In submarine environments, precise level monitoring of critical fluids such as f resh water, salt water, or sea water is essential for operational control, system stability, and crew safety.
The challenge arises f rom high-pressure conditions, irregular tank geometries, and variable dielectric media that make conventional level measurement unreliable.
Defence applications demand a robust, redundant, and maintenance-f ree system capable of performing accurately under pressurized and confined submarine conditions with minimal drift and consistent calibration integrity.
SBEM designed and developed the Phase Capacitance Type Level Sensor (PCLS), a marinegrade, defence-qualified continuous level measurement system engineered for submarine applications.
The system comprises two key components:
- Phase Capacitance Level Sensor (Primary Converter) PCLS-PC
- A flexible, double-loop electrode with a protective metallic hose that senses capacitance change due to liquid level variation.
- Buffer Amplifier & Power Unit (Secondary Converter) PCLS-SC
- A ruggedized amplifier and signal conditioning unit that converts capacitance variation into a standardized 0-10 V DC output for control system interfacing.
- It includes redundant electronic circuitry to ensure uninterrupted operation.
SBEM’s solution provides continuous, real-time level indication with high accuracy and longterm stability, optimized for submarine systems operating up to 45 kg/cm² pressure.
- The PCLS system operates based on the capacitance measurement principle.
- A capacitor is formed between the electrode (sensor) and the metallic hose (ground) with the liquid medium acting as the dielectric.
- As the liquid level changes, the dielectric constant between these plates varies, resulting in a proportional change in capacitance.
- This capacitance is sensed by the primary converter (PCLS-PC) and transmitted via an RF cable (RG59) to the secondary converter (PCLS-SC).
- The secondary unit, powered by 220V, 400Hz AC, converts this change into a 0–10 V DC analog signal, linear to the tank’s level.
- A microcontroller-based amplifier processes the signal, and a health check function (+27VDC test input) allows functional verification, forcing a +5V output during testing, ensuring system integrity without process interruption.
Marine & Defence Qualified
Built as per JSS 55555, IS 12063, and IEC marine standards for reliability in naval systems.
Redundant Electronics
Integrated backup circuits in secondary converter ensure uninterrupted monitoring.
Flexible Probe Design
Accommodates linear and non-linear submarine tank geometries.
High Pressure Endurance
Operates reliably up to 30 kg/cm², tested up to 45 kg/cm².
Environmental Durability
IP67-rated construction with SS316/SS321 materials for corrosion resistance.
Health Check Facility
+27VDC input test function for operational verification during routine maintenance.
Wide Media Compatibility
Calibrated for fresh, salt, and sea water under varying dielectric conditions.
High Signal Integrity
Shielded RF cabling ensures noise-free signal transmission even in dense submarine electrical environments.
Submarine Ballast Tank Level Monitoring
Engine Cooling Water Systems
Fuel and Lubrication Reservoirs
Hydraulic Systems
Water Compensation Systems
Auxiliary Tank Systems
High-Pressure Containment Vessels
Naval and Marine Applications
Outcome
SBEM’s Phase Capacitance Type Level Sensor (PCLS) provides unmatched accuracy, safety, and dependability for submarine applications. Its rugged construction, redundant design, and marine-grade protection ensure continuous performance under extreme operational conditions.
The PCLS solution exemplifies SBEM’s commitment to defence-grade instrumentation excellence, supporting the Naval Engineering’s mission-critical systems with trusted, indigenous engineering.
In submarine environments, precise level monitoring of critical fluids such as f resh water, salt water, or sea water is essential for operational control, system stability, and crew safety.
The challenge arises f rom high-pressure conditions, irregular tank geometries, and variable dielectric media that make conventional level measurement unreliable.
Defence applications demand a robust, redundant, and maintenance-f ree system capable of performing accurately under pressurized and confined submarine conditions with minimal drift and consistent calibration integrity.
The system comprises two key components:
- Phase Capacitance Level Sensor (Primary Converter) PCLS-PC
- A flexible, double-loop electrode with a protective metallic hose that senses capacitance change due to liquid level variation.
- Buffer Amplifier & Power Unit (Secondary Converter) PCLS-SC
- A ruggedized amplifier and signal conditioning unit that converts capacitance variation into a standardized 0-10 V DC output for control system interfacing.
- It includes redundant electronic circuitry to ensure uninterrupted operation.
SBEM’s solution provides continuous, real-time level indication with high accuracy and longterm stability, optimized for submarine systems operating up to 45 kg/cm² pressure.
- The PCLS system operates based on the capacitance measurement principle.
- A capacitor is formed between the electrode (sensor) and the metallic hose (ground) with the liquid medium acting as the dielectric.
- As the liquid level changes, the dielectric constant between these plates varies, resulting in a proportional change in capacitance.
- This capacitance is sensed by the primary converter (PCLS-PC) and transmitted via an RF cable (RG59) to the secondary converter (PCLS-SC).
- The secondary unit, powered by 220V, 400Hz AC, converts this change into a 0–10 V DC analog signal, linear to the tank’s level.
- A microcontroller-based amplifier processes the signal, and a health check function (+27VDC test input) allows functional verification, forcing a +5V output during testing, ensuring system integrity without process interruption.
Marine & Defence Qualified
Built as per JSS 55555, IS 12063, and IEC marine standards for reliability in naval systems.
Redundant Electronics
Integrated backup circuits in secondary converter ensure uninterrupted monitoring.
Flexible Probe Design
Accommodates linear and non-linear submarine tank geometries.
High Pressure Endurance
Operates reliably up to 30 kg/cm², tested up to 45 kg/cm².
Environmental Durability
IP67-rated construction with SS316/SS321 materials for corrosion resistance.
Health Check Facility
+27VDC input test function for operational verification during routine maintenance.
Wide Media Compatibility
Calibrated for fresh, salt, and sea water under varying dielectric conditions.
High Signal Integrity
Shielded RF cabling ensures noise-free signal transmission even in dense submarine electrical environments.
Submarine Ballast Tank Level Monitoring
Engine Cooling Water Systems
Fuel and Lubrication Reservoirs
Hydraulic Systems
Water Compensation Systems
Auxiliary Tank Systems
High-Pressure Containment Vessels
Naval and Marine Applications
Outcome
SBEM’s Phase Capacitance Type Level Sensor (PCLS) provides unmatched accuracy, safety, and dependability for submarine applications. Its rugged construction, redundant design, and marine-grade protection ensure continuous performance under extreme operational conditions.
The PCLS solution exemplifies SBEM’s commitment to defence-grade instrumentation excellence, supporting the Naval Engineering’s mission-critical systems with trusted, indigenous engineering.