A salinometer, also known as a salinity meter, is an instrument used to measure the concentration of salt in a solution, typically in water. It is a crucial device in various maritime and industrial applications.
Why Salinometers Are Used Onboard Ships and Oil Rigs
- Monitoring Water Quality:
- Ships: Ensuring the salinity levels in potable water, boiler feedwater, and ballast water are within acceptable limits to prevent corrosion and scaling.
- Oil Rigs: Monitoring the salinity of drilling fluids and water used in operations to maintain equipment integrity and operational efficiency.
- Environmental Compliance:
- Ensuring discharged water meets environmental regulations regarding salinity levels to protect marine ecosystems.
- Operational Efficiency:
- Maintaining optimal salinity levels in various systems helps prevent the build up of salt deposits, which can cause blockages and reduce the efficiency of heat exchangers, boilers, and other equipment.
Systems Using Salinometers Onboard
- Potable Water Systems: Ensuring the safety and palatability of drinking water.
- Boiler Water Systems: Preventing corrosion and scaling within boilers by monitoring the salinity of feedwater.
- Ballast Water Systems: Ensuring ballast water management and compliance with international regulations.
- Cooling Water Systems: Monitoring salinity to prevent corrosion in cooling systems.
Manufacturers and Cost
- Hanna Instruments:
- Model: HI 99300 EC/TDS/Salinity Portable Meter
- Cost: Approximately $150 – $200
- YSI (a Xylem brand):
- Model: ProDSS (Digital Sampling System) Multiparameter Meter
- Cost: Approximately $2,000 – $3,000 (depending on configuration)
- Extech Instruments:
- Model: EC400 ExStik Conductivity/TDS/Salinity Meter
- Cost: Approximately $150 – $250
- Myron L Company:
- Model: Ultrameter II 6P
- Cost: Approximately $800 – $1,200
- Eutech Instruments (a Thermo Fisher Scientific brand):
- Model: SaltTestr 11 Pocket Salinity Tester
- Cost: Approximately $100 – $150
Contents of a Typical Salinometer Package
- Salinometer Device: The main instrument for measuring salinity.
- Calibration Solutions: Standard solutions with known salinity levels for calibrating the device.
- User Manual: Instructions for operation, calibration, and maintenance.
- Carrying Case: A protective case for storage and transport.
- Electrodes/Probes: Replaceable or fixed probes for measuring salinity.
- Batteries/Power Supply: Depending on the model, either rechargeable batteries or disposable batteries.
Summary
Salinometers are essential instruments used onboard ships and oil rigs to monitor the salinity of various water systems, ensuring operational efficiency, equipment longevity, and environmental compliance. Various manufacturers offer a range of salinometers, with costs varying based on features and complexity. Ensuring proper usage and regular calibration of these devices is vital for accurate salinity measurements.
