The SWiFT CTD: Technology and Innovation Simplifying CTD Data Collection

Oceanographers have relied on CTD devices for decades, as differences in salinity, temperature and depth are recognized as the primary parameters distinguishing water masses.

What is probably the most commonly used instrument by oceanographers, has now been evolved to make it not only easier to use, but also to deliver direct measurements for those requiring measured Conductivity, Temperature and Depth data.

Valeport introduced the new SWiFT CTD in 2021 in response to market demand, and it is the next generation in the SWiFT profiler range which provides survey-grade sensor technology coupled with the convenience of Bluetooth^® wireless technology, rechargeable battery, and an integral GPS module to geo-locate each profile.

Ease of use is at the heart of the SWiFT range and every profile the SWiFT CTD produces is time-stamped and geo-located without the user having to log positions manually or cross-reference with another GPS source. The SWiFT CTD makes any problematic battery changes a thing of the past as there is no need to open the instrument to replace the battery. The easily rechargeable battery can provide up to five days operations fully charged and a one-hour fast charge will typically give 12 hours operation. Delivering fully automated data transfer with no user input required, the SWiFT CTD features Valeport’s signature SWiFT magnetic switch ring. The switch ring is easy to operate even with cold or gloved hands, it simply turns through 90 degrees and reassuringly clicks into position. The end cap features user-friendly LED status indications for operational status, GPS, battery, and Bluetooth communications.

With Bluetooth connectivity the SWiFT CTD doesn’t need to be plugged into a cable to be configured or to download data, instead data can be quickly and easily downloaded wirelessly, and uses Valeport’s new Ocean software Windows and Connect Pathway Edition for iOS and Android. The CTD data can then be easily instantly shared in industry standard data formats.

High Performance, High Precision

Using Valeport’s world-leading high accuracy sensor technology to combine sensors for multiple profiles in a single drop, the SWiFT CTD features a new temperature compensated piezo-resistive pressure transducer and a new fast response thermistor temperature sensor. It operates down to 500m as standard, delivering directly measured Conductivity, Temperature and Depth.

In addition to the directly measured CTD, it delivers computed Salinity, Density and Sound Velocity which is calculated using the UNESCO international standard algorithm and the Chen and Millero equation, delivering highly accurate data.

With an operational battery life of up to five days and the convenience of charge via USB, the SWiFT CTD is intended for offshore, coastal, harbor and inland environmental and hydrographic survey use. The SWiFT CTD is an ideal partner for ASV/USVs where profiled parameters are needed with quick data transfer via Bluetooth.

The SWiFT CTD is robust. It is constructed from titanium to provide unrivalled durability and for its corrosion resistant properties in salt water. The conductivity sensor with its ceramic core is housed in a strong acetal protective cage, addressing traditional concerns sometimes levelled at the fragility of CTD profilers to withstand deployment in harsh conditions. An additional deployment cage is also available to bolt onto the instrument to secure additional weight and so help the SWiFT CTD get to depth in fast-flowing currents.

Easily portable the SWiFT CTD measures ø78mm x length 350mm, weighs just 2.7kg (in air) / 1.65kg (in water) and is supplied in a durable system transit case, with PC Bluetooth adapter, USB interface and charging cable, Valeport Ocean software and the operating manual.

Taking SWiFT to new depths

More recently, Valeport has introduced the SWiFT CTDplus Turbidity, a new addition to the SWiFT family. The CTDplus version is currently only available with Turbidity at present and combines CTD measurements and Turbidity observations, in addition to providing computed Salinity, Density and Sound Velocity. Valeport’s Research & Development team are continually working to evolve the SWiFT range of profilers.

The SWiFT profiler range is designed with the intention of a seamless workflow at its core. Common to all the SWiFT profilers is the high accuracy sensor technology which has been combined with Bluetooth wireless technology, a rechargeable battery, and an integral GPS. The Valeport R&D team created the new CTD profiler to integrate direct CTD readings with these SWiFT features to deliver the benefits of reliability and ease of use which are consistent across the whole SWiFT range.

Hundreds of SWiFT profilers are now in operation across the globe in 40 different countries and used by customers in the oceanographic and scientific communities and in industries such as dredging.

The SWiFT portfolio of environmental sensors currently includes: the new SWiFT CTD and SWiFT CTDplus Turbidity, the SWiFT SVP, as well as the SWIFT SVPplus enhanced with the following multi-parameter options: SWiFT SVPplus Turbidity, SWiFT SVPplus Chlorophyll a, SWiFT SVPplus Rhodamine, SWiFT SVPplus Fluorescein, SWiFT SVPplus Phycocyanin.

Technology you can trust

Valeport is a British manufacturer of hydrographic, oceanographic, and hydrometric instrumentation which includes: CTD & Environmental, Current, Echosounders & Bathymetry, Sound Velocity and Tide Gauges.

Valeport technology is selected by leading subsea, hydrographic, hydrometric, metrological & positioning, oceanographic, ports, harbors & dredging, renewable energy, and scientific research organizations worldwide by visiting: www.valeport.co.uk

This story was originally featured in ON&T Magazine's October 2021 issue. Click here to read more.