MOL develops liquid level gauge for ballast tanks

MITSUI OSK Lines (MOL) says it has jointly developed the world's first portable, liquid level gauge for measuring a vessel's ballast tanks with partner Musashino Co Ltd.

The gauge measures the level of ballast water, usually sea water, in a tank by dropping a portable, battery-powered, measuring tube into the sounding tube of the ballast tank. A sensor detects air pressure changes in the tube and measures the water level inside the ballast tank, taking 10 to 15 seconds to measure each tank.

"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," a statement from MOL said.

(Source: www.schednet.com)