Mairne Sounding Cap
A sounding cap shall be installed on the sounding pipe. To prevent seawater from entering the compartment through the sounding pipe, all sounding pipes through which water could enter shall be equipped with a permanently attached, reliable shut-off device.
This is to prevent seawater from spreading to other compartments through the sounding pipe in the event of a breach in a particular compartment.
Overview
Features:
Typically made of brass or bronze, these gauges are resistant to corrosion from seawater and oils, making them suitable for humid, salty environments on ships.
The standard type features a threaded, screw-on seal to prevent liquid and gas leaks; the self-closing type automatically closes via a counterweight or spring, eliminating the need for manual operation after measurement.
Sounding pipe for tanks containing flammable liquids, such as fuel tanks, must be equipped with self-closing shut-off devices as required to prevent the escape of vapors and the risk of oil spills.
Common nominal diameters range from DN40 to DN65. Manufactured in accordance with marine standards such as CB/T 3778-1999, they are compatible with standard level gauge heads.
Installation:
Fuel and lubricating oil tanks must be fitted with brass caps equipped with self-closing valves, with the pipes routed to the open deck.
The pipe covers for fresh water tanks must extend at least 400 mm above the deck to prevent contamination.
Standard threaded caps must be unscrewed to open during measurement and must be screwed back into place after use;
Before opening a self-closing valve cap, check the pipe for residual liquid to prevent spillage.
