WATCH: Accurate CO2 Cylinder Contents Measurement with Portalevel MAX PLUS and Portasteele® CALCULATOR
Watch the video demonstration of the Portalevel® MAX PLUS + Portasteele® CALCULATOR measuring the liquid level of a 45 KG / 100 lbs CO2 cylinder at 13.8°C. It is commonly known that CO2 levels can vary with temperature. However, the Portasteele® CALCULATOR compensates for the effects of temperature, providing you with accurate agent quantity readings […]
Water ingress on board ships can be devastating, to crew, vessel and cargo.
The Swedish P&I Club have recently stressed that proper weathertightness is a key factor in keeping cargo dry and crew safe. To ensure that the hatch covers are weathertight the sealing system needs to be in a good condition. The North of England P&I Club state that defective hatch cover maintenance is an “expensive problem […]
What are the Main Benefits of Ultrasonic Flow Meters over Inline Flow Meters? Flow Meters Explained

Ultrasonic vs Inline Flow Meters Ultrasonic flow meters use two ultrasonic sensors, clamped on to the outside of the pipe at a pre-determined distance apart. Ultrasonic signal travels between the transmitters through the pipe wall and the fluid within the pipe. If the fluid is flowing, then it takes slightly longer for the ultrasound to […]
What Are The Two Types Of Ultrasonic Flow Meters?

Ultrasonic flow meters are commonly used in various industrial applications to measure the flow rate of liquids and gases. They provide a noninvasive way to measure flow with high accuracy, making them a popular choice for industries ranging from water treatment to oil and gas. There are two main types of ultrasonic flow meters: transit […]
What is an Ultrasonic Hatch Cover Tester?

Cargo damage rarely starts with something obvious. More often, it begins with a small, unnoticed leak—one that develops in a vessel’s hatch cover over time. By the time it’s discovered, the result can already be costly, with water ingress, damaged cargo, delays at port, and disputes that could have been avoided. This is exactly where […]
What is an Ultrasonic Thickness Gauge?

An ultrasonic thickness gauge is a device used to measure a material’s thickness or the distance between two surfaces. It is widely used in various industries, including manufacturing, maintenance, and quality control, to accurately determine the thickness of metal, plastic, glass, ceramics, and other materials. The gauge operates on the principle of pulse-echo measurement, using […]
What Is the Chalk Test for Hatch Covers, and Is It Reliable?

The Chalk Test for Hatch Covers Maintaining watertight hatch covers protects cargo and ensures vessel safety during marine transport. One commonly used method to assess the condition of hatch seals is the chalk test, a simple, visual inspection technique. But just how reliable is it? Let’s explore the chalk test process, examine its limitations, and […]
Why Compartmentation Testing Is Overlooked and Undervalued in Fire Safety – But is its Key

Compartmentation is related to fire stopping in walls and floors, to reduce the spread of fire. Compartmentation often relates to room integrity airtightness testing to ensure that a room is sufficiently sealed, to hold in the gaseous extinguishing agent once its been actuated. Liquefied Gaseous systems are typically made up of CO2, FM200® or Novec™ […]
Why Monitoring CO2 Fire Systems at Sea is Crucial: Introducing Portamarine®

In the maritime industry, ensuring safety isn’t just a best practice—it’s a necessity. According to Lloyd’s List, almost 10% of all total losses at sea in the last decade were caused by fires onboard. As NTSB Chairman Robert Sumwalt rightly said, “Safety isn’t something you have, it’s something you do.” When lives are at stake, neglecting fire systems and their maintenance is simply unacceptable.
Why Pressure Gauges Alone are Insufficient for Detecting Leaks in Gaseous Suppression Systems
Maintaining fire suppression systems is crucial for ensuring the safety of people and property. Traditionally, measuring the contents in these systems has involved labor-intensive and time-consuming methods. However, with advancements in technology, ultrasonic level indicators have emerged as a cost-effective solution. In this blog post, we will explore the drawbacks of traditional methods, introduce ultrasonic […]