Liquid level gauge for measuring ballast tanks
The MOL liquid level gauge for ballast tanks
Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL) and Japanese company Musashino have jointly developed a portable liquid-level gauge for vessel ballast tanks.
The gauge, claimed to be the first such instrument on the market, measures the level of ballast water (seawater) in a tank by dropping a portable measuring tube into the tank's sounding tube. A sensor detects air pressure changes in the tube and measures the ballast water level.
According to MOL, conventional measurement using a sounding tape is complex and time-consuming, requiring several crew members. Use of this new liquid-level gauge makes it quick and easy to check the levels of many ballast tanks, improving efficiency and enhancing the safety of loading/discharging operations.
In order to prevent air from entering the ballast pump during the final stages of discharging ballast water, MOL says that it is essential to measure the level of ballast water remaining in the tank.
The gauge’s main unit is easily portable thanks to its compact size (35cm x 33cm x 23cm) and light weight (about 5kg). Each measurement takes around 10s to 15s. The gauge can be used on nearly all vessels, and is connected via a one-touch connection to the ship's air compressor system. Electrical power is provided via an internal 9V battery, with auto-off function to maximise battery life. Measurements are displayed in digital format. The pressure sensor automatically adjusts for changes in temperature and atmospheric pressure.
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