Smart parameterization app and cable protection for level probes

Amazing new solutions for well-known problems in hydrostatic filling level measurement are possible: On the one hand by using a smartphone app. On the other hand through the use of a tried and tested cable gland from the process- and chemical enginee

Filling level measurement in tanks on ships is a broad field: Fuels, ballast water, potable and process water, lubricants and coolants – all in tanks having different sizes, shapes and structures – and the filling level must be monitored continuously everywhere. In addition to the various media, which vary greatly with regard to their chemical and physical properties, the tanks and their monitoring systems are also completely different.

Because the measuring range of the filling level transmitter depends on the tank height and the density of the medium (see figure), either the corresponding values are parameterized in the control - which requires a somewhat more complex control and especially an input option - or the filling level sensors are calibrated for the required individual pressure measurement range. The main disadvantages of the individual calibration are the longer delivery times, due to the sensor having to be specially made, and the more complex warehousing, when replacement parts for various installations have to be kept available at a central location.

Parameterizing the pressure sensor with a smartphone app

Individual special transmitters in the upper price range can be configured via a special tool on a PC. This is where the innovative solution from Trafag is applied: Standard filling-level transmitters are configured with an intuitively usable Android app. For this, only a special Trafag interface tool is required, as well as a voltage source in the form of a «powerbank». With this, the measuring instruments can be parameterized quickly, easily and mobilely. The parameter sets can be saved as files or be sent via e-mail: as a result, in the case of replacement part deliveries, the original parameter set can be loaded onto the replacement device in just a few seconds.

This opens up new options for manufacturers of tank and pump control systems: One can take a simple, completely standardized control (which also does not require a convenient programming interface) to input the tank and fluid parameters. Then one can parameterize the filling level sensor with a smartphone (at latest) on site during installation based on the local situation and then save the data in the project documentation. This results in a very streamlined solution, which can particularly be used to realize simple tank control and monitoring systems very cost-effectively. Since exactly the same version is used every time, the optimum solution is achieved here with regard to the warehousing of the initial installation and replacement parts.