Portable Liquid-Level Gauge for Ballast Tanks

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines announced that MOL and Musashino Co. have jointly developed the word’s first portable liquid-level gauge for vessel ballast tanks. The gauge measures the level of ballast water in a tank by dropping a portable measuring tube into the sounding tube of the ballast tank. A sensor detects air pressure changes in the tube and quickly measures the ballast water level.

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.

Main features of the liquid-level gauge are:

• Seafarers can easily carry the gauge’s main unit thanks to its compact size (35cmW x 33cmH x 23cmD) and light weight (about 5kg).
• It takes only 10 to 15 seconds to measure the liquid level in each ballast tank.
• It is compatible with most vessels because the gauge uses the vessel’s air compressor system. The gauge’s main unit can be connected with the air hose with a one-touch system.
• The pressure sensor automatically adjusts for changes in temperature and atmospheric pressure.
• A 9V battery is used for power source of the main unit. Measurements are displayed in digital format. It also has an auto-off function to maximize battery life.