Datum Electronics is a world-leading supplier of marine shaft power meters. Our competitively priced, flexible systems are capable of measuring the on-shaft torque and power of a ship on shafts from 150mm to 1,100mm (and above) diameters.
We supply solutions for monitoring ship performance to a range of high-profile clients including the Royal Navy, having installed 15 shaft power meter systems on their Sandown and Hunt class vessels. These needed to meet the most stringent test requirements regarding environmental and electromagnetic radiation due to their application on minehunters. We are constantly working to develop systems to meet the challenges of both the civilian and military sectors.
Datum Electronics solutions can be used to evaluate and improve the efficiency of ships, monitor engine performance, monitor propulsion condition and reduce fuel consumption.
Datum Electronics
Commercial marine shaft power meter
The Datum Electronics commercial marine shaft power meter has been developed to meet the requirements of marine industry customers by providing continuous power output measurements, as well as aiding fuel economy and equipment maintenance planning.
Robust, permanent, modular and simple to install, the commercial marine shaft power meter accurately monitors the efficiency and performance of the ship’s transmission systems, leading to large savings on running costs.
Monitoring actual power levels provides an accurate reference point in assessing:
Propeller condition
Hull condition
Ship condition changes
Engine performance monitoring
Propulsion monitoring
Operational efficiency planning
This tool will measure on-shaft torque, shaft rotation speed and the power going through the shaft. The stator uses a single-point design and does not require mounting around the shaft, allowing for a fast, simple and less intrusive installation compared with conventional designs.
The company’s power and torque meters have a modular design and can be used on shafts of 150mm-1,100mm diameter, with rotational speeds of up to 900rpm. Standard output is RS485, but this can be upgraded to USB, ModBus, Ethernet, RS232 and analogues (0-10V/4-20mA).
In addition, systems for power and torque measurement can be used with our display panel for either single or dual-shaft applications. Unlike other companies, we can also write algorithms and protocols to suit various customer system needs.
Shaft power measurement kit
Datum Electronics temporary torque and power measuring systems monitor the on-shaft torque for trial applications on rotating shafts of 30mm-1,100mm diameter (and beyond this if required). Whether used for the simple testing of power levels or as a key tool in extended trials to assess fuel efficiency, the series 430 kit is easy to install, test and operate.
The system logs directly on to a PC or laptop with the aid of its software. Other advantages include:
Portable and lightweight design
User-friendly software
Easy to install with a step-by-step guide in less than 30 minutes
Measuring shaft power, torque and speed as a basic function
Various digital and analog output options
Logs, records and displays ‘real time’ data
Compatible with two data channels and shaft speed
As well as measuring torque, the instrumentation can be used to verify power outputs from engines and motors, as well as analysing other types of data, including:
Power transmission
Shaft vibration
Torque trials
Peak torque levels
Power delivery
Power transients
Marine shaft power meter system for military vessels
The Datum Electronics marine shaft power meter system assesses and monitors propeller shafts on ships, by measuring shaft speed, power and torque. Originally designed for use by the Royal Navy, later variations have been provided for the Indian Navy, Australian Navy and Korean Navy.
The company’s propeller shaft power meters have been through rigorous UK MOD and USA MIL testing programmes for the harshest of environments, and are therefore verified in a number of marine conditions, including:
MIL Spec std. 901-D shock
167-1A 2005 Vibration
Safety Case to JSP430
Shock to Def Stan 08-120
EMC to Def Stan 59-41
Selection of marine shaft power meters Def Stan 02-606
Magnetic Ranging to 08-123 DS31
Other environmental tests will include Def Stan 08-123 DS28 (shock), D25 (vibration), DS24 (contamination), DS9 (temperature and humidity) and DS21 (salt atmosphere).
The series 420 torsionmeter system can be configured for single-shaft or multiple-shaft use (two, three or four shafts), in order to provide accurate non-contact shaft measurement. A fitted shaft unit measures torsional strain and rotational speed, with a separate stator unit to transmit the data to the control unit.
This system fits shafts of 160mm-1,100mm diameter, with stator housings manufactured for a range of shaft sizes:
Size 1: shafts 160mm-250mm
Size 2: shafts 250mm-350mm
Size 3: shafts 350mm-500mm
Size 4: shafts 500mm-650mm
Size 5: shafts 640mm-800mm
Size 6: shafts 800mm-1,100mm
Installation, training and consultancy
All of our systems are supplied along with the required product information and user handbooks. Full training can be provided, either on-site by one of our installation engineers or at our specialist facility in the UK.
Datum Electronics has expertise in a range of fields including electronics, torsional vibration, field testing, strain gauging and installation. Contact us with your problem and we will endeavour to find a workable solution for you.
Strain Gauge Bolt-On sensors measure changes in the stress levels of vessel or structure support, producing an electrical output proportional to the changes in weight. Designed to easily fit numerous applications in any harsh environment, they eliminate the need for complicated and costly installation works and provide accurate and reliable results for many years.
The Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) and the Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP) requirements were made legally binding by the MARPOL Annex VI, the first climate change treaty to be adopted since the Kyoto Protocol. The technical requirements in this treaty are aimed at promoting the use of more energy efficient (less polluting) equipment and engines.
Datum Electronics releases a new whitepaper, revealing how a single sensor, that continuously measures instantaneous crankshaft torque, can measure engine degradation and efficiency in real-time, avoid its imminent failures and improve vessel’s energy efficiency.
The subject of condition monitoring has been on everyone’s lips for the past few years, especially as the marine industry is faced with the challenges of increasing fuel costs and implementation of new and stricter environmental regulations.
Datum Electronics has entered a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) with Strathclyde University, aimed at developing a ground-breaking technology for marine engine condition monitoring.
Datum Electronics are extremely proud to announce that our marine shaft power meter system has been awarded a plan approval (PA) by the China Classification Society.
Netherlands-based Intertech BV has become a representative of Datum Electronics for torque sensors and shaft power measurement solutions in the Dutch market.
Oldendorff Carriers has selected Datum Electronics to provide its Datum Shaft Power Meter systems for seamless integration with a range of existing vessel performance monitoring systems.
SMM Hamburg, the biggest maritime fair of 2018, ended recently and Datum Electronics, together with our German sales agency Matau-Marine, joined thousands of maritime professionals and industry visitors in making the event hugely successful.
Datum Electronics, a global supplier and manufacturer of torque measurement and shaft power technology, announces an enhanced ECR display for their Marine Shaft Power Meter (MSPM) system.
Headquartered in Livonia, Michigan, Comtel Corporation will provide sales and product support for Datum Electronics torque transducers and shaft power measurement solutions across the following states: Michigan, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, West Virginia and Pennsylvania.
Malcolm Habens, managing director of Datum Electronics, is speaking about developments in shaft power measurement at the 'Low Cost Monitoring to Optimise Propulsion Efficiency' workshop at the Southampton Marine and Maritime Institute on Wednesday the 25 April 2017.
Datum Electronics is proud to participate in a revolutionary project, Monitoring for Operational Vessel Efficiency (MOVE), funded by Innovate UK, which has brought new opportunities for the small commercial vessel market, within the maritime sector.
Datum Electronic's client, Marine Scotland, monitors and controls the operations of all fishing vessels in Scottish waters as well as the activities of Scottish vessels wherever they may fish, and their fishing capacity, defined in terms of engine power and tonnage of the actual fishing vessels.
The manufacturing industry is constantly growing due to developments in technology. More efficient machinery, more automation equipment and more productive processing lines surround us in every aspect of manufacturing and engineering.
The Datum Electronics commercial marine torsion meter (MTM) now offers even more flexibility and control to customers who need to measure power and/or torque.
The Datum Electronics pre-encapsulated strain gauges come supplied with in-line connectors, allowing for a quicker, more efficient installation without the need for soldering.
Increasingly we are seeing a need for more accurate torque measurement systems where customers require real-time torque data and can no longer rely on older, less accurate systems, which estimate or calculate from hydraulics or electrical power.
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