Method and apparatus for continuously determining the inclination and draft of a waterborne floating vessel to enable automatic loading of the vessel

摘要

Pressure sensors positioned at strategic points on a floating vessel below the surface of the water provide depth information to a shore based control computer via wireless telemetry. The pressure sensors provide continuous information regarding the draft and inclination of the vessel as it is being loaded. The depth information produced by the pressure signals is telemetered to the control computer via transmitting units positioned on the floating vessel and a shore based receiver. The control computer compares the information from the pressure sensors to desired loading characteristics for the vessel and controls the loading process by sending control signals to a loader controller to adjust the point of loading. The point of loading is maintained so as to keep the vessel within desired trim and draft limits. Loading ceases when a desired amount of material has been delivered into the barge or when the barge is at the desired draft in a level state.