A temperature sensor that works well in a plant on land will not necessarily last on board a ship. Sea air carries salt that speeds up corrosion, engines and propellers cause constant vibration, and space around the tanks is often very tight. Choosing sensors for a ship means taking the environment as seriously as the temperature range being measured.
Corrosion is the first problem to plan for. Salt mist can reach the engine room and settle on sensor heads, terminals, and cables. Stainless steel 316 generally holds up better in a marine environment than stainless steel 304 and is often chosen for sensor sheaths and thermowells. Sensor heads and transmitter enclosures should also be tightly sealed with suitable cable glands to keep moisture and salt out of the electrical connections.
Vibration is the next challenge. Sensors mounted near the main engine, generators, or pumps are exposed to vibration for as long as the ship is running. This can crack the sensing element or loosen cable connections, making readings unstable. A mineral-insulated construction, a properly sized thermowell, and good cable support all help the sensor last longer.
On LPG carriers, LNG carriers, and tankers, some areas are classed as hazardous because of flammable vapors. Sensors and transmitters installed there need suitable protection, such as an explosion-proof enclosure or an intrinsically safe system. The type of protection should follow the area classification defined for that ship.
Mounting space is also a common constraint. Tanks on a ship come in different shapes and access arrangements, and some mounting points can only be reached from one side. A probe length, connection type, and cable direction matched to the actual site make installation easier and simplify maintenance later.
Ships must also meet the rules of their classification society, such as BKI, DNV, ABS, or others, depending on the vessel's registration. For safety-related systems, make sure sensor and transmitter specifications are discussed with the ship's technical team and whoever handles class approval.
Complete data speeds up the selection process. Prepare information on the measured medium, temperature range, mounting location, connection size, probe length, required output signal, and the area classification at the mounting point.
CV. Rach Tekindo Makmur supplies Temperature Sensors & Temperature Transmitters for a wide range of industrial instrumentation needs. If you need sensors, transmitters, or consultation on configuration and installation for your temperature system, contact us on WhatsApp at 0877-8620-5656 to discuss your technical requirements and request a quotation tailored to your application.
