Multibeam Echosounder Helps Ports and Harbours Inspect Quay Walls and Vertical Structures

This case study highlights the benefits of using the NORBIT WINGHEAD i77h sonar for quay wall and vertical structure inspections in ports and harbours.

Key Features of the NORBIT WINGHEAD i77h

• Frequency agile 200-700kHz.
• 0.5 x 0.9°beam widths at 400kHz.
• HD beamformer provides 1024 beams per ping.
• High-performance integrated GNSS/INS systems.
• Integrated sound velocity and temperature sensor.
• Small form factor and low power consumption.
• Designed for rapid mobilization on any platform.
• Options are available with full motion stabilization (roll, pitch & yaw).
• Available with optional Lidar.

The NORBIT WINGHEAD® is the most compact ultra-high resolution Multibeam survey system currently available. All components fit in a single pelican case that meets airline baggage requirements:

• NORBIT WINGHEAD® i77h sonar with integrated IMU
• GNSS antennas
• Topside unit
• Sonar and antenna cables
• Optional sound velocity profiler
• Optional Lidar

NORBIT’s curved array technology allows beams to be steered electronically without physically rotating the sonar. With conventional Multibeam systems, beam width resolution degrades significantly as the beam steering angle increases away from the nadir. With curved arrays, beam spreading is significantly less, which makes the NORBIT WINGHEAD ideal for quay wall inspection work where high resolution is required.

The Multibeam can be combined with the optional NORBIT iLiDAR to obtain a complete picture of the infrastructure above and below the waterline. This provides context for the Multibeam data and aids the interpretation of the results.

The NORBIT WINGHEAD generates up to 1024 accurate beams per ping, providing ultra-high sounding density on the quay wall, which is essential for reliable inspection work.

Rocks that have fallen from the quayside into the water are detected in the Lidar and Multibeam data.

The WINGHEAD offers 0.5x0.9°beams at 400kHz, providing extremely high-resolution data which enables the detection of tires and small objects, such as tree branches and ropes.