Morgan Technical Ceramics (MTC) has won a major order to design and supply hydrophones for sub-sea sensing to Tianjing High Sea Acoustic in China. Following successful trials of its products, the leading ceramic component designer and manufacturer will be supplying production volumes.
Tianjing High Sea Acoustic wanted a more cost effective hydrophone with better acoustic performance. The company approached MTC for its engineering expertise and the technical support it offered.
Morgan Technical Ceramics first designed a prototype for the new hydrophone using a carefully selected grade of its specialist piezoelectric ceramics, with the aim of simplifying the design while improving the acoustic response of the hydrophone. Results of tests carried out in 2010 have been excellent and the materials specialist has secured this prestigious order.
"We are pleased to be working with Tianjing High Sea Acoustic to supply them with the full assembly for the hydrophone," says Jon Mould, actuator business manager, Morgan Technical Ceramics. "One of our strengths is being able to work closely with our clients, developing customised transducers to offer a total solution, from initial concept design to manufacture."
"One of the design improvements in the new hydrophone was a flexible cable to reduce stress on the wiring during use," says Robin Dou, general manager, Tianjing High Sea Acoustic. "This has immediately improved the robustness of the product and increased its service lifetime. Morgan Technical Ceramics has proved the product meets all our specifications and is able to produce consistently in high volume for the Chinese market."
The hydrophones will be installed in a line of 10,000 units which are then submerged in the deep sea to listen to vibrations. The piezoelectric ceramic components and transducers are an essential part of sonar systems used to detect underwater objects and assist in underwater navigation. The piezoelectric ceramic material is used to generate the sound wave and also receive the returning sound wave, converting it back into an electrical signal.
Morgan Technical Ceramics' piezoelectric ceramic materials are ideal for transducers as they are highly versatile, durable and stable even in difficult operating conditions, providing a high degree of accuracy for sub-sea detecting and sensing. The materials provide high sensitivity to give reliable operating performance, which is critical for commercial and defence applications.