Tank Monitoring and Flood Detection

Scanjet PSM -Systems Capability through the VPM series of Central Processing Units.

VPM Series Tank and Flood detection Monitoring

A modular and scalable family of tank monitoring solutions.

VPM is an abbreviation of Versatile Process Monitor, and versatility is certainly a key characteristic of this central processing unit which can be packaged in several ways to provide the optimum solution for Vessels of all sizes and complexities.

All hardware and embedded firmware is in-house developed by Scanjet PSM providing an efficient and reliable solution with no reliance on a Windows operating system.

Add in our comprehensive range of in-house manufactured sensors, and switches, together with the entire range of products in the Scanjet Group portfolio and 40 years of experience in the marine sector, and Scanjet PSM have all the resource and know-how to build a complete and compliant instrumentation package for your application.

For Smaller Vessels – VPM

For vessels such as Tugs, Work boats and Yachts where typically there are 10 – 30 tanks requiring monitoring and space is limited, then the VPM is packaged with an integral 7” touchscreen display. The VPM connects to Scanjet PSM’s APT1000 transmitters installed in each tank via a simple to install RS485 multi-drop network , where a single 4 core cable carries both power and communication lines to all of the transmitters. This single cable is run between Scanjet PSM’s RFM termination modules creating a simple “backbone” to which APT1000 transmitters are connected. The RFM family includes modules for termination of a single or up to 4 APT1000 transmitters, and for installations requiring Intrinsically Safe certification a single RFM ISR safety barrier protects the entire network.

If indication is required at additional points, then further VPM displays (up to 6 in total) can be added. These are interconnected via a dedicated Ethernet link and share all data meaning the contents of all tanks can be displayed at all points. These additional VPM’s can act simply as displays but may also have their own connected APT1000 transmitters. This flexibility ensures that expensive and time-consuming cabling is kept to a minimum.

Each VPM can also output tank and alarm status via a second RS485 Serial port using standard Modbus RTU protocol. This can be connected to other onboard systems, e.g., Alarm Monitoring Systems, Loading Computer.

For Larger Systems – VPM+

For larger vessels, or systems where a more comprehensive display is required, the same basic architecture is used to directly connect to the APT1000 transmitters and the VPM with the integral 7” touchscreen is used as signal acquisition and processing unit, as well as providing a local display.

Additional firmware introduces the capability of adding larger remote display(s). As many remote displays as required can be added, all connected via an Ethernet network back to the VPM. The remote display hardware can be any type of device with an ethernet connection and being capable of running a web browser. Scanjet PSM typically supply a 19 to 24” touchscreen display with a small Hub to handle communications, providing a more cost effective and reliable approach than using a PC based solution.

Adding to the flexibility and expandability of this solution is a range of signal input modules. These modules allow measurement instruments other than the APT1000 level transmitter to be connected to the system. The input modules have embedded intelligence and process the signals from connected instruments, translating all information into Modbus RTU format for the VPM to collect.

Modules include

12 channel Radar transmitter Cargo level Inputs
12 channel 4-20mA transmitter inputs
8 channel RS485 input module where each RS485 input can connect to a further module that accepts up to 14 PT1000 temperature sensors.

All of the above input modules incorporate Zener Safety Barriers for Intrinsically Safe installation meaning external additional Barriers are not needed.

For systems using 4-20mA signals where Intrinsically Safe installation is not a requirement alternative 8 channel input modules can be supplied.

Fully Featured Systems – VPMS

Where the system requires a significant number of input points, for example a Tanker where all ballast tanks, service tanks, cargo tanks, cargo temperature cargo overpressure, vapour lines, cargo lines, draught, are to be monitored then a more comprehensive display is needed for clarity.

In this case the central module provides the same acquisition and processing function but in a repackaged format with additional RS485 communication ports and dual Ethernet connection as well as integral configurable status and alarm relays. It has the same flexible choice of input cards as the VPM+ providing infinite expansion of the system.

Typically, all acquisition cards and the VPMS central module will be packaged in a cabinet which is not in the location where display is needed and so the same flexibility of as many remote displays as are required can be added and interconnected via the Ethernet network.

In this case the second Ethernet pot also allows for external connection to other systems and / or via the Internet, and the additional RS485 ports allow for onboard connection to multiple external systems such as Loading Computers, VDR, AMS.

With larger systems each project is considered based on its overall needs and will be packaged accordingly.

The VPMS system will also carry full Type Approval and MED certification as required for Passenger Vessel SRTP requirements.

Download our VPMS Systems Brochure

Download the DNV Type Approval Certificate for VPMS Tank Gauging Systems

Flood detection systems

A version of VPMS is has been specifically develped to meet EU regulations for flood detection. Specificallly (EU) 2021/1158, Item No: MED/8.1.SOLAS 74 as amended. Regulations II-1/22-1, II-1/25 & XII/12. IMO Res. A.1021(26) and IMO MSC.1/Circ.1572

Typically considered for Passenger Vessels / Criuse Ships, this system provides a complete solution with centralised monitoring, distributed displays all as per the options available for the VPMS Tank Gauging system and may use The PSM BLS9200 flood detection switch and / or the PSM APT500 and APT1000 Series of hydrostatic level transmitters to provide a complete solution

Download the DNV Type Approval Certificate for VPMS Flood Detection Systems