Ship and yacht building

Instrumentation from IPTech is also on board ships that ply the world’s oceans: for measurement in cargo, water and equalization tanks or for list or draft control systems. IPTech delivers complete tank gauging systems from a single source. The systems meet all requirements for use under the rigors of the high seas.

Shipbuilding

IPTech sensors comply with the specific requirements in the shipbuilding sector. Robust housing materials, high-quality FEP and PUR cable as well as shock and vibration resistant ceramic sensors guarantee long-term use.

Application

Among the most important measurements on board ships are those for determining draught, trim and list. In general, one measuring point is placed on the bow and another is used in the aft. On larger ships, two additional measuring points are installed on both the port and on the starboard. Accurate level measurements are required to determine the exact values of ship position and draught.

Your benefit

Reliable

Stable ship positioning through precise level measurement

Cost effective

Universal sensor for a variety of level measuring tasks on board

User friendly

Simple installation and maintenance-free operation

Process data

Measuring task:

Level measurement

Measuring point:

Pipe

Measuring range up to:

10 m

Medium:

Water

Process temperature:

0 … +30 °C

Process pressure:

0 … 0 bar

Special challenges:

Ship approvals, saltwater, submersion of the sensors

Application

The levels in storage tanks, especially those on board chemical tankers must be continuously measured. This is especially important to monitor during loading and unloading operations, because of strict safety and environmental requirements. Any overfilling or product discharge on deck or into the sea could have devastating consequences for human life as well as the wider environment. Also, to prevent damage to the tanks caused via external temperature fluctuations, or overpressure and underpressure created by charging and discharging procedures, the internal tank pressures require continuous monitoring.

Your benefit

Reliable

Precise measurement regardless of the medium

Cost effective

Multi-sensor flange reduces costs in planning and commissioning

User friendly

Simple installation of the radar, pressure and high level alarm sensors in one multi-sensor flange

Process data

Measuring task:

Level measurement, point level detection, pressure measurement

Measuring point:

Tank

Measuring range up to:

15 m

Medium:

Chemicals, oil, concentrate

Process temperature:

+10 … +60 °C

Process pressure:

0 … +1 bar

Special challenges:

Changing media, aggressive chemicals, tank

Application

The ballast water measurements in the wing and double bottom tanks go directly into the control system for the ship trim, draught and list. Since these measuring points are virtually inaccessible during operation on board, reliability and stability are an absolute must. Pressure shocks, abrasive sand particles and seawater place additional heavy demands on the instrumentation.

Your benefit

Reliable

Exact level measurement in abrasive and aggressive seawater

Cost effective

Low installation and integration costs

User friendly

Maintenance-free operation due to seawater resistant materials

Process data

Measuring task:

Level measurement

Measuring point:

Forepeak, wing and double bottom tank

Measuring range up to:

15 m

Medium:

Salt/fresh water

Process temperature:

0 … +30 °C

Process pressure:

0 … 0 bar

Special challenges:

Pressure surges, abrasion, aggressive saltwater, ship approvals

Application

To ensure fuel feed to the main engine, heavy fuel oil (HFO) is separated though first being pumped into a settling (buffer) tank. The following service tank or day tank, which is filled via a continuous overflow from the settling tank, directly supplies fuel into the main engine. Heating coils in both of these tanks maintain an even temperature between +75° C and +90° C. A reliable level measurement in these tanks guarantees continuous manoeuvrability of the ships.

Your benefit

Reliable

Maximum safety for humans and the environment

Cost effective

Precise measurement in all the settling and service tanks

User friendly

Maintenance-free and reliable operation

Process data

Measuring task:

Level measurement

Measuring point:

Tank

Measuring range up to:

10 m

Medium:

Heavy fuel oil (HFO)

Process temperature:

+75 … +90°C

Process pressure:

0 … 0 bar

Special challenges:

Temperature, ship approval, aggressive medium, Ex zone

Application

Every ship has ‘bilges’ – this is space at the lowest point of the vessel between the floor of the engine room and the bottom of the ship. A water/oil mixture collects in this bilge area, where the mixture is pumped out and recovered and separated into water and oil by an on-board skimmer and demulsifying unit. The bilge de-oiling equipment is normally controlled by level switches. The oil sumps of the main engine and any auxiliary systems must also be monitored continuously for safety and environmental reasons.

Your benefit

Reliable

Maximum safety for humans and the environment

Cost effective

Simple installation

User friendly

Maintenance-free and reliable operation

Process data

Measuring task:

Point level detection

Measuring point:

Bilge, oil pan

Measuring range up to:

Switching point

Medium:

Chemicals, oil, concentrate

Process temperature:

+10 … +75 °C

Process pressure:

0 … 0 bar

Special challenges:

Inaccessible measuring points, ship approvals

Application

Ship heeling caused by high winds, uneven cargo loading or the forces of sharp turns is counteracted by anti-heeling systems. To counter these conditions, ballast tanks are connected to each other by means of pipe systems. Depending on the attitude of the ship, the tanks are either blown out or flooded by means of compressed air blowers or pumps. Reliable level measurement is needed to control this system.

Your benefit

Reliable

Maximum safety for humans and the environment

Cost effective

Reliable measurement of the amount of water in all tanks

User friendly

Simple installation and maintenance-free operation

Process data

Measuring task:

Level measurement and point level detection

Measuring point:

Tank

Measuring range up to:

10 m

Medium:

Water

Process temperature:

0 … +30 °C

Process pressure:

0 … 1 bar

Special challenges:

Pressure surges, fast measurement changes, corrosive seawater, ship approvals

Application

Bitumen is transported at temperatures of around 170 °C to 190 °C. The heating is supplied via an array of multi-layered heating tubes mounted on the floor and sides of the tanks. To ensure efficient utilisation of the tanks as well as a safe ship attitude, the levels in the bitumen tanks require accurate monitoring, particularly during loading and unloading.

Your benefit

Reliable

Reliable measurement solution for adhesive media

Cost effective

Accurate measurement of the tank contents, regardless of medium and degree of contamination

User friendly

Maintenance-free and reliable operation

Process data

Measuring task:

Level measurement and point level detection

Measuring point:

Tank

Measuring range up to:

15 m

Medium:

Bitumen

Process temperature:

+170 … +190 °C

Process pressure:

0 … 0 bar

Special challenges:

High temperatures, chemically aggressive medium, condensation, highly viscous, heavy buildup, heating pipes at the tank bottom, ship approvals

Application

Liquefied gas is transported in insulated cargo tanks on LNG carriers at temperatures of -162 °C. The instrumentation used must be specially designed for these extreme temperatures. Pressure, level and point level of LNG in the cargo tanks must be reliably measured for the transport.

Your benefit

Reliable

Reliable and safe measurement in all media

Cost effective

Full utilization of the tank volume

User friendly

Simple planning and commissioning

Process data

Measuring task:

Level and pressure measurement, point level detection

Measuring point:

Tank

Measuring range up to:

40 m

Medium:

Liquefied gas

Process temperature:

-20 … -162 °C

Process pressure:

0 … 5 bar

Special challenges:

Extremely low temperatures, low dielectric constants, low density, different products, ship approvals, Ex zone

Application

Flo-Flo (Float On/Float Off) ships are characterised by their large number of ballast water tanks. These make it possible to lower the ship until the main deck is below the waterline. This allows large floating loads to be loaded. The cargo is lifted out of the water and balanced by pumping out or blowing out the ballast water tanks. To avoid damage to the ballast water tanks from overpressure or underpressure, the internal tank pressures and levels require continuous monitoring.

Your benefit

Reliable

Accurate and reliable level measurement in all ballast tanks

Cost effective

Maximised operational time via maintenance-free measurement technology

User friendly

Simple installation in a service tunnel

Process data

Measuring task:

Pressure and level measurement

Measuring point:

Tank

Measuring range up to:

20 m

Medium:

Water

Process temperature:

0 … +30 °C

Process pressure:

0 … 5 bar

Special challenges:

Ship approvals, saltwater, overpressure, submersion of the sensors

Application

To extend the duration of stay at sea, every cubic centimetre of space on navy and research vessels is utilised. All available spaces and any inaccessible places on the ship are used as additional tanks for drinking water, diesel or aviation fuel. The tank shape and dimensions are completely different from familiar standard tanks. Depending on the type and size of the ship, they can also extend over several decks. A reliable level measurement is indispensable for the operation of these ships.

Your benefit

Reliable

Reliable and accurate measurement, independent of the medium properties

Cost effective

Common sensor type for all applications reduces spare parts stocking

User friendly

Simple, easily accessible mounting from top

Process data

Measuring task:

Level measurement

Measuring point:

Tank

Measuring range up to:

20 m

Medium:

Water, drinking water, diesel, kerosene

Process temperature:

0 … +30 °C

Process pressure:

0 … 0 bar

Special challenges:

Difficult tank shapes, installation from above or laterally, ship approvals

Application

Crude oil is pumped directly into the cargo tanks on board in order to separate gas, oil and water from each other using gravity. To ensure profitable utilisation of the loading capacities as well as effective control of the pumps, the level is measured continuously and the point levels are monitored.

Your benefit

Reliable

Reliable and accurate measurement of the level

Cost effective

Maximising the loading capacity of the tanks

User friendly

Standard sensors for all tanks allow simple planning

Process data

Measuring task:

Level measurement and point level detection

Measuring point:

Tank

Measuring range up to:

35 m

Medium:

Crude oil

Process temperature:

+10 … +50 °C

Process pressure:

0 … 0 bar

Special challenges:

High ribs on the bottom, on-deck mounting, ship approvals, hazardous area

Application

Hose connecting stations, also known as manifolds, connect the pipes and hoses that are required for cargo loading and offloading on tankers. To ensure the safety of facilities on shore and on board, and to control the pumps, the pipeline pressures need to be closely monitored on the manifold. Reliable pressure transmitters are required to ensure safe loading or unloading operations.

Your benefit

Reliable

Maximum safety for humans and the environment

Cost effective

Low installation costs with simple setup

User friendly

Maintenance-free, robust measurement technology

Process data

Measuring task:

Pressure measurement

Measuring point:

Pipeline

Measuring range up to:

0 … 100 bar

Medium:

Acids, oils, alkalis, concentrates

Process temperature:

0 … +100 °C

Process pressure:

0 … +100 bar

Special challenges:

Ship approvals, widely different media, cleaning, aggressive media, pressure surges, hazardous areas

Application

Drinking water is an essential commodity on a ship. It is stored separately in dedicated tanks. Depending on the type and size of the ship, different amounts of fresh water are required for drinking, personal hygiene and cleaning. Direct electrical measuring principles are mandatory for level measurement.

Your benefit

Reliable

Reliable water volume measurement

Cost effective

Robust measuring technology ensures long, maintenance-free operation

User friendly

Simple installation and setup

Process data

Measuring task:

Level measurement

Measuring point:

Tank

Measuring range up to:

4 m

Medium:

Drinking water

Process temperature:

0 … +30 °C

Process pressure:

0 … 0 bar

Special challenges:

Suitability for drinking water in the fresh water tank, ship approval

Application

Waste water, known as grey/black water on ships, is treated on board larger vessels using ship-board clarification plants or it may be stored in special grey/black water tanks to await final disposal. Direct electrical measuring principles are mandatory for level measurement.

Your benefit

Reliable

Reliable measurement of the waste volume

Cost effective

Robust measuring technology ensures long, maintenance-free operation

User friendly

Simple installation and setup

Process data

Measuring task:

Level measurement

Measuring point:

Tank

Measuring range up to:

4 m

Medium:

Grey/black water

Process temperature:

0 … +30 °C

Process pressure:

0 … 0 bar

Special challenges:

Contamination and buildup in the sewage tank, ship approval

Application

The hydraulic oil used to transmit power circulates in a closed system. However, it is gradually lost due to lubrication points and leakages in the power equipment. To ensure optimum operation of the power equipment, the level in every hydraulic oil reservoir tank must be monitored for replenishment.

Your benefit

Reliable

Reliable measurement unaffected by medium

Cost effective

Continuous operation of the power equipment is assured

User friendly

Simple installation

Process data

Measuring task:

Level measurement

Measuring point:

Tank

Measuring range up to:

2 m

Medium:

Hydraulic oil

Process temperature:

0 … +50 °C

Process pressure:

0 … 0 bar

Special challenges:

Changing composition of the hydraulic oil

Yacht building

IPTech is an experienced instrumentation outfitter for ships of all types and sizes. The company has decades of experience, especially with measurement technology on board yachts. IPTech sensors measure level and pressure in tanks and containers with exceptional accuracy and reliability.

Application

Every yacht has different tanks on board for storing hot water, pool water and drinking water. For drinking water, an especially hygienic measuring system is required.

Your benefit

Reliable

Reliable measurement ensured even in chlorinated water

Cost effective

Accurate detection of water in all tanks

User friendly

Simple mounting and maintenance-free operation

Process data

Measuring task:

Level measurement

Measuring point:

Tank

Measuring range up to:

2 m

Medium:

Drinking water, swimming pool water

Process temperature:

0 … +30 °C

Process pressure:

0 … 0 bar

Special challenges:

Suitability as drinking water, ship certification, resistance to chlorinated water in swimming pool

Application

The fuel tanks are some of the most important on board. They store a variety of fuels; diesel for the main engine and power generators, petrol for jet skis and dinghies, even aviation fuel for the helicopter. Level measurement ensures optimum availability of fuel at all times. An additional overfill protection system also ensures maximum safety for the environment.

Your benefit

Reliable

Maximum safety for humans and the environment

Cost effective

Precise measurement in all fuel tanks

User friendly

Maintenance-free, reliable operation

Process data

Measuring task:

Level measurement and point level detection

Measuring point:

Tank

Measuring range up to:

5 m

Medium:

Fuel (diesel / petrol)

Process temperature:

0 … +40 °C

Process pressure:

0 … 0 bar

Special challenges:

Geometry of the tank

Application

Your benefit

Reliable

Maximum safety for humans and the environment

Cost effective

Simple installation

User friendly

Maintenance-free and reliable operation

Process data

Measuring task:

Point level detection

Measuring point:

Bilge, oil pan

Measuring range up to:

Switching point

Medium:

Oil/oil-water mixture

Process temperature:

+10 … +75 °C

Process pressure:

0 … 0 bar

Special challenges:

Inaccessible measuring points, ship approvals

Application

Wastewater accumulated on board is stored in grey or black water tanks up until its final disposal on land. The tanks are equipped with continuous level monitoring as well as point level detection to avoid overfilling.

Your benefit

Reliable

Precise level measurement in abrasive and adhesive media

Cost effective

Low installation and integration costs

User friendly

Maintenance-free operation

Process data

Measuring task:

Level measurement and point level detection

Measuring point:

Tank

Measuring range up to:

3 m

Medium:

Grey/black water

Process temperature:

0 … +30 °C

Process pressure:

0 … 0 bar

Special challenges:

Different types of solid materials in the medium