Monitor verticality without stopping installation
Zupt’s VertiCAM provides real-time pitch, roll, and heading data during installation, allowing teams to assess and adjust structure orientation without pausing hammering or attaching sensors to the monopile.
VertiCAM is an in-air, contactless system that combines LiDAR, cameras, and inertial sensors to monitor tubular structures, including monopiles, piles, conductors, and wind turbine foundations.
How VertiCAM Works
Vessel Installation and Sensor Setup:
VertiCAM uses two active sensor stations, or “nodes,” mounted on the vessel at different viewing locations to provide dual redundancy. A third station can be installed as a hot spare.
Each station includes:
- LiDAR
- Camera and lens
- Lights
- Inertial measurement unit (IMU)
- GNSS receiver and antenna
- Processor
Monitoring During Installation
As the pile is lowered into place, VertiCAM monitors its pitch and roll and continuously tracks its verticality.
The LiDAR solution provides the required accuracy and resolution without specific targets being placed on the pile. The camera solution requires targets to be installed and dimensionally controlled on the structure.
Maximum sensor offsets are 20 meters for imagery and 50 meters for LiDAR.
Real-Time Processing
The LiDAR-camera system detects the structure from two different angles. Inertial data is processed to calculate the structure’s absolute attitude at a high update rate, independently of installation vessel motion.
An NVIDIA GPU processor runs the real-time verticality calculations. A separate human-machine interface (HMI) processor connects to the core processor over Ethernet, allowing remote data viewing and system interaction.
Applications
VertiCAM determines the verticality of tubular structures during offshore wind installation, including:
- Structure piles
- Wind turbine pile foundations
- Jackets
Installation and Operational Benefits
- Contactless monitoring: No sensors or physical bracketry mounted to the structure. Camera-based measurements require dimensionally controlled targets.
- Real-time feedback: Provides verticality data throughout installation so teams can assess and adjust orientation without pausing hammering.
- Dual redundancy: Two active stations combine LiDAR, HD imaging, and inertial measurements from different viewing locations.
- Deck and bridge viewing: An intuitive interface allows installation teams to view heading and inclination remotely.
- Installation records: Supports visual documentation and recording of each installation.
- Flexible operation: Can be used alone or integrated with Zupt’s iRTS pile run monitoring system to provide immediate feedback and maintain project tolerances.
- Offshore construction: Rugged equipment designed for offshore environments and simple operation by deck or vessel personnel.
VertiCAM provides fast, reliable verticality feedback that reduces rework and improves installation outcomes.
Visibility and Operating Requirements
VertiCAM’s dual redundant sensors provide consistent performance in low visibility. The LiDAR system operates down to the onset of “zero” or “very low visibility,” as defined by ICAO Annex 3, Meteorological Service for International Air Navigation.
Heading accuracy of less than 1° requires features to be present on the structure.
Product Specifications
- Exterior sensor housings: IP67/IP68 housed.
- Pitch and roll required accuracy: Target 0.05°; minimum 0.1°.
- Pitch and roll required resolution: Target 0.01°; minimum 0.05°.
- Heading accuracy: Less than 1°, if structure features are present.
- Pitch and roll range: ±20°.
- Maximum vessel motion: ±10° pitch/roll, ±3 m heave, and 5°/s rate of rotation.
- Maximum offset from pile to sensors: 20 m for imagery; 50 m for LiDAR.
- Pile dimensional control information: Diameter ±3 mm; ovality 5%.
Discuss VertiCAM and your structure installation monitoring requirements with our team.