Ni-CDS
Sistema No Intrusivo de Detección de Cavitación
Detección y cuantificación de cavitación en operación, sin intervención estructural.
What it is?
The Ni-CDS (Non-Intrusive Cavitation Detection System) is a continuous monitoring solution that identifies and quantifies cavitation in propellers by analyzing the vibrations transmitted to the hull. It uses accelerometers and a tachometer signal to evaluate and quantify cavitation based on the ship’s calibration parameters. The system enables continuous monitoring, data logging, and signal outputs for integration with external systems.
Based on a proprietary algorithm developed and patented by TSI, the system transforms a complex hydrodynamic phenomenon into a quantifiable operational parameter in real time.
An integrated hardware and software solution, developed entirely in Spain by Técnicas y Servicios de Ingeniería.
Made in Spain
Developed by TSI in Spain: engineering, integration, and technical support.
Cavitation is NO LONGER invisible
Cavitation in propellers:
- Produces underwater radiated noise (URN).
- Reduces propulsion efficiency.
- Generates structural vibrations.
- Increases the risk of premature damage.
- Has prompted growing regulatory attention.
Traditional methodologies:
- Require specific tests.
- Do not allow for continuous monitoring.
- Do not provide real-time operational indicators.
- Are not easily integrated into ship operations.
In a context of increasing regulatory focus on URN, cavitation is shifting from a phenomenon that is difficult to quantify to a parameter that should be monitored and managed.
The Solution: Ni-CDS System
Ni-CDS is a non-intrusive system that allows you to:
- Monitor 1 or 2 axes using 1 to 3 accelerometers and a tachometer signal per axis. The accelerometers are mounted internally on the housing without the need for drilling.
- Integrate an inductive or optical tachometer, a digital RPM signal via Modbus, or an analog signal for each axis.
- Record operating variables of the vessel of interest via analog inputs (−10V to 10V), Modbus TCP, or manual input.
- Provide 4–20 mA outputs with calculated values and alarm signals (e.g., RPM, cavitation level, alarm status).
- Record and export data and configurations for post-processing and traceability.
Based on structural vibration, advanced data acquisition and processing algorithms, the system enables the transformation of cavitation into a quantifiable operational parameter.
Request a personalized technical demo
We analyze your vessel type and show you how to measure and quantify cavitation during actual operation, without any structural modifications.
More information
Technical specifications
Non-intrusive system with vibration sensors mounted on the hull.
- Configurable architecture for 1 or 2 shafts.
- Standalone operation or integration with ship systems via Modbus TCP.
- Cavitation status monitoring based on calibration and active settings, enabling use across ship fleets or under various operating conditions.
- Easy calibration, which can be performed by the crew.
- Display on the bridge and in the engine room.
- 4–20 mA analog outputs for alarms, cavitation level, and calculated variables.
Recording of raw data from accelerometers and tachometers, and export and import of configurations and measurements..
Benefits of Ni-CDS
What are the benefits?
Extending the service life of components affected by cavitation.
Optimizing propeller usage.
More savings. More efficiency. Less investment.
A cost-effective solution that is quick to implement and easy to recoup the investment. A highly profitable system.
Direct impact on operations:
- Clear cavitation percentage indicator.
- Can be integrated into ship systems.
- Continuous monitoring.
Competitive advantage and regulatory compliance:
- Preparation for future URN regulations.
- Documentation support for environmental requirements.
- Optimization of propulsion operations..
Identification and monitoring of cavitation severity.
Identification of undesirable operating conditions.
Monitoring the ship's “acoustic signature.”
Reduction of noise and vibration levels on the ship.
Silent modes on Navy ships and submarines.
Mejora del rendimiento propulsivo del buque.
How the Ni-CDS System Works
Installation, calibration, and continuous monitoring without structural modifications.
INSTALLATION
Quick and non-intrusive installation on board.
- No drilling or structural modifications required.
- Installation of accelerometers on the shaft line.
- No need to enter dry dock.
- Optional integration via Modbus TCP.
CALIBRATION
Settings tailored to the specific behaviour of the vessel.
- Initial functional check.
- Generation of cavitation curve.
- Activation in manual or automatic mode.
- Calibration using RPM steps.
CONTINUOUS MONITORING
Continuous real-time cavitation analysis.
-
-
- Continuous recording of vibration signals.
- Automatic detection of cavitation onset.
- Spectral monitoring and trend analysis.
- Historical data for subsequent analysis.
-
Ni-CDS User Interface
The Ni-CDS user interface is intuitive and easy to use. It provides quick access to data, enabling efficient and safe vessel operation. The main tabs in the Ni-CDS system are:
Performance Monitoring:
Cavitation status indicators are displayed, including a visual alarm, a map of cavitation conditions, and the recent temporal evolution of cavitation.
Statistics:
The display shows historical cavitation data, the progression of cavitation under a specific operating condition, and the ship’s track as determined by GPS.
Advanced:
It displays historical data recorded by the system and useful graphs related to the cavitation estimation algorithm. It also includes visualizations of calibration parameters.
Settings:
It allows you to configure the sensors, vessel characteristics, and data acquisition/storage logic using an intuitive and user-friendly interface.
System Specifications
Hardware + Software
- Continuous monitoring via accelerometers and tachometer (signal provided by the vessel, optional).
- Data acquisition card: Resolution of +/- 30 V and 24 bits.
- Sampling rate for accelerometers: 102.4 kHz per channel.
- Remote access via Ethernet
- Cavitation level updates every second.
- Power consumption: <40W.
- Two displays: control room and bridge.
- Viewing from different locations: control room and bridge.
Validated in full-scale tests during vessel navigation:
Experimentally validated by means of full-scale tests during the navigation of different types of ships, as well as in Cavitation Tunne.
Note: The cavitation indicators of each vessel do not correspond to their images.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions If you have any additional questions you can contact us:
Should holes be drilled in the hull for installation?
Ni-CDS is a NON-intrusive, easy to install system. No drilling is required for installation.
How can I integrate the system into my ship command platform?
The Ni-CDS system has optional analog and digital outputs that allow it to be connected to any control platform: – MODBUS TCP: publication of all variables of interest on a MODBUS map that can be accessed from the command platform via Ethernet connection. – Analog outputs: current/voltage outputs equivalent to variables of interest. Display of cavitation indicators and other variables on analog clocks or by means of light signals.
Is technical support required for installation and calibration?
Technical support is required to install the device. Subsequent calibrations can be done by the ship’s operators without any problem.
If I am not an expert, can I use it?
The Ni-CDS design is intuitive and easy to use. No prior knowledge is required. Our technicians will give you a brief tour of the system once you are up and running.
How many sensors are needed?
Depending on whether the system consists of one or two propellers, between 7 and 14 sensors are required.
What is the delivery time once the order is placed?
See the different options we have available.
Download the PDF brochure
Get the document in full resolution PDF.
Datasheet
See Ni-CDS technical specifications.
Learn more about Ni-CDS
If you would like more information, you can request a no-obligation meeting. Click on the “I WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT NI-CDS” button to be contacted by our sales department, or call our offices.
