ADCP's Application to Ocean Current Measurement in the Port of Killybegs

1. Where is the Port of Killybegs?

The Port of Killybegs is situated in County Donegal, Ireland. This is a significant fishing port and also forms one of the major maritime facilities situated along the west coast of Ireland.

Port Scale and Throughput

Killybegs port is famous for its large-scale fishing. It has a high volume of fishing vessels and catches passing through it. The port undertakes other cargo to some extent, comprising supplies for the fishing fleet and some local trade goods. The backbone of its economic activity is the fishing industry, with a considerable number of trawlers and fishing boats operating from here.

Routes and Business

In terms of shipping routes, it is well - connected to other ports along the Irish coast and has some international connections related to the fishing trade. The main business of the port is fishing, with fish processing and distribution being important components. It also provides services such as boat repair and maintenance for the fishing vessels. Additionally, there is some trade in fishing - related equipment and supplies.

Port Management and Operation

The port management is geared to support the fishing activities. Berthing arrangements are made in order to berth the fishing fleet without inconvenience. There are strict safety and quality control measures regarding the handling of fish catches and the well-being of the fishermen. The port also looks after its infrastructure to ensure the constant operation of the fishing boats.

Port Facilities

The port has great facilities for the fishing industry. It has a large number of berths to dock the fishing vessels. There are extensive fish - handling and processing areas, including cold storage facilities to preserve the freshness of the catches. It also has equipment for loading and unloading fish and other supplies, such as cranes and forklifts.

Channel and Direct Shipping

The channel of the port is kept up so that the fishing boats can pass through it safely. For maintaining the depth of water in which the vessels can easily operate, dredging is done on a routine basis. It has direct links with other ports through which fish and fishing material are transported.

2. Why should we measure the ocean currents in the Port of Killybegs?

Measuring ocean currents in the Port of Killybegs is very important. First, for the safety of the fishing fleet, it is important to have accurate current data. The fishing boats have to safely navigate in and out of the port. Unpredictable currents can pose a great risk to these boats, especially when they are loaded with a heavy catch. With accurate current measurements, the port would be in a better position to give navigational advice to the fishermen to minimize accidents and ensure their safety while on the sea.

Second, current measurements are among the most important aspects for effective port operations. Currents can interfere with proper docking and loading/unloading processes of the fishing vessels. For instance, having a strong current will render it difficult to position a boat accurately during docking. With reliable current data, the port can optimize these operations to make the best use of its berthing space.

Understanding ocean currents also means monitoring the health of the local marine ecosystem from an environmental perspective. Currents are also influencing the distribution of nutrients, fish larvae, and other biological elements. The measurements of the currents would help the port make further contributions to a better understanding and conservation of the marine environment around the port. Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP) allows one to measure these currents in a more advanced and convenient way than traditional methods.

3. How do ADCPs using the principle of Doppler work?

ADCPs work on the principle of Doppler. They send out acoustic signals into the water. These signals scatter off the moving particles in the water, mostly suspended sediments or small organisms. When the acoustic signals are reflected back to the ADCP profiler, a frequency shift occurs because of the Doppler effect. The ADCP measures the frequency shift and calculates the velocity of the water particles, which in turn gives the velocity of the ocean current.

Ship-borne ADCP

Ship-borne ADCPs can be fitted on the fishing boats. While the boat navigates in the surroundings of the port and waters, the ADCP current meter sends acoustic pulses in various directions, normally downwards and sideways. The current velocity at different depths, as the boat travels, is measured by the device. A very detailed profile of the current conditions along the path traveled by the boat gives a comprehensive understanding of the current patterns in the areas covered by the boat.

Fixed ADCP

Fixed ADCPs can be installed at specific locations in the port, like on the seabed near the berths or at the entrance of the channel. These ADCPs continuously measure the current at a single point over an extended period. The data collected over time is crucial for understanding the long-term current characteristics in key areas of the port, such as the entrance of the channel or near the berths.

4. What’s needed for high-quality measurement of Killybegs port currents?

For high - quality measurement of ocean currents in the Port of Killybegs, the equipment should have reliable materials. Given the corrosive nature of seawater and potential physical damage from the marine environment, the device must be able to withstand these conditions. A small size, light weight, and low power consumption are also beneficial. A compact and lightweight ADCP current profiler is easier to install and operate, whether on a boat or at a fixed location. Low power consumption allows for continuous operation without frequent battery replacement or high energy demands. Cost-effectiveness is also a key factor to enable wide-scale deployment in the port.

ADCP flow meter shall be made from titanium alloy. Seawater titanium alloy boasts outstanding corrosion resistance, offering good protection against long-term damage in these environments. In addition, titanium has a high strength-to-weight ratio; it is strong yet durable, though not overly heavy. Finally, another major advantage of using the alloyed titanium is its biocompatibility, hence minimal environmental damage to marine life.

5. How to Choose the right equipment for current measurement?

The choice of the right equipment for current measurement in the Port of Killybegs depends on the specific requirements.

Ship-borne ADCP

This is suitable when a broad overview of the current conditions in different parts of the port is needed. While the boat sails around the port, the ship-borne ADCP can collect data from various locations, hence giving a wide-range view of the current patterns in the port waters.

Bottom-mounted (Sitting on the seabed) ADCP

An ideal form of ADCP flow meter with capabilities to study for long time at a fixed point. Long - term fixed-point monitoring ADCPs could be installed in appropriate strategic locations in a given port either near the entrance of a channel, in front of or after a bend, or right where some of its berths were going to be.

Buoy-mounted ADCPs are also useful in areas where it is not practical to install a fixed device on the seabed or on a boat; they can be deployed in open water areas within the port to measure the currents at different depths.

Regarding frequency selection, different frequencies are suitable for different water depths. A 600 kHz ADCP is appropriate for water depths up to 70 meters, a 300 kHz ADCP for depths up to 110 meters, and a 75 kHz ADCP for much deeper waters up to 1000 meters.

There are well-known ADCP brands like Teledyne RDI, Nortek, and Sontek. However, there is also a Chinese ADCP brand, China Sonar PandaADCP. It is made of all-titanium alloy material, which ensures its durability in the marine environment and offers an excellent cost-performance ratio. You can find more information on its website: (https://china-sonar.com/).

Here is a table with some well known ADCP instrument brands and models.