Optimize aquaculture environment control by integrating precise depth measurement and thermal monitoring into a single, vented submersible housing built for saline exposure.
Use this dual output transmitter for monitor or controlling the water level and temperature of salt water ponds & tanks used in marine aquaculture systems. The IMCTL measures the depth of salt water using a hydrostatic pressure measurement technology, and the salt water temperature is measured using an internal platinum resistance thermometer. Each sensor output is converted to a 4-20mA current output signal for sending to instrumentation for maintaining an optimal environment for marine life in underwater habitats.
The IMCTL is specifically engineered to address the corrosive challenges of recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) and shore-based brine holding tanks where standard stainless steel instrumentation often fails due to pitting and crevice corrosion. By utilizing a marine bronze CA104 housing, this sensor leverages the natural antimicrobial and bio-resistant properties of the copper-based alloy to inhibit the growth of marine organisms and algae on the sensing diaphragm. This is a critical advantage for aquaculture engineers who need to minimize maintenance cycles and ensure that the 0.1% full-scale accuracy is not compromised by biofouling in high-salinity environments. Unlike generic submersible sensors, the IMCTL integrates a platinum resistance thermometer directly within the hydrostatic pressure housing, allowing for a single-point installation that captures both the water column height and the thermal stratification data essential for maintaining precise dissolved oxygen levels and metabolic rates in sensitive marine species.
For instrumentation technicians, the dual-output 4-20mA configuration simplifies the wiring architecture in large-scale pond deployments or offshore cage monitoring. The use of a vented gauge range type ensures that the transmitter automatically compensates for atmospheric pressure fluctuations, which is vital for maintaining the 10 mH2O measurement precision during rapid weather changes or tidal shifts that might otherwise skew depth readings. The internal Viton seals provide a robust chemical barrier, ensuring that the sensor remains hermetically sealed even when exposed to the various water treatments and cleaning agents common in intensive aquaculture. When integrated into a PLC or environmental control system, the IMCTL provides the high-resolution data necessary for automated feeding schedules and water exchange cycles, where even a slight drift in temperature or level could indicate a filtration failure or a breach in the containment system.
The physical design of the IMCTL prioritizes long-term immersion stability, featuring a low thermal zero shift of 0.02% FS per °C to ensure that seasonal water temperature swings do not introduce errors into the level measurement. This level of stability is particularly useful in outdoor mariculture applications, such as shrimp ponds or oyster nurseries, where the sensor is subjected to wide ambient temperature ranges. By providing simultaneous data on the hydrostatic head and the thermal profile of the water, the sensor allows for the calculation of specific gravity variations, helping aquacultural engineers more accurately track the health and growth parameters of the underwater habitat. The rugged IP68 construction and the weight of the marine bronze housing also help in keeping the sensor positioned at the desired depth without the need for additional heavy mounting hardware, simplifying the deployment in moving water or aerated tanks.
IMCTL IP68 Seawater Level & Temperature Transmitter
- Part No: IMCTL-G1000-5A2-AXV-015-5-B-000
- Pressure Range: 10
- Units: mH2O
- Range Type: Gauge / Vented (atm to +P)
- Temperature Range: -10 to +50°C (+14 to +122°F)
- Output Signal: 2 x 4-20mA, 2 wire
- Non-Linearity and Hysteresis: 0.1% FS
- Thermal Zero Shift: 0.02% FS per °C
- Housing & Diaphragm Material: Marine Bronze CA104
- Media Exposed Seals: Viton