Wave measurement buoys

Wave measurement buoys are specialized instruments designed to measure ocean waves in real time and collect important data about their characteristics. These buoys play a crucial role in oceanography and marine weather forecasting, as they provide information that is highly valuable for various applications.

1. Wave height: The buoys measure the amplitude of the waves, which is the vertical distance between the highest point (wave crest) and the lowest point (wave trough) of a wave. This information is crucial for shipping, coastal protection, and offshore activities.

2. Wave period: The time it takes for a single wave to travel from one point to the next is called the wave period. It is an important parameter for characterizing wave motion and directly influences the energy transported by the waves.

3. Wave direction: The direction from which the waves originate is important for various applications, such as ship navigation or the planning of offshore construction projects.

4. Water temperature: Some wave measurement buoys also record the temperature of the surrounding water. This is important for better understanding the interactions between ocean waves and the atmosphere and for monitoring environmental impacts.

5. The data collected by wave measurement buoys is often transmitted in real time via satellite connections to weather and oceanography centers. This information is used to create accurate weather forecasts, monitor coastlines, plan offshore activities, and even operate tsunami warning systems.

Wave measurement buoys also play a crucial role in the preliminary survey and monitoring of sites for offshore wind farms. The installation of wind turbines in the open sea requires a thorough analysis of marine conditions. Wave measurement buoys provide accurate data on wave height, period, and direction to ensure that the site is suitable for wind turbines and meets the necessary safety standards.

Pop-up Buyos

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When permanently deploying hydrological measuring instruments on the seabed or lakebed, there is always the challenge of locating, recovering, and securing the valuable devices and their data.

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The simplest method of marking with a buoy is not always the best: instruments cannot be secured this way in busy areas, they may be displaced during bad weather, and they are visible and noticeable to everyone on the water. The Fiobuoys from the company Fiomarine address this challenge with their impressively simple concept.

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Operating principle

1. Programming

A specific time and trigger date are programmed into the Fiobuoy using the handheld control device. For the Fiobuoy AC100 and AC200 models, additional operating parameters can be entered. Note: A time and date must be programmed for the entire Fiobuoy series. For the Fiobuoy AC100 and AC200 models, this serves as a backup function and ensures increased reliability.

2. Deployment underwater

The Fiobuoy is attached to an anchor and/or equipment, lowered into the water, and remains underwater for the duration of the deployment. It sits vertically underwater, held by the primary line. This line is connected to a release pin, which is securely held by the closed "jaws" of Fiomarine’s patented release mechanism. The integrated acoustic transducer is directed upward toward the water surface to receive your acoustic commands.

3. The release event

At the specified time or upon receiving an acoustic command, the release mechanism in the Fiobuoy is activated. The jaws open and the pin is released, freeing the Fiobuoy from its primary line. It immediately assumes a horizontal position and slowly unwinds. The Fiobuoy is deliberately designed to unwind slowly to prevent the ropes from tangling.

4. Surfacing and recovery

The ascent is driven by positive buoyancy as the Fiobuoy continues to unwind. It remains attached to your anchor and/or equipment. Recovery of the Fiobuoy along with your underwater equipment and anchor is possible immediately once the Fiobuoy reaches the surface. For recoveries at night or in poor visibility, the Fiobuoys can also be equipped with a strobe light.

5. Redeployment

Redeployment of the Fiobuoy is also simple and can be done within minutes after recovery. Simply rewind the line, program a different time/date for the release, and your Fiobuoy is ready for redeployment. Fiomarine also provides a range of line winders to speed up this process.