Author: sarah

If you are considering the selection of hydrostatic transmitters for both newbuild and retrofit tank gauging installations, it is important to consider the overall installed costs. PSM’s APT1000 transmitters are competitively priced, but it is also their configurability and ability to communicate over a network that really brings down the total costs.

Because the transmitter is programmable, it is simple to set up and install by connecting to a laptop using software provided by PSM free of charge. Parameters such as sensor fitting height tank depth, liquid specific gravity, and even a tank look-up table can all be stored, meaning that the 4-20mA output can be set over any range and to represent tank level or tank volume.

This flexibility also simplifies in-service support. Should your parameters change, for example, liquid with a different S.G. is to be used, or a transmitter is damaged and needs replacing, changes can easily be made onboard by the ship’s crew.

When used in its second operation mode, as a digital transmitter, real cost savings are even more apparent. A single cable point to point network connects all APT1000’s back to the display system, which typically saves fifty percent of the cable required for a conventional analogue system, where each transmitter requires its own cable. Additionally, no analogue to digital conversion modules are needed, providing a saving on hardware.

In digital mode it is possible to connect to a specific transmitter to set it up from any point on the network, saving commissioning time.

Completing the picture, PSM’s RFM function modules provide termination enclosures for simple construction of the network, and a purpose designed safety barrier offers protection for an entire network in a hazardous area. This single safety barrier replaces the need for an individual barrier to protect each transmitter, meaning further savings vs a conventional analogue system where a separate barrier is needed for each individual transmitter.

We have recently shipped a complete Scanjet PSM Connect system to the Vessel CACTUS (ex Nordic Mistral), a Double Hull Oil Tanker, built in 2002.

As part of the refit, we have supplied replacement APT1000 transmitters in titanium construction for all of the vessels ballast tanks and 4-point draught measurement. By configuring the APT1000 transmitters to operate in analogue 4-20mA mode, we were able to reuse the cabling from the existing system, which greatly reduced the cost and complexity of the upgrade.

The custom built central Connect acquisition panel contains signal converters and safety barriers, which deliver all tank level data as an RS485 Modbus signal into the main processing unit. The display is a remote 22” touchscreen connected to the Connect cabinet via a single ethernet cable, and display formatting is completely flexible depending on the specific application needs.

As well as outputting the current tank volumes and any alarm states to the remote display, the Connect cabinet also communicates with the existing Kongsberg AMS via a separate RS485 connection, delivering the same tank volume and alarm status data.

Being able to reuse the existing cabling, which meant a significant cost saving, was a key consideration in the Vessel owner’s selection of the Connect system, and we were delighted to be able to supply a cost-effective and reliable monitoring solution to them.

From a young age, I was intrigued and fascinated as to how things worked and would often be taking objects apart or trying to improve them, which led to the odd electrical shock and blown house fuse!

After leaving school, I joined a process control equipment manufacturing company on a 4-year apprenticeship, gaining ONC and HNC qualifications in mechanical engineering, and cementing my interest in instrumentation.

I started working at PSM in 1993 as a Production Technician, and over the past 30 years I have worked in all departments associated with the manufacture of our equipment; from in the machine shop, assembly, calibration, QA testing to packing. This has given me a complete understanding of how our equipment is designed, assembled, and operated. I have also had the opportunity to visit many countries to install, commission, and retrofit PSM instruments, which has given me a first-hand view of how they are applied in operation.

In my current role as Purchasing Manager, this experience has given me the knowledge needed to buy wisely for the company, and the importance of maintaining both good stock levels and strong relationships with our suppliers.

I am also a PSM STEMS Ambassador, which is an initiative to develop engineering skills in local school children.

Outside of work, my home life revolves around my wife and two children, spending time outdoors as much as possible in Ashdown Forest and the South Downs.

The PSM BLS 9200 Bilge Level Switch is a fully submersible marine approved float switch, designed, manufactured and approved to meet and exceed the requirements for applications on all classes of marine vessels and offshore installations. In particular, its proven reliable performance and robust construction have led to it being the instrument of choice in critical applications for superyachts, military vessels and offshore platforms.

When considering bilge switches, it can be easy for a ship builder to try and make cost savings by using cheaper instruments, which are often constructed with lower quality and less resilient materials. However, we believe that this approach compromises safety, and is a false economy, as maintenance and replacement costs will always exceed those of installing a sensor that will be able to withstand years of service in difficult environmental conditions, as is the case with the BLS 9200.

The all-stainless steel design of the BLS 9200 with EPR cable means it is resistant to seawater, fuel oil and hydraulic fluid and uses a two-bolt mounting bracket ensuring that installation is quick, simple and secure. The integral switch test level also allows for routine safety tests to be carried out.

The BLS 9200 can be tailored to customers’ exact requirements, and is why some of the world’s most prestigious superyacht builders have chosen the BLS 9200. It has been supplied to vessels constructed by Amels and Feadship in the Netherlands, Pendennis and Oyster in the UK, and Turquoise in Turkey.

Mont Ventoux is a Ro-Ro Ferry originally built in 1996. When its existing tank gauging system was in need of a replacement, PSM were contacted to provide a solution.

As a retrofit project, minimal modifications to existing mounting methods for the level transmitters and cabling requirements were essential, and our digital network solution was selected. This connects all tank level transmitters on a multi-drop network. requiring just one interconnecting cable for both power supply and signal.

We supplied a total of thirty-five transmitters for Ballast, Diesel, HFO, and Service Tanks, with a mix of internally and externally mounted sensors to re-use existing mounting points. All these transmitters were interconnected via PSM RFM junction boxes via two network cables, one for Hazardous Area transmitters, and one for Safe Area.

The networks terminated in the Engine Control Room where a small touchscreen display provided summary information on all tanks. This display communicated all information to a second touchscreen display on the Bridge and an additional larger 19” touchscreen in the Cargo Control Room. All the displays were interconnected by a single ethernet cable, which again reduced cabling needs and so costs.

Screen layouts were designed in line with the customer’s requirements, with both bar graph and tabular presentation of data. When operational, each display can be controlled individually to show either all tanks, or only those tanks of interest to the operator.

In the face of adversity, human resilience shines through, and businesses are no exception. Natural disasters can wreak havoc on even the most well-established companies, but it is how we respond to these challenges that defines our character and resilience. For PSM it has been a remarkable journey so far to recover from the devastating effects of flooding and emerge with a much-enhanced operating environment.

Overnight in November 2022, the stream close to the Scanjet PSM premises overflowed after exceptionally heavy rain fall, leading to widespread flooding of the nearby industrial estate. The PSM factory itself was engulfed by rapidly rising waters.  Thankfully, the level alarm fitted to the outside of the building alerted employees of the situation. They were able to enter the building and worked through the night clearing drains outside to try and help alleviate the water, whilst moving production equipment onto pallets to avoid damage and save inventory.

The damage to the infrastructure was extensive after being submerged in around 6 inches of murky water throughout the building.

Staff were initially disheartened seeing the impact of the flood on the factory and offices the following day, but quickly embraced the challenge, setting out on a journey to simultaneously maintain the day-to-day operations of the business whilst rebuilding the factory.

Restoring a factory is no small feat especially when production must continue, but all staff approached the task with determination. They immediately initiated a comprehensive assessment of the damage, involving experts in restoration works and insurance assessors to evaluate the situation and make a plan of action.

Six months into the restoration and the team can now see the end is in sight.

The offices have been relocated to the second floor to allow for an increase in production space, which now has new walls and flooring.

Rather than merely restoring the factory to its pre-flood state, we have taken the opportunity to optimise and improve our production processes. Redesigning the factory layout has streamlined workflows, optimised inventory management, and improved the working environment for all employees.

The journey is not over yet, and it will be a few more months before all production spaces are fully restored. However, we wanted to share and recognise the continued determination by everyone involved at Scanjet PSM to overcome the challenge.

We also want to thank all our customers and partners for your continued support and understanding.

We look forward to sharing the final outcome and welcoming our partners to visit our new and improved site.

I’ve always had a keen interest in anything mechanical and all things engineering from an early age, I also used to ride motocross as a teenager, which I absolutely loved, but unfortunately, was terrible at!

After completing my C&G car mechanic apprenticeship, I joined PSM in 1988. In my 35 years at PSM I have had a number of roles starting from production technician to customer support, purchasing officer, sales engineer to my current role as Project Manager. I also spent several years on the road and traveling overseas as service support, installing, servicing and commissioning PSM tank gauging equipment.

Looking back over my 35 years, it has been an amazing journey seeing how PSM has evolved. Starting in Axminster Devon, in what was an old converted house, manufacturing pressure capsules and level transmitters for industrial applications predominantly to the UK market, to where we are now and developing, manufacturing and supplying complete tank gauging solutions with our digital APT modbus sensors and VPM display modules to the international marine sector.

Outside of work, I am a father of two and enjoy coming home to my fiancée’s African cooking. I also enjoy playing the guitar and keeping fit with walking, going to the gym and playing golf.

In response to detailed enquiries, we have launched a specific development of our Type Approved Connect Monitoring System which provides a dedicated Display of Vessel Trim and Heel, and as an option, Vessel Draught.

Intended as a simple to operate stand-alone package, the system comprises of two elements: a small enclosure fitted with solid state inclinometers to measure the vessels inclination, and a small console or wall mount touchscreen colour display.

Only a single 24V DC supply to the display is needed and a single cable interconnects both elements, meaning both can be positioned optimally for measurement of the vessel’s inclination and display at a convenient location. Repeater displays can be readily added, again only requiring a single cable connection.

The display provides a clear indication of both instantaneous and averaged Trim & Heel where the averaging period may be adjusted by the user, and, where PSM level transmitters are also installed, will show fore, aft, and midships draught.

The system has inbuilt corrections to remove any offsets caused by the location of the inclinometers and draught sensors, meaning true Trim & Heel in addition to draught at the marks is shown.

Another new feature is the switchable dark mode display for night operation, and although intended as a stand-alone system, also features an RS485 output which can feed current status to other systems via industry standard Modbus protocol.

The new system has already proved a great success with eight systems installed on Capesize Cargo Vessels from the Seanergy fleet.

The Farsæll Fishing Vessel (ex Helga) was originally constructed in Taiwan in 2009, and along with two sister Vessels was equipped with a full PSM tank gauging package for all of its thirteen ballast and fuel oil tanks. The original system we supplied included PSM’s TankView System with displays in two locations.

Fourteen years on from the original system fit, the PSM level transmitters are still fully functioning and giving reliable service, but the PC based display system needed overhauling since it was using a long obsolete version of the Windows operating system.

We were able to provide a drop-in replacement in the form of our current generation of tank gauging displays. This comprised a VPM display with an integral 7” touchscreen display that interfaced directly with the existing sensors and acquisition modules and provided all tank shape and S.G. correction to give a display of actual content. Additionally, a larger remote touchscreen display provides a comprehensive display in the wheelhouse.

Interconnection of the two displays is by a single ethernet connection and means cable changes were minimal, and as an entirely in-house developed platform (both hardware and software) there are no concerns going forward about obsolescence of the operating system.  The Vessel is now set to operate reliably for at least another decade.

My working life started with a 4 year apprenticeship program at a major Control and Instrumentation Company, which included college attendance and progression through all the departments learning different aspects of the business. I then started work at PSM in 1992, where I was initially responsible for the Sales and Marketing.

Alongside working at PSM, I took a 2 year HNC business course in the evenings, and now my role at PSM encompasses all aspects of the sales cycle, from initial enquiry through to product delivery. As a member of the PSM management team, I also have other responsibilities to the Managing Director.

During my 31 years at PSM I have seen some significant successes within the Military and Marine sector, both in the UK and internationally, and watched us grow to now having trading partners in over twenty countries. More recently I have also overseen some exciting new product developments with the APT Modbus sensor range and compatible multi-tank displays.

Away from PSM I love being a Grandad to my 2 year old grandson, and enjoy spending time with family and friends and watching my son play football. You can often find me in the kitchen making homemade bread and pizza, or going to the cinema, watching live music and taking long walks in the countryside.