- Ship automation
- Monitoring of the ballast water system
Monitoring of the ballast water system
Ballast water systems are indispensable for safe operation of ships, as they serve to stabilize the vessel. The system mainly consists of ballast water tanks, pumps, distribution pipes, raw water inlets, screens and a water treatment system as well as valves, sensors and controllers to operate these devices. ifm sensors ensure reliable, uninterrupted low-maintenance operation.
Level sensors reliably monitor the limit levels of the ballast tanks, pressure and flow sensors provide important data for operating the pumps and protect them against running dry.
Pneumatically actuated valves and shut-off valves are used to control the water flow in pipes. Dual inductive sensors provide reliable position feedback for pneumatic valve actuators and valves.
They are operated in combination with a switch target (so called ‘puck’) and detect the “open” and “closed” positions of the valve.
Solutions
Run dry protection of pumps
The inline magnetic-inductive volumetric flow sensors of the SM series monitor ballast water flow. They detect the three process values volumetric flow quantity, consumed quantity and medium temperature. The robust stainless-steel housing and high protection rating provide high security even in harsh environments.
The compact SA flow sensor with DNV Approval and display can be easily adapted to a pipe thanks to a broad selection of process adapters. A critical run dry situation of a pump is clearly indicated by a green/red color change of the display.
A level sensor LMC with DNV Approval protects pumps against run dry by early detection of emptiness of a supply pipe.
Continuous position feedback
In processes where liquids, air or gases are used, valves are needed for dosing and control. Dual inductive sensors of the IN series provide reliable feedback of the on/off valve positions on pneumatic valve actuators and valves. They are operated in combination with a switch target (so called 'puck').
If continuous position feedback or a third switch point is required, the smart valve sensor MVQ is the right application solution. This enables the condition-based maintenance of the valve by early detection of deposits or wear of the seal.
