Engineering Polyurethane Excellence

Hyperlast® protects award winning fishing surveillance system

The design award winning Simrad P130 purse seine information system uses Hyperlast® polyurethane to protect the sensors against shock and abrasion.

Extreme forces are encountered in any commercial fishing operation, and the new shock absorbing, abrasive resistant Hyperlast® polyurethane, meets all the exacting Simrad requirements, plus achieving the prestigious Norwegian 'Award for Design Excellence'.

The polyurethane sensor body is designed to withstand the extreme forces experienced in the setting and hauling of a purse seine net, plus incorporating delicate data collection, transmission electronics, and a long life battery.

Subsea shock absorption, and abrasion resistance are essential for the sensor to work properly. Simrad, the world leaders in marine instrumentation, worked closely with Hyperlast engineers to design the body and mould, and to meet the demanding requirements of deep-sea fishing, with its harsh and often, unfriendly environment.
Another requirement was for the sensors to be highly visible in poor conditions - this was achieved by incorporating high visibility pigmentation.

Purse seine sensors are fitted to the lower part of the net, which can vary in size, from sardine to large tuna. The sensor detects the depth and location of the net, allowing the fishermen to position it correctly for the fish, and to avoid collision with the seabed, and subsequent net damage. The sensors transmit the data to the fishing boat, allowing the fisherman to start pursing at the right moment, and at the right speed. It detects the net sink rate and progress, and the water temperature layers - all integral with achieving a good 'catch'.

Kjell Ramberg, Product Manager, Trawl Instrumentation, Simrad AS, says "Hyperlast worked very closely with us in developing the P130 Sensor. Their philosophy of innovation and engineering design in new products and markets is very important to us. Simrad are world leaders in marine electronic, navigation and safety systems, and for us to keep in the forefront of our industry, we are pleased to have the support of the Hyperlast engineers and technical support staff".