Challenges of Level Measurement in Complex Ship and Port Sewage Tanks
In modern ship and port sewage treatment systems, wastewater management is a critical part of ensuring environmental safety and operational efficiency. Level measurement in ship and port sewage tanks is particularly challenging due to the complex conditions of the liquid, which often contains suspended solids and sediment. The liquid surface can fluctuate during pumping operations or inflow/outflow processes, making it difficult for ordinary level measurement instruments to maintain stable readings. Recently, a team of engineers from Shenzhen Jiwei Automations Ltd. visited a customer site to conduct on-site inspections, provide customized level measurement solutions, and deliver full technical guidance, earning high trust from the client.
On-Site Inspection and Safety Measures
Ship and port sewage tanks contain complex liquid media, presenting numerous challenges for level measurement. Jiwei engineers first conducted a comprehensive inspection of the tanks: the liquid contained suspended solids and sediment, and tank structures were restricted, with liquid surfaces fluctuating during pumping operations. To ensure reliable level measurement, engineers wore full-body safety harnesses, anti-slip work shoes, and safety ropes, and climbed approximately 50 meters to the top of the tanks to measure and assess flange interfaces, installation spaces, and other critical structures.
During the on-site inspection, engineers carefully recorded the range of liquid surface fluctuations, temperature, and media properties, and communicated with operators to understand daily operation and maintenance practices. Based on the collected data, Jiwei provided a customized installation plan for the level measurement instruments, including anti-interference radar selection, filtering optimization strategies, installation angles, and support structure designs, ensuring stable and reliable measurements in ship and port sewage tanks even under pumping disturbances.
On-Site Installation Guidance to Ensure Stable Level Measurement
Engineers personally guided the installation, ensuring each instrument fit tightly with the tank interfaces and that the radar antenna maintained an optimal distance from the liquid surface, avoiding dead zones or blind spots that could affect level measurement. Every detail was strictly controlled: installation brackets and flange seals were inspected to ensure structural stability without leakage, bolts were torque-checked for secure fixing, and protective cover sealing was repeatedly confirmed.
During commissioning, engineers verified radar echo signals in real-time and adjusted filter and attenuation parameters according to liquid surface fluctuations, minimizing signal interference. Potential operational conditions, such as pumping start/stop or sediment accumulation, were simulated to ensure that the level measurement devices performed reliably under all complex conditions.
After repeated testing, the level signals became stable and reliable, measurement errors were significantly reduced, and data output was smooth and continuous. The client observed the process on-site, highly appreciating both the measurement results and the instruments’ performance. They especially praised Jiwei engineers’ professionalism and meticulousness, noting that it not only improved operational safety but also reduced future maintenance time and costs.
Client Feedback on Imported Equipment
It is worth noting that during on-site discussions, the client shared past experiences with imported level measurement instruments, such as those from the brand Fany. They reported that these devices often struggled with complex conditions in ship and port sewage tanks, particularly when liquids contained solids or sediment and pumping operations caused fluctuations. Additionally, when problems occurred, after-sales support was slow, on-site technical guidance was lacking, and maintenance cycles were extended, increasing human and time costs.
In contrast, Jiwei engineers’ on-site service made a clear difference. Engineers climbed 50-meter-high tanks wearing double-point safety harnesses with fall arrest devices to ensure high-altitude safety, conducted detailed inspections of tank structures and liquid surface conditions, and guided the installation process. Every detail, from flange bolt torque, antenna distance adjustments, protective cover sealing, to on-site wiring and electrical interface checks, was strictly controlled.
During commissioning, engineers optimized signal reception angles and filtering parameters according to liquid characteristics and fluctuations, ensuring immediate and reliable level measurement. Simulations of pumping operations and sediment changes further guaranteed performance under all tank conditions.
The client remarked: “With Jiwei engineers’ on-site guidance, installation and commissioning were smooth, and level measurement is much more stable than with previous imported instruments. What used to take hours of adjustments is now fully resolved.”
The client also emphasized that Jiwei’s professional service and rapid response were highly convenient, eliminating the need for frequent returns or reliance on remote guidance. This “ready-to-use, reliable operation” experience is difficult to obtain with imported brands and further strengthened their trust in domestic instruments.
Customized Radar Level Measurement Solution
For this project, Jiwei supplied the JWrada®-31 radar level transmitter featuring anti-interference design and optimized filtering algorithms, capable of compensating for pumping disturbances or tank surface fluctuations in ship and port sewage tanks. The device also incorporates corrosion-resistant, anti-condensation, and anti-deposition designs, ensuring long-term stability in sewage media.
To improve operational efficiency and commissioning convenience, Jiwei also provided its proprietary mobile solution, the “Jiwei Smart Control®” Bluetooth applet. This allows engineers or on-site operators to configure parameters, perform online commissioning, quickly diagnose, and view data using a smartphone—without installing additional apps. Even in confined spaces or hazardous zones, instruments can be safely and conveniently monitored and adjusted.
This solution demonstrates both Jiwei’s technological advantages and its customer-focused approach: each instrument is tailored to the actual usage environment, combining hardware design, signal optimization, and smart operation tools for immediate, long-term, reliable level measurement.
High-Altitude Safety and Professional Service
This on-site project also highlights Jiwei’s emphasis on safety. Engineers wore full-body safety harnesses and used double-point safety ropes during high-altitude operations, ensuring safe work in elevated and confined spaces. Every inspection, installation, and commissioning step adhered strictly to safety protocols, ensuring smooth project execution.
High Client Recognition of Domestic Instruments and Services
Through this project, the client highly praised Jiwei’s products and professional services. They recalled previous difficulties with imported instruments, including insufficient installation guidance and slow after-sales response, which increased operational manpower and time costs. In contrast, Jiwei engineers provided comprehensive on-site support, from safety checks to measurements, meticulously controlling each step: climbing 50-meter tanks with full safety gear, confirming instrument fit and antenna distance, and fine-tuning installation angles to minimize dead zones and blind spots.
Engineers carefully controlled all details: optimal antenna distance to the liquid surface, bolt torque compliance, repeated checks on protective cover sealing, and real-time level signal monitoring via the Jiwei Smart Control® applet. The client noted that this end-to-end service—from inspection to installation and signal optimization—clearly demonstrated the reliability of Jiwei instruments under complex ship and port sewage tank conditions, as well as the professionalism and high quality of domestic instruments.
The client stated: “With Jiwei engineers’ on-site guidance, installation and commissioning were very smooth, and instruments operate stably. Unlike imported devices, Jiwei provides both reliable performance and comprehensive service and support.” This high level of trust became a key reason for their long-term commitment to Jiwei.
Project Summary: Advantages of Industry-Customized Solutions
Overall, this project for level measurement in complex ship and port sewage tanks fully demonstrates Jiwei’s industry-customized capabilities, engineering expertise, and on-site service advantages. By conducting detailed site inspections, providing customized solutions, and guiding installation and commissioning, Jiwei not only resolved the challenges of complex level measurement but also allowed the client to experience the reliability and service advantages of domestic instruments. Moving forward, Jiwei will continue to uphold its philosophy of “industry customization, fit-for-purpose solutions,” providing stable and reliable level and bulk measurement solutions for more industries and complex scenarios.