The safe navigation of ships in challenging marine environments is a testament to the skill of the crew and the performance of the equipment they use. In offshore applications, the ambient environment can become hugely unpredictable, with wildly fluctuating temperature, humidity and vibration. This puts instrumentation and automation equipment under extreme duress, at a time when the performance of such systems is most critical to operators.
Fortunately, mandatory marine type approval exists to ensure that safety-critical apparatus installed on any classified vessel is fit for the task at hand. The stringent UR-E10 test specification from the International Association of Classification Societies, for example, provides strict criteria for the test requirements for electrical, electronic and programmable equipment intended for control, monitoring, alarm and protection systems for use in ships and other offshore applications.
At its heart, UR-E10 demonstrates the ability of equipment to function as intended under specified testing conditions - which is a comforting thought in marine and other offshore environments, no doubt, as the waves swell and the weather closes in.
Designing for stringent standards
For equipment suppliers, meeting the requirements of UR-E10 is a result of considered design at every stage of the product development process, with engineers working hard to ensure that equipment meets strict electrical, Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) and environmental performance expectations. For UR-E10, specifically, there are a whole host of multi-point tests covering varied aspects of performance including an external power supply failure test, Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) and surge immunity, dry and damp heat, vibration and flame retardancy, to name but a few.
Achieving marine certification is, therefore, no mean feat. That’s why here at Parker, we are pleased to announce that the Pro Display 10 human-machine interface has now achieved UR-E10 and also fulfills Electromagnetic Comapatility (EMC) requirements for installations in general power distribution zones providing customers with a space-saving, cost-effective and reliable Human Machine Interface (HMI) solution for marine and other offshore applications.
As well as guaranteeing performance in the harshest conditions, the Pro Display 10 comes with a full set of functions to support marine crews. The rugged 10-inch display module features multi-touch capability for ease of operation, even in the roughest of seas. The touchscreen interface enables rapid and accurate interaction with the display’s apps, although the platform can also be controlled using remote buttons or a pulse wheel if preferred.
Furthermore, the use of in-plane switching (IPS) screen technology results in crystal clear images with impressive colour reproduction from wide viewing angles – a particularly important consideration in the highly variable light conditions that may be encountered in marine environments.
Intuitive software delivers results
In terms of software development, Pro Display is an app-based platform and provides tools for fast and advanced application development. Parker’s UX Toolkit enables better usability for customer HMI applications, by bringing modern features such as dynamic user interface, fluid UI animations, and easy-to-use and intelligent data management. With Pro Display, marine customers can deploy customized HMI functions such as machine functionality, diagnostics, data monitoring and visualization and work management.
Moreover, Pro Display 10 can be a central HMI unit in a system or serve as a stand-alone display. A wide variety of communication interfaces supports versatile use within marine applications. For example, four CAN buses and Ethernet support communication for various systems in the application. Besides the two analog camera interfaces, a number of IP-cameras can also be connected to via Ethernet switch or a WLAN access point.
Meeting marine and offshore expectations
The result, then, is a product that performs at the highest levels in the harshest conditions. And that’s what marine crews and offshore operators demand as they combine their skills and experience with cutting-edge technology to ensure safety at sea.
Learn more about Parker Pro Display HMI solutions.
This article was contributed to by Mikko Konttila, Mobile Hydraulic Systems Division Europe, Electronic Controls Business Unit Parker Hannifin Manufacturing Finland Oy.
Related articles:
How Does a Smart User Interface Improve Machine Efficiency?
Integrated ISOBUS Functions Help Agriculture Sector Plow Ahead