Miros - Remote Wave Monitoring and Oil Spill Detection Technology

Miros is a world-leading supplier of remote sensing equipment for marine and offshore industries. Our main business areas are wave and water level monitoring, oil spill detection and met-ocean systems. We develop, manufacture and deliver sensors, systems and services within these areas.

Since 1984, Miros has had close co-operation with clients in the offshore and marine industries in developing advanced sensors and systems. These are in use on the majority of the Norwegian offshore oil and gas platforms, as well as on numerous international offshore and marine installations.

Miros is registered with both Achilles and First Point Assessment (FPAL) and is a member of Norwegian Marine Exporters (NME) and the Norwegian Oil Spill Control Association (NOSCA).

Wave and current radar

The Miros SM-050 wave and current radar Mk III is a purpose-built pulse Doppler radar system, designed for real-time measurement of directional ocean waves and surface current. SM-050 is available for onshore locations, for fixed and floating platforms, FPSOs or vessels on location.

The SM-050 wave and current radar is a unique high-performance remote sensor for the measurement of directional wave spectra and surface current. It is the only sensor in the world that utilises dual footprint pulse Doppler method for wave measurements, and microwave dual-frequency method for measuring surface current.

The SM-050 wave and current radar, originally developed in the early 1980s, is based on proven technology. It has been thoroughly tested and kept continuously updated to meet the latest requirements.

The present MkIII version encompasses a new digital signal processor and upgraded cabinet, improving the performance and reliability of the radar. The software is, in addition, totally redesigned with improved algorithms and user interface.

Wave monitoring system

The WAVEX wave monitoring system uses the back-scattered sea clutter images from marine X-band (3cm) radars to provide directional wave and surface current data. Standard marine X-band radar is used as signal input. At night you don't see the waves - WAVEX does!

WAVEX is a tool especially designed for wave monitoring from ships in transit or from an onshore location. It is a very useful tool, which gives information about the actual wave parameters in the area at operator-selected intervals down to every 2min.

Water level sensors

The Miros SM-094 range finder is an accurate sensor for measuring distance to water. The sensor is highly accurate and differentiates between water and water spray. It is available in several versions covering various applications, and with measurement ranges from 1.10m up to 3.85m.

It is supplied with a software package, providing non-directional wave spectrum and wave parameters. Typical applications include:

• Tide monitoring
• Bridge clearance monitoring
• Air gap monitoring
• Subsidence monitoring

Oil spill detection system

Minimising damage and cost from oil spills requires systems and procedures to be present when the incident occurs. The Miros oil spill detection (OSD) system offers key functionality for oil detection and recovery.

Miros offers a radar-based OSD solution which is thoroughly tested in oil-on-water exercises. It has successfully supported response operations in real oil spill incidents. Miros OSD has a rapidly growing base of installations around the world.

The Miros OSD system utilises a standard marine X-band radar and advanced image processing algorithms for the detection of oil spill. The system can detect and track oil spills in complete darkness, enabling 24hr recovery and surveillance operations. Oil spill response times are decreased, the efficiency of clean-up operations is increased, and the extent of environmental impact reduced.

Met-ocean systems

Miros has extensive experience with met-ocean (meteorological and oceanographical) systems and can supply and integrate any required sensor into its systems. Modular Miros systems are delivered with software and displays tailored to individual operator needs. Miros provides users with real-time and historic data to support:

• Weather forecasting
• Helicopter operations
• Marine operations
• Crane operations
• Metar and synoptic reporting
• Climatological analysis

Offshore and marine installation service and support

Miros has experienced personnel for supporting and servicing offshore and marine installations. We offer a range of services, including long-term support and service contracts, periodic maintenance of sensors and systems, repair, overhaul and calibration services for all our systems and sensors, ad hoc service and support on site, or by phone and email, and standard training courses.