CS33 – Hiduron 191 – Data Buoy

So-called data buoys have been developed over many years in an effort to better measure and understand conditions at sea. The UK, like many other countries across the globe operates a series of buoys at locations around the coastline that are able to provide near real-time data on a number of variables that are of interest to meteorologists, maritime shipping and more recently the developers of offshore renewable energy generation systems.

The buoys have been developed to contain a large array of sensors, measuring variables such as:

• current speed
• wind speed and direction
• GPS position sensing
• chemical composition (salinity)

During the initial development of such technologies, Hiduron^® 191 was utilised for the transducer and sensor housings, as well as the junction boxes, for a set of experimental current measurement (by ultrasonic means) and temperature sensors.

Hiduron^® 191 was selected to provide high levels of corrosion resistance in seawater, as well as against marine fouling. It provides these properties in combination with good mechanical strength, higher than basic cupronickels, together with the ductility and weldability to allow ready fabrication.

The buoy was initially located 2 miles off the Suffolk coast, and after 18 months operation it was found to be free of corrosion with only limited fouling that was easy to remove. The buoy was subsequently re-located to a site some 150 miles south-west of Lands End.

If you’d like more information regarding the Hiduron 191, please get in touch with a member our our expert team today.