Cost Effective Soft Material Conductivity, Temperature, and Depth (CTD) Sensors
Abstract
Conductivity (salinity), Temperature, and Depth (pressure) (CTD) are the fundamental scalars that oceanographers require to explain variability of oceanic processes. Today, a number of compact self-logging CTD systems (such as RBRbrevio3 and Seabird SBE 49) exist that accurately measure the seawater properties. These CTD sensors are configured such that transducers are mounted onto the outside of a waterproof chamber with various water-resistant seals. The electronics and batteries are located inside the waterproof chamber that is able to withstand large hydrostatic pressures. To withstand different magnitudes of ocean pressure, different materials are chosen for the chamber housing material, including titanium alloys for deep ocean deployment and poly(vinyl chloride) material for shallow waters. Systems are designed around the rigid cylindrical pressure chambers, which cannot easily be modified into alternative forms. Currently, CTD systems are relatively expensive, where expense is associated with sensor accuracy, resolution, duration, storage, and waterproof chamber. Furthermore, traditional CTD sensors are prone to marine biofouling, which greatly reduces the in situ operational use.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 02, 2023
- Accession Number
- AD1202701
Entities
People
- Leslie H. Hamilton
Organizations
- Johns Hopkins University