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Hatch Cover Tightness Testing Hatch covers are essential for ships that prevent water from entering the cargo holds. They protect the vessel from flooding and
August 28, 2024
Welcome to Coltraco Ultrasonics’ continuous level measurement systems.
We take pride in our UK-manufactured, high-quality, reliable, and accurate systems that continuously monitor critical fire suppression systems. These include Inert gases, CO2, FM-200™, and NOVEC™ 1230, ensuring 24/7 protection and peace of mind.
Our systems are designed with a deep understanding of the dielectric constant of the materials involved, allowing for precise monitoring and measurement. Typical applications of our technology extend across various sectors, requiring reliable fire suppression and ensuring safety in mission-critical environments.
With over 30 years of expertise in developing instrumentation technology, we proudly lead the field in continuous monitoring solutions.
The Permalevel® Single Point is a fixed-level monitoring device designed for use in a variety of industrial, safety and manufacturing applications.
The sensor, placed on the outside of the tank, can trigger an alert if the liquid level rises or falls below a fixed point, sending a 4-20mA output to interact with other equipment.
The most accurate and fast acting constants loss monitoring system of its kind. Capable of detecting a loss of agent mass to within 1% in Inert gas, CO2 and Clean Agent systems, and in addition to weigh loss, will provide accurate percentage pressure loss of Inert gas systems associated with agent contents leakage.
The PermaMass® FEATHERWEIGHT is only manufactured to bespoke requirements.
P/N: 2594650-FW
Monitoring falls within the preventive or proactive maintenance category, as it allows for the planning and scheduling of maintenance or replacement of faulty systems before they become unsafe or ineffective. A system’s “effectiveness” is defined by regulatory standards, which specify the conditions under which it remains safe to operate. These regulations ensure the industry follows protocols designed to save lives.
At Coltraco, our safety equipment is engineered to uphold these standards, focusing on protecting people and assets. Our continuous monitoring technology, designed for various agent types, including bulk solids, complies with the appropriate regulations based on the measured agent.
For clean agents and Inergen blends, regulations mandate that cylinder refilling or replacement is required if leakage exceeds 5% or 10% for CO2 systems. Our systems have a precise measuring range and are powered by DC power for optimal accuracy. Users can configure the equipment to trigger alarms at the 5% or 10% threshold, depending on the monitored agent.
If a leak surpasses the pre-set threshold, the system will immediately alert the user, tracking the time elapsed since detection and enabling swift corrective action to prevent critical failure.
Coltraco Ultrasonics continuously monitors liquefied and non-liquefied gaseous fire extinguishing systems across all sectors, exceeding current regulatory standards. These standards outline that fire protection measures require systems to be regularly inspected, maintained, and tested.
These systems include passive fire-rated compartment barriers, building structural components, barrier penetration seals, supply and distribution pipes, and various fire suppression systems, including dry powder systems.
High-pressure cylinders are generally more prone to leakage than low-pressure ones when a cylinder’s design pressure increases—whether due to its initial design or temperature fluctuations, the likelihood of leakage rises, typically at weak points such as valves and pressure gauges.
Therefore, high-pressure cylinders must be continuously monitored for any content loss. The calculated risk increases as pressure rises, making continuous monitoring essential for safety.
Major fire OEMs continuously monitor their gaseous systems using float gauges or pressure-monitoring valves. However, these methods cannot be retrofitted and still require external verification to ensure proper functionality.
Coltraco Ultrasonics addresses this gap by designing highly accurate and reliable continuous monitoring systems. Our systems not only easily retrofit into existing fire suppression cylinder systems but also offer superior accuracy in detecting incremental and significant content loss in liquefied and non-liquefied systems.
Accidental shock discharges, leading to a loss of agent mass well above the 5% or 10% thresholds, can result in significant pressure loss that may go undetected for long periods between scheduled maintenance. Since ISO regulations require pressure testing only every six months, a fast or slow leak shortly after a check could create an unsafe environment.
The travel time of any undetected leaks could lead to a failure to extinguish a fire due to compromised cylinder capacity. Our systems are designed to continuously calculate the contents and pressure levels, providing real-time outputs that ensure the fire suppression system remains fully functional and compliant with safety standards.
Monitoring agent mass is the most fundamental way of assessing content loss. Mass, like pressure, is a direct measure of the quantity of a fixed volume of gas. However, mass is a superior metric as it cannot be affected by external factors, like temperature; a cylinder system’s mass will be affected if the agent is lost.
The agent’s mass is entirely independent of temperature. A change in mass will always correspond to a change in the cylinder’s contents. This is not the pressure case, as the internal pressure of a cylinder depends on its temperature. Pressure values must, therefore, take temperature into account, adding another potential source of error.
In addition, service personnel often need to take temperature into account.
Typical pressure gauges more commonly seen on fire suppression cylinders can be unreliable; they also need to be more accurate as they use an analogue scale. For a 20 MPa (200 bar) cylinder, the typical accuracy of gauges is limited to 2.5% of the fill pressure. The potential for human error compounds this in reading any analogue scale; two people reading the same analogue scale could report slightly different values. In contrast, as used with the Permalevel® Featherweight, a digital scale will give the numerical value of agent weight as accurately and precisely as possible.
This accuracy can be achieved for all fire suppression agents, including high-pressure Inergen/inert gas systems. Inergen is one of the most common inert gas fire extinguishing agents, and it comes in three standard blends: IG541, IG-55 and IG-01. The vast majority of Inergen systems use one of eight types of cylinders. <1% accuracy can be achieved for all Inergen blends in any of the standard cylinders (in many cases, even <0.5%) using digital weight monitoring.
What is an ultrasonic level sensor?
An ultrasonic level sensor is a device that utilises ultrasonic waves to measure the level of liquids or solids in a container or tank. It emits ultrasonic pulses and calculates the time it takes for the pulses to echo back from the material’s surface. This information is used to determine the substance’s level.
How accurate is ultrasonic level measurement?
Ultrasonic level measurement can provide high levels of accuracy, typically ranging from a few millimetres to a few centimetres, depending on the specific sensor and environmental conditions. Advanced ultrasonic-level sensors with sophisticated algorithms and signal processing techniques can achieve even greater accuracy, enabling precise level monitoring and control.
How accurate are ultrasonic-level transmitters?
Ultrasonic level transmitters and sensors can offer excellent accuracy in level measurement. The accuracy of ultrasonic-level transmitters can vary depending on the model and manufacturer. However, modern ultrasonic-level transmitters often provide accuracy within a few millimetres or a small percentage of the measured range.
What are the advantages of ultrasonic-level sensors?
Ultrasonic-level sensors offer several advantages. They are non-contact, meaning they do not require physical contact with the measured substance, minimising the risk of contamination or damage to the sensor. They suit various liquids and solids, including corrosive or hazardous materials. Ultrasonic-level sensors are also relatively easy to install, require minimal maintenance, and can provide continuous or point-level measurements with high accuracy.
How far can an ultrasonic sensor be detected?
The detection range of an ultrasonic sensor depends on its specifications and design. Typically, ultrasonic sensors can detect objects or measure distances ranging from a few centimetres to several meters. However, the effective range may be influenced by factors such as the sensor’s power, sensitivity, environmental conditions, and the reflectivity of the target surface.
What is the lifespan of an ultrasonic sensor?
The lifespan of an ultrasonic sensor can vary depending on various factors, including the quality of the sensor, usage conditions, and maintenance. Generally, well-maintained ultrasonic sensors can last for several years. Regular cleaning, protection from extreme temperatures or physical damage, and adherence to the manufacturer’s guidelines can help maximise the sensor’s lifespan.
How many volts do ultrasonic sensors need to operate?
The voltage requirement for ultrasonic sensors can vary depending on the specific model and design. Standard ultrasonic sensors operate on voltages between 5 and 24 volts. However, it is crucial to consult the sensor’s datasheet or product specifications to determine the precise voltage requirement for the particular sensor being used.
How do you calibrate an ultrasonic sensor?
Calibrating an ultrasonic sensor typically involves setting the sensor’s output to correspond accurately to the measured distance or level. Calibration methods can vary depending on the sensor’s design and the manufacturer’s instructions. It may involve adjusting calibration parameters or using known reference distances/levels to align the sensor’s measurements with the actual values.
Where do you put an ultrasonic sensor?
The placement of an ultrasonic sensor depends on the specific application and the object or substance being measured. The sensor should be positioned to allow unobstructed ultrasonic wave propagation and provide a clear line of sight to the target surface. Factors such as mounting height, orientation, and avoiding sources of interference or acoustic reflections should be considered for optimal sensor placement.
What is the difference between an ultrasound and an ultrasonic sensor?
Ultrasound refers to sound waves with frequencies higher than the upper limit of human hearing (typically above 20,000 Hz). Ultrasonic sensors, on the other hand, generate and detect ultrasonic waves for various applications such as distance measurement, object detection, and level sensing. Ultrasonic sensors utilise ultrasound technology to emit and receive sound waves, allowing for measurement and analysis.
Does an ultrasonic sensor work at night?
Yes, ultrasonic sensors can work at night or in low-light conditions. Ultrasonic sensors operate based on sound waves rather than relying on light waves, making them independent of lighting conditions. They emit ultrasonic pulses and detect the echoes, allowing them to detect objects or measure distances regardless of the ambient light level.
Can an ultrasonic sensor penetrate walls?
Yes, ultrasound generated by ultrasonic sensors can penetrate solid walls depending on the type of sensor used. When encountering solid objects, including walls, a proportion of the ultrasound signal is typically reflected or absorbed. Depending on the application, the residual ultrasound signal propagates through the medium, and the returned ultrasound signal indicates the absence/presence of the contents being measured.
Can an ultrasonic sensor see through walls?
No, ultrasonic sensors cannot see through walls per se. However, an ultrasound signal can penetrate walls and propagate through the medium contained in the storage tank. The returned ultrasound signal contains information regarding the medium it has propagated through, which may allow a clear picture derived from the information provided.
Does an ultrasonic sensor need a battery?
The power source for an ultrasonic sensor can vary depending on the specific model and design. While batteries may power some ultrasonic sensors, many are designed to be powered by an external power supply, such as a DC power source or the electrical system of the device or system they are integrated into. It is essential to refer to the sensor’s specifications or product documentation to determine the appropriate power source required.
Does dust affect ultrasonic sensors?
Yes, dust can affect the performance of ultrasonic sensors. Dust particles in the air can scatter and absorb ultrasonic waves, reducing the accuracy and range of the sensor’s measurements. Additionally, a buildup of dust on the sensor’s surface can impact its ability to emit and receive ultrasonic waves properly. Regular cleaning and maintenance of the sensor can help mitigate the effects of dust and ensure optimal performance.
Why is LiDAR better than an ultrasonic sensor?
LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) and ultrasonic sensors have different strengths and applications. LiDAR sensors use laser light to measure distances and create detailed 3D maps of the environment. They offer high accuracy and long-range detection and are effective in complex scenarios. Conversely, ultrasonic sensors are cost-effective, non-contact, and suitable for proximity sensing and object detection in closer ranges. LiDAR excels in applications that require precise spatial mappings, such as autonomous vehicles and advanced robotics, while ultrasonic sensors are often used for simpler proximity sensing tasks.
Is an ultrasonic sensor analogue or digital?
Ultrasonic sensors can be found in both analogue and digital versions. Analogue ultrasonic sensors provide continuous output signals that vary in voltage or current proportional to the measured distance or level. Digital ultrasonic sensors, on the other hand, provide discrete output signals, typically in binary values (high or low), indicating the presence or absence of an object within a defined range. The choice between analogue and digital ultrasonic sensors depends on the specific application and the system requirements into which they are integrated.
Our air leakage detection systems use ultrasound to monitor the airtight integrity of any room or compartment.
Our watertight integrity leak detectors use ultrasound to monitor the watertight integrity of any room or compartment
Acoustic, non-invasive pressure monitoring systems.
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