Techmak Fanbeam® 4.2 and 5: Laser Rangefinders

The Fanbeam 5 position reference system (PRS) uses accurate time-of-flight laser technology to determine vessel position relative to custom reflectors, which can be fixed to offshore rigs, installations or other vessels. Fanbeam data is communicated to the vessel’s dynamic positioning (DP) system, which controls the thrusters that are used to maintain vessel position during operations.

The design of the Fanbeam 5 laser unit, our custom reflectors and the Fanbeam Controller 4.0 control software make Fanbeam the laserbased PRS of choice. Our range of data outputs, and the ease with which Fanbeam can be combined with other sensors and DP systems, make it ideal for holding a vessel in station, or for moving a vessel with great precision.

2 KEY PRINCIPLES
Fanbeam 5 is engineered to support DPOs based on:

Control

DPOs should be supported by clear, intelligent, quick-to-operate, pre-configurable software, which offers the peace of mind of automation, alerts and performance indicators.

Responsiveness

Since conditions at sea are unpredictable, and no two operations are the same, DPOs must have the ability to quickly and simply control laser tilt, target acquisition, filters and all other aspects of sensor control.

BETTER TARGET IDENTIFICATION
The Fanbeam 5 unit is mounted over the working end of a vessel. The sensor emits invisible laser pulses, which bounce off custom reflectors mounted on rigs or other installations. These pulses are received back into the Fanbeam sensor. Personnel on deck and reflective surfaces are no problem for Fanbeam 5, as the Fanbeam Controller 4.0 software identifies and rejects false observations. Operators can pre-program range cut-offs for observations, so that anything out of range is filtered. Reflectors provide accuracy in a variety of conditions: tube reflectors offer low-cost 360° coverage for short-range operations, while prism clusters provide reliable positioning at longer ranges, up to 2000 m. Auto-level filtering means settings adjust automatically, to allow for changing conditions. Operators can tilt the laser during operations, allowing for fine tuning at any time.