The AnchorGuard is a patent pending sensor that detects anchor movement and warns the owner before any other damages occur.
The need:
The original idea came when discussing challenges with monitoring aquaculture facility anchor locations at deeper waters. Most ROVs used for inspection of aquaculture facilities and anchor points do not have the equipment for accurately locating what you are inspecting, as it is costly and requires extra setup and precaution.
If one or more anchor points move, extra load is transferred to the neighbouring points. You also risk that the net pen can come in contact with objects that it is not meant to be (like seabed, ropes or other structures), which will lead to wear and risk of salmon escaping. Ultimately the whole facility could tear and / or be permanently damaged beyond repair.
The same need could also be applied to other permanent floating facilities, like docs, oil and gas structures, offshore wind turbines etc: You want to know if your anchor points moves, and you want to know it right away!
The solution:
The Mohn Technology AnchorGuard is a smart sensor that is connected to the anchor and placed on the seabed at a small distance. If the anchor moves, a pin is pulled at the sensor, and a small buoy with a GPS receiver and RF sender floats to the surface. The buoy notifies the alarm hub at the barge, and sends anchor point ID and GPS position for recovery. The battery in the unit is not connected until the sensor is triggered, so the unit can lay dormant at the seabed for up to 20 years without draining battery. This means that after placement, the system doesn’t require any service. Since the system is designed to last for decades, the signal receiver is local at the barge. Nobody knows if Telenor, Telia, Iridium or Starlink are here in 20 years. The alarm system at the barge will have an external RF tester, and status light and display shows that it receives signal and the system is operational. If the system is triggered, an audible and visible alarm is activated, and the anchor point ID and buoy position is displayed. It is also possible to connect the system to the internet with a ethernet cable for external alerts.
The system reduces the risk of both smaller and serious incidents and gives the user peace of mind.
Status:
The idea is patent pending and we are developing the solution. Contact us if you are interested in the product!
