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Environmental monitoring sensors and software

SeaDarQ

X-Band Radar Processing Unit with long range and high resolution

NORBIT SeaDarQ Oil Spill Detection Radar

Using a high resolution marine X-band radar, the NORBIT Aptomar SeaDarQ System can automatically detect and monitor oil spills on the ocean surface. Using a combination of fast update rates, high horizontal resolution and low detection limits, the SeaDarQ oil spill system meets industry best practices and is in use worldwide protecting the marine environment. Oil spills are detected automatically, and the advanced algorithms identify even the smallest spills and reduce false alarms to a minimum.

How does it work?

The OSD Radar Processor monitors capillary waves caused by wind over the ocean surface by detecting radar backscatter. Oil on the water suppresses these waves, resulting in reduced backscatter, which the system flags as a potential oil spill.

Once detected, the radar calculates the size, drift speed, and direction of the slick. It operates effectively in wind conditions between 2 and 12 m/s.

Combining OSD radar with an EO camera provides a superior solution, as each sensor compensates for the other’s limitations. Infrared cameras, cooled or uncooled, offer the most cost-efficient way to assess relative oil thickness.

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Environmental monitoring

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The NORBIT Aptomar SeaDarQ System uses high-resolution marine X-band radar to automatically detect and monitor oil spills on the ocean surface. By combining fast update rates, high horizontal resolution, and sensitive detection algorithms, the system can identify even the smallest spills while minimizing false alarms.

SeaDarQ works by analyzing radar backscatter from surface waves: oil dampens the capillary waves normally caused by wind, resulting in reduced backscatter that indicates a possible spill. The system then estimates the size, speed, and drift direction of the slick in real time.

The radar operates effectively in wind conditions between 2–12 m/s. NORBIT Aptomar recommends the use of the SECurus or SeaView camera stations, with a cooled Infrared sensor, to provide relative thickness measurement of oil slicks.

Features
  • Oil spill detection in low visibility and darkness
  • Fully automated with low false alarm rate
  • Range up to 4nm, based on radar height and weather conditions
  • Automatic detection with spill outline and area determination
  • Calculate the position, area and drift of the oil slick
  • Historical playback of potential and verified detections
  • Integrated with any camera system
  • Integrated with ENC map, AIS and ARPA targets
  • Tested and verified by NOFO and EMSA

Downloads

SeaDarQ Datasheet.pdf

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