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CTD Instruments and Environmental Sensors
CTD instruments are a commonly used oceanographer’s tool, providing detailed profile and time-series data on the measured parameters; Conductivity, Temperature and Pressure, but more particularly the calculated values of Salinity, Density and Sound Velocity.
Valeport offers a selection of instruments including plug-in sensors for OEM applications, hand-held systems, devices for long term monitoring at fixed sites, and multiparameter profiling systems for deep ocean applications.
All Valeport CTDs use their proprietary inductive Conductivity sensors. Digital sampling techniques ensure high accuracy, and the unique construction gives sensor stability at any depth. Temperature is always measured with a fast response PRT (Platinum Resistance Thermometer), and instruments also use industry standard strain gauge or resonant quartz pressure sensors.
Valeport have range of products for Environmental Monitoring applications. Integrated versions of these sensors into multi-parameter profilers are covered with SWiFTplus, fastCTD and rapidPro CTD.
miniCT
Consistent performance and stability under extreme pressure come as standard with the miniCT probe.
Valeport’s latest direct reading Conductivity and Temperature sensor features digital sampling techniques and high strength construction methods. 500m acetal and 6000m titanium versions available, both with RS232 or addressable RS485 data outputs as standard.
rapidPro CTD
The rapidPro CTD has been developed for the rapid collection of conductivity, temperature (Thermistor) and depth without compromising the quality of the data. Now further developed with a new optimized shape and removable ProLogger module that combines a rechargeable lithium ion battery, data logger, GPS receiver and Bluetooth comms.
The rapidPro CTDplus gives access to a number of optical sensor parameters based on the Hyperion range in addition to CTD.
Optionally, the rapidPro CTD is designed to operate with the Teledyne OceanScience rapidCAST underway profiling winch to deliver the highest quality CTD and optional optical parameter casts on the move. While the vessel is underway profiles of up to 450m at 6 knots are expected.
MIDAS CTD
The MIDAS CTD is Valeport's premier CTD Profiler. High accuracy sensors (including ±0.01% pressure) and robust titanium design allow reliable operation to 6000m depth, under the harshest conditions.
MIDAS CTD also features truly synchronised sampling to ensure that all sensors are sampled at exactly the same point during a profile. Primarily for use as a self recording profiler, the MIDAS CTD also has a range of communications options for real-time use, and the low power consumption and large memory also make it suitable for longer-term deployments.The MIDAS CTD is fitted with Valeport’s high stability conductivity sensor, a high accuracy temperature compensated piezoresistive pressure transducer, and a fast response PRT temperature sensor.
MIDAS CTD+
Perfect for both profiling or fixed mooring applications, the MIDAS CTD+ is a revolutionary Multiparameter CTD with a wide choice of standard sensors.
Featuring Valeport’s latest 400 Series electronics, the CTD+ will sample all fitted sensors at exactly the same instant, at up to 8Hz. Advanced setup software allows a variety of sampling regimes including burst modes, delay starts and conditional sampling. Available with up to 64Mbyte memory and internal battery pack, as well as a selection of real-time output formats, the CTD+ may be used with Valeport’s own water bottle carousel.
fastCTD Plus Turbidity Profiler
An evolution of the miniCTD, the fastCTDplus multi-parameter profiler is designed to deliver the highest quality CTD and Turbidity observations at fast drop rates.
A conductivity cell designed for optimum flow-through, a fast-response thermistor temperature sensor and 0.01% pressure sensor together with a combined nephelometer and OBS turbidity sensor, all synchronously sampling at up to 32Hz to deliver the highest quality profiles in a lightweight and robust package.
Hyperion Turbidity
Valeport’s Hyperion Turbidity sensor delivers high-performance measurements of turbidity, in a compact & robust package ideal as a standalone sensor, for ROV and AUV integration or used as part of a multi-sensor array and data logger.
Hyperion Turbidity is essentially two sensors in one. The first is a “classic” turbidity sensor, a nephelometer that uses a 90° beam angle, for low turbidity levels (0 to 1,000 NTU). The second, for high turbidity levels (1,000 to 6,000 NTU), uses an Optical Backscatter (OBS) arrangement (~120° beam angle). Intelligent sampling and use of a 24 bit ADC eliminates the need to gain switch at higher turbidity levels.
The optical head is very compact – measuring just 20mm in diameter and with a full ocean depth rating lends itself to OEM type solutions. Offered as standard in a 6000m depth rated, titanium housing the Hyperion Fluorometer has a wide range (9-30V DC) isolated power supply, data output up to 16Hz and RS232 communications.
Hyperion Series - Multiparameter Logging Instruments
Valeport’s Hyperion sensors deliver high-performance measurements in a compact & robust package ideal as a standalone sensor, for ROV and AUV integration or used as part of a multi-sensor array and data logger.
Offered as standard in a 6000m depth rated, titanium housing Hyperion instruments have a wide range (9-28V DC) isolated power supply, data output up to 16Hz and RS232, RS485 and Modbus communications.
Hyperion series instruments can be supplied in a more rugged form that includes Acetal protection rings, a shaped anti-snag connector cover and a Kevlar weave protected cable.
Hyperion Chlorophyll a
fastCTDplus Series - Multi-Parameter Profiling Instruments
An evolution of the miniCTD, the fastCTDplus multi-parameter profiler is designed to deliver the highest quality observations at fast drop rates.
A conductivity cell designed for optimum flow-through, a fast-response thermistor temperature sensor and 0.01% pressure sensor together with different parameter measurement sensors, all synchronously sampling at up to 32Hz to deliver the highest quality profiles in a lightweight and robust package.
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fastCTDplus Chlorophyll a
fastCTDplus Fluorescein
miniCTD DR – Direct Reading CTD
The miniCTD – DR is an adaptation of the miniCTD. It has been optimised for ROV operations with a direct reading interface only and no internal battery or logging capability. It provides a simple, cost-effective tool for the collection of CTD Profiles, without compromising the quality of the data.
The miniCTD - DR is fitted with Valeport’s unique digital, high stability conductivity sensor, a PRT temperature sensor, and strain gauge pressure transducer. In addition to the measured parameters listed, Salinity and density values are also calculated by the software.
fastCTD Profiler
The fastCTD Profiler offers a unique and versatile package designed to deliver the highest quality CTD casts at rapid drop rates. An evolution of the miniCTD, it has a conductivity cell designed for optimum flow-through, a fast response thermistor temperature sensor and a 0.01% pressure sensor synchronously sampling at 32Hz deliver the highest quality profiles in a lightweight and robust package. The package is completed with an integral fluorometer based on Valeport’s new Hyperion range and optional Bluetooth communications module.
The instrument is designed to operate autonomously. Setup and data extraction can be performed using a SubConn connector or via an optional Bluetooth connection with a PC. Multiple profiles can be recorded in the instrument by switching it on then off using the connector switch plug or magnetic switch key for Bluetooth operation. Bluetooth auto-pairing and discovery make connecting to the instrument simple and robust. The instrument can also operate in real time or cabled comms. Supplied with a traditional SubConn connector with a choice of communication protocols fitted as standard and selected by pin choice on the output connector:
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miniCTD Profiler
The miniCTD has been developed to provide a cost-effective tool for the collection of CTD Profiles, without compromising the quality of the data. Ideally suited to ROV, coastal, or small boat applications, the miniCTD will appeal to survey companies, military and academia alike, being both simple to use and easy to handle. The miniCTD is fitted with Valeport’s unique digital, high stability conductivity sensor, a PRT temperature sensor, and strain gauge pressure transducer. In addition to the measured parameters listed, Salinity and Density values are also calculated by the software.
SWIFT CTD Profiler
Enhanced accuracy for CTD measurements
The benefits of SWiFT include survey-grade sensor technology coupled with the convenience of Bluetooth® wireless technology, rechargeable battery and an integral GPS module to geo-locate each profile.
Ease of Use
The SWiFT CTD eliminates problematic battery changes, delivers fully-automated data transfer with no user input required, andfeatures Valeport’s signature SWiFT magnetic switch ring. The switching ring is easy to operate even with cold hands, it simply turns through 90 degrees and reassuringly clicks into position. The end cap features user-friendly LED indications for operational status, GPS, battery and Bluetooth® wireless technology.
Enhanced accuracy
Using Valeport’s world-leading high accuracy sensor technology to combine sensors for multiple profiles in a single drop, the SWiFT CTD features a new fast response temperature probe and operates down to 500m as standard, delivering directly measured Conductivity, Temperature and Depth. In addition, the SWiFT CTD will provide computed Salinity, Density and Sound Velocity.
Versatility
With an operational battery life of up to five days and convenient USB charging, the SWiFT CTD is intended for offshore, coastal, harbour and inland environmental and hydrographic survey use.
Robust and portable
Constructed from titanium to provide unmatched durability, the CTD sensors are housed in a strong acetal protective cage. An optional deployment cage is also available to bolt onto the instrument to secure additional weight and so help the SWiFT CTD get to depth in fast-flowing currents.
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