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Monitoring Tug Automation Control System Helps Eliminate False Alarms When operators of properly equipped tugboats receive a system alarm, they know there is a real problem. They also know that they're not going to get any help from an on-board engineer because the operator is the only one on board. But Quebec-based Techsol, Inc.'s helps reduce the alarm, thanks to new Marine Automation Control System (MAX) installed in several harbor tugboats designed by Robert Allan Ltd. This state-of-the-art alarm, control, and mon- itoring system eliminates both false alarms and the need for an on-board engineer, making it possible for only the pilot and shore engineer to handle any problems that might arise. Techsol. a marine electrotechnology company, created this Unmanned Machinery Space (UMS) system to enable pilots and shore engineers to have a complete picture of a vessel's sys- tem via graphical displays and touch screens. Designed to replace existing dedicated systems that were not user friendly, this modular system was built using off-the-shelf equipment from Charlottesville, Va.-based GE Fanuc Automation and adapting it to meet requirements for shipboard systems. GE Fanuc received certification for the com- ponents for use in marine applications with the American Bureau of Shipping and Lloyd's Register. "The main advantages of using stan- dard equipment from GE Fanuc and adapting it to the marine world are twofold: worldwide component avail- ability and lower cost," says Claude Messiaen, Techsol's president and owner. "We're avoiding specialty parts and leveraging proven off-the-shelf hardware. Techsol chose GE Fanuc's CIMPLICI- TY human machine interface software and Series 90-30 programmable logic November, 2001 61 Concerned About Safety? liJJ UJ JULHi llilUAii. Now Available for Marine Applications Permanent Mount Vision Up Tb 3200 feet See In Complete Darkness No Illuminators Required Visit Our Web Site for More Information www.arion-international.com Pan/Tilt Thermal Cameras Joy-Stick Operation (800) 365-7443 (407)366-7443 Fax: 407-366-7444 controllers (PLCs) with field I/O mod- ules to create the compact MAX system able to carry out all of the vessel's con- trol, alarm and monitoring functions. The Series 90-30 field I/O modules are dedicated to specific equipment, and the MAX system requires five or six of these units to achieve complete ship automation. Because each field I/O module is equipped with a central processing unit (CPU), it can accept input from switch- es and sensors and generate output to Installed Systems Include: • Propulsion Control • Steering Control • Cargo/Ballast Control Electrical Monitoring and Control • Simulators and Trainers Benefits; • Long Term Reliability • Worldwide parts, service, and training support • MIL-Spec and Commercial New Construction and Retrofits 1 -800-229-TANQ www.tano.com TANO Corp. 5700 Citrus Blvd.,SteE New Orleans, LA 70123 Phone: 504/733-4777 Fax: 504/734-2127 Singapore Office Phone: 65-296-5421 Fax: 65-296-0451 Circle 322 on Reader Service Card or visit www.maritimereporterinfo.com Circle 211 on Reader Service Card or visit www.maritimereporterinfo.com TANO has a 35 year tradition in providing marine automation systems using the latest technologies to assure lower operating costs. We specialize in tailoring a system to meet the specific needs of the vessel and to maximize the value to the customer.
