Sensors and measurement systems for offshore and renewable energy
The renewable energy market is currently one of the most active markets. Topics such as climate change and global warming are in the spotlight and investments in wind and solar energy installations are increasing every year.
The offshore industry is well known for its wind farms and oil and gas platforms that supply our society with energy at a time of increasing global demand. Due to the hazardous environmental conditions on oil rigs, strict safety regulations apply during operational processes. Electronic components, such as sensors, can be a source of ignition, requiring EX certification for all electrical components. In addition to safety, this sector also relies heavily on high-quality products to reduce operational and maintenance costs and minimize downtime.Althen offers appropriate sensor solutions for wind, solar and new transportation technologies. Among other things, we supply sensors used for predictive maintenance and automatic rotation/position monitoring of solar panels. Fiber optic instrumentation, lasers, encoders, pressure sensors and accelerometers are also used in the renewable energy sector. All of our sensor solutions are highly reliable, durable and of high quality - essential features for applications in this market.
Current renewable energy and offshore applications
Drilling platforms
On offshore drilling rigs, accurate sensors are essential to ensure the safety and efficiency of complex drilling and production systems. Pressure sensors monitor critical pressure conditions in boreholes and hydraulic control systems in real time - making an important contribution to preventing blowouts or leaks.
Temperature sensors detect thermal stress in supply lines, pumps and lubrication systems, ensuring reliable operation under varying and often harsh environmental conditions.
Force sensors also play an important role: they measure mechanical loads on drill rods, steel cables and lifting equipment. This makes it possible to detect material fatigue early and prevent unplanned downtime.
Underwater pipelines
For the safe and efficient transport of oil, gas or chemical media through underwater pipelines, reliable sensor solutions are indispensable. They help maintain structural integrity and prevent failures or environmental damage.
Pressure sensors continuously measure the internal pressure within the pipeline and can signal early abnormalities that indicate possible leaks or blockages. At the same time, temperature sensors monitor the thermal properties of the medium - essential for ensuring stable flow and the chemical properties of the substances being transported. Accelerometers are a valuable complement to this monitoring. They detect vibrations and movements that can be caused by flow changes, seismic activity or structural loads - all factors that can affect system reliability.
Offshore wind turbines
In offshore wind turbines, accurate structural monitoring of the tower and foundation is essential for safe and long-term operation under severe weather and environmental conditions. Tilt and inclination sensors detect minimal changes in turbine alignment and provide early signals of possible subsidence, foundation displacement or structural overload. Accelerometers record vibrations caused by wind loads, wave action or rotor movements - crucial data for effective condition monitoring (Condition Monitoring).
In addition, force sensors are used in tension cables, anchoring systems and in monitoring nacelle mechanics. They ensure controlled load distribution and thus contribute to stable and safe turbine operation.
Crane and lifting systems
In offshore logistics, especially when lifting heavy loads with cranes or lifting equipment, precise sensors are indispensable for safe and controlled work processes. Load cells measure the exact weight of containers, machines or components during lifting and help prevent overloading or unbalanced load distribution. Force sensors monitor pulling forces in hoisting ropes or chains and provide real-time load information, essential for human and equipment safety. Tilt and inclination sensors support this monitoring by recording the position and deflection of booms or platforms, especially important on a moving surface, such as wave action at sea, where stability and accuracy are incredibly important.
Underwater vehicles
For remotely piloted and autonomous underwater vehicles (ROVs and AUVs), accurate detection of position and motion is critical. Tilt and inclination sensors provide precise alignment and stabilization, enabling reliable navigation and control at depth. Accelerometers provide essential information on motion dynamics, collisions or current effects - factors that directly impact vessel safety and precision. Pressure sensors complete the measurement system by recording diving depth and ambient pressure. They contribute to structural safety and accurate depth control during operations in demanding environments.
FPSOs (floating production, storage and transfer facilities)
FPSOs (Floating Production, Storage and Offloading units) play a key role in offshore oil and gas production. They combine production, processing, storage and offloading in a single floating system and thus place high demands on monitoring and safety.
Pressure and temperature sensors are used at multiple points in the process, for example to monitor tank pressure, pressure in transport lines and temperature during the separation of oil, gas and water.
Load cells play an important role in measuring tank levels and monitoring on-board weight distribution - crucial for ship stability and safety.
In addition, Tilt and inclination sensors and accelerometers continuously record hull movements caused by wave action or loading and unloading processes. This data supports automatic stabilization systems and contributes to effective safety management.
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High corrosion resistanceResistant to salt water and offshore conditions for long-term reliability
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Robust designSuitable for extreme weather conditions, high pressure and temperature fluctuations
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High precisionFor accurate measurements
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Wide range of sensorsFrom pressure, temperature and force sensors to inclination and acceleration sensors
Product categories
Rotary magnetic Hall effect sensors
- Measuring range 360° to 3.600°
- Contactless measurement principle
- High performance & EMS durable
Load pins & Load shackles
- Measuring range 100 to 1.500.00 kg
- Designed for lifting and weighing
- Made for rugged and harsh environments
Intrinsically safe position sensors
- Measurement range 0 to 800 mm
- For hazardous / explosive environments
- Inductive measuring to prevent wear
Reaction torque sensors
- Measuring range 0.01 to 50.000 Nm
- Excellent non-linearity
- Perfect for measuring static torque
Submersible vibration sensors
- Measuring range 50 g
- Submersible to 650 psi
- Up to 100 µg noise
Servo accelerometers
- Measuring range ±0.1 g to ±20 g
- Resolution as great as 0.0005 % FRO
- Good shock resistance and stability
IEPE (piezo electric) accelerometers
- Measuring range ±10 g to ±2.000 g
- Operate in temperatures up to 150°C
- Excellent non-linearity
Mobile tilt measuring systems
- Measuring range 360°
- Resolution up to 0.01°
- Up to 500 hours battery life
Geotechnical (electrolytic) inclinometers
- Measuring range ±0.00000575° to ±90°
- Resolution as low as <2.5 nanoradians
- For monitoring infrastructures
What is the measurement challenge within your project?
Looking for advice, support or a suitable offer for your sensor application? We’re here to support you.
Our clients
Customized sensor solutions for offshore applications
Every offshore project has its own specific requirements, which is why we develop customer-specific sensor solutions tailored precisely to your application. Our sensors deliver maximum performance and reliability in demanding offshore environments.
Whether in exploration, production or transport in the oil and gas industry, our technology enables precise monitoring and control. Also in offshore wind farms and tidal power plants, our sensor solutions provide reliable data recording and contribute to increased operational efficiency.
In marine and underwater technology, our sensors increase the safety and effectiveness of systems even under extreme conditions.
Our goal: to provide innovative, robust and accurate measurement systems that meet the high demands of the offshore industry.
Contact us today. Together we will develop the optimal solution for your specific application.
Our projects
Matching products
LSM22 Linear Magnetic Hall Sensor
- Measurement range 14 mm to 34 mm
- Resistance value: 10 kΩ to 500 kΩ
- Body dimensions (mm): Ø22x54
TELSHACK-B-HL Heavy Weight Wireless Load Shackle
- Ranges 120tonne to 1000tonne
- High tensile carbon steel construction
- GN Rope shackles
GRAPHTEC GL980 High-speed Data Logger
- High speed 1 MS/s simultaneous sampling
- Isolated 8 channels voltage/temperature input
- Large-capacity built-in 4MW/ch RAM memory (Ref.GL900: 1MW/ch)
Products for offshore applications
Althen Sensors & Controls offers a comprehensive range of advanced sensors carefully developed to meet the diverse and demanding requirements of the offshore industry. Our sensor solutions are designed to withstand the harsh and demanding conditions of the offshore environment, ensuring optimum performance, reliability and safety in various applications.
Pressure sensors Our range of pressure sensors meets the stringent requirements for pressure measurement in the offshore industry. Applications range from high-pressure undersea environments to pressure monitoring in pipelines and drilling rigs. The sensors provide accurate and reliable measurements that contribute to safe and efficient processes.
Temperature sensors Our temperature sensors can withstand extreme temperature fluctuations such as those found offshore. They provide accurate and reliable temperature monitoring, helping to prevent equipment failure and performance degradation.
Load cells and force sensor Althen Sensors & Controls offers rugged load cells and force sensors designed specifically for offshore applications. These sensors accurately measure forces and loads and enable accurate weight control in hoists, cranes and other heavy machinery used offshore.
Tilt and inclination sensors Our tilt and inclination sensors are designed to detect tilt, pitch and angular movements in offshore platforms, vessels and equipment. These sensors ensure stability, safety and correct alignment and minimize the risks associated with tilt fluctuations.
Acceleration sensors Our accelerometers monitor vibrations in equipment and allow early detection of abnormalities or malfunctions. This helps reduce downtime and lower maintenance costs.
Althen Sensors & Controls: Highest precision for offshore use
Althen Sensors & Controls combines advanced technology with specialized engineering expertise to deliver sensors that meet the offshore industry's highest demands for performance, durability and accuracy. Thanks to our focus on innovation and quality, we contribute to the safe and reliable operation of offshore installations, even under the harshest conditions.
What is the measurement challenge within your project?
Looking for advice, support or a suitable offer for your sensor application? We’re here to support you.