Heavy oil tanks and engine room

Settling and service tank

To ensure fuel feed to the main engine, the separated heavy fuel oil (HFO) is first pumped into the settling tank(buffer tank). The downstream service tank(day tank)is filled through continuous overflow from the settling tank and is connected directly with the main engine. Heating coils in both tanks ensure an even temperature between +75 °C and +90 °C, which keeps the oil pumpable. A reliable level measurement in these tanks guarantees continuous availablitiy of the ships engines.

Level measurement with VEGAFLEX 61

The heavy fuel oil stored in the settling and service tank has a high storage temperature and different chemical compositions. The sticky oil vapours arising within the tank make the level measurement very difficult. But the VEGAFLEX 61 guided microwave sensor handles this problem without difficulty. The space-saving installation of the cable version from above, makes it the ideal level measuring instrument for all heavy oil tanks.

Bilge and leak monitoring

Every motorised ship has a bilge well, the space between the floor of the engine room and the bottom of the ship. A water/oil mixture collects in this space at the lowest point of the ship. The mixture is then separated by an on-board skimmer and demulsifying unit. The bilge de-oiling equipment is controlled by level switches. The oil sumps of the main engine and the accessory systems must also be monitored continuously for safety and environmental reasons. Liquids collecting in these sumps could indicate damage to system components.

Level detection with VEGASWING 51

The limit levels in the bilge and in the oil sump are monitored by the vibrating level switch VEGASWING 51, which is mainly characterised by its small, compact design. The small dimensions allow mounting in practically any place or position. Foam, bubbles and viscosity have no efect on its switching accuracy.