to linear sensors on all control hydraulics of the vehicle, all movements were then displayed on a dual mimic screen for the operator allowing complete understanding of vehicle attitude & position.

The system was produced using RSview32 automation software linked with our Columbus positioning suite.

“FishSafe” - Fisheries Pipeline and Wellhead Database Sub-contracted by Fugro Starfix to produce a standalone software package to run on a dedicated PC based unit, to display all pipelines, seabed obstructions, surface obstructions and fishing hazards in the UK North Sea. Audible alarms warn of nearby hazards, user interaction is provided with simple 3-button operation. The completed units have been supplied to all fishing vessels in an effort to improve links between Oil Companies and Fishermen, and reduce fishing accidents.
Barge Management System - Interfaces to up-to 10 real-time data systems (e.g. GPS, Gyros, Echo Sounders), correlates the data and computes vessel positions, anchor wires, tug targets etc. It also provides a two-way telemetry link to and from up to 10 other vessels and provides a graphic chart type display for each user, plus tug targets and tracking to target with mimic on barge. The remote tug requires no personnel other than ships crew and the display system provides full guidance information for anchor handling, towing etc.

Bundle Monitoring System - Provision of depth and attitude monitoring software during 5km Bundle tow, interfacing to survey computers, acoustic modems, depth monitoring systems, providing real-time bundle evaluation of bundle attitude and dynamics.

Rigmove Package - 32-bit Windows 95/NT based Rigmove package incorporating 4 channel radio telemetry system, real-time tide and current computation, DXF import, simultaneous multi-vessel anchoring and plotting.

Plough and Winch Control A windows based control system utilising Brodersen bitbus modules to control and operate up to 280 channels on a subsea pipeline plough. The System was upgraded for Land & Marine and the main control screen shows control mimics, switch status and position. Interfacing to Video Overlays, survey systems and sonars.

Some 230 channels are used to monitor and operate the plough, including ride height, steering, share operation and plogh depth.

Cathodic Protection Design, We were commisioned by Corrintec to write and implement a Windows based data acquisition and processing package for subsea CP Inspection. The system acquires up to 5 samples per second from a subsea control module and plots real-time data alongside historical data on a scrolling display. Also provides video overlay and survey system interfaces.

Full reporting capabilities were included allowing automated reporting to be carried out with the least possible time between acquisition and final report, in many cases provided on board.

Tanker Excursion Monitoring A system was built utilising position and heading sensors to provide a bridge control for monitoring tanker excursions and attitude while loading at an SBM. 

The system incorpoated voice alarms and also 4 load cells to measure the tensions in the mooring system during operations. All data is logged for later analysis to improve design criteria for future moorings.

All attitude equipment is positioned on the bridge, eliminating the requirement for active antennae on the deck level. Motion filters were incorporated to ensure minimal false indications.



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