Filling level indicators for faeces tanks are one of the most problematic systems on board. Conventional floats or internal sensors become soiled by the tank contents and provide inaccurate values after a short time. Garnet wants to solve this problem with a completely different approach: The capacitive sensors are glued to the outside of the tank wall and measure the fill level through the material. They never come into contact with the tank contents and cannot become contaminated. The SeeLevel system has been established in North America for years and is now also being sold in Europe. In addition to black water, it can also be used to measure many other tank contents.
Sensors for outdoor installation
The sensors of the SeeLevel system are attached to the outer wall of the tank. The decisive advantage lies in the installation: no drilling, welding or breakthroughs in the tank wall are necessary. The sensors are glued to the cleaned outer surface. This works with plastic tanks. Metal tanks are not suitable. The thickness of the tank wall does not matter to a certain extent - the system can measure through wall thicknesses of up to around ten millimetres.
Depending on the size, one to ten sensors are installed per tank. These are arranged vertically on top of each other and record the fill level in stages. Garnet offers various sensor kits for different tank sizes.
Modular system for individual requirements
The SeeLevel system consists of two components: the sensors and the display. The sensors are organised as strips, similar to LED strips. They are positioned on the tank and wired. The display shows the fill level as a percentage. An LED bar display makes the status recognisable at a glance. The system can monitor up to seven tanks simultaneously: One press of a button switches between the displays. Alarms can be configured - for example, when the waste tank is 90 per cent full.
Installation is feasible for experienced owners, but requires precise planning: the sensors must be positioned exactly so that they detect the actual fill level. Calibration can be more complex for irregularly shaped tanks or those with many fittings. Garnet supplies detailed installation instructions.
Advantages over internal systems
The biggest advantage of the SeeLevel system is that it is maintenance-free. As the sensors never come into contact with the tank contents, they cannot become dirty or calcified. Float-based systems often fail after a few years because deposits build up or mechanical parts block. Internal electrical sensors corrode due to the aggressive tank contents.
The external mounting also allows subsequent installation without opening the tank. This is a particular advantage for permanently installed tanks or tanks that are difficult to access. Repairs or the replacement of defective sensors are easier than with internal systems.
There is one restriction: the system only works if the tank wall is accessible. Installation is not possible on fully lined or foamed tanks.
The sensor strips are available in three lengths of 23, 30 and 41 centimetres. The display is available in many different configurations, depending on the number of tanks to be monitored. There are also optional switches for pumps or boilers and the option of transferring all values to a mobile device via Bluetooth, allowing alarms to be defined and triggered.
The Garnet SeeLevel system is available from specialist dealers (Lindemann is the importer in Germany). Prices start at 69 euros for the sensors and 151 euros for the display.
Technical data:
Display:
- Monitoring of up to 7 tanks
- Switchable at the touch of a button
- Configurable alarms
- Display: Faeces, fresh water, grey water and others
Sensors:
- Vertical arrangement
- Adhesive connection
- Various sensor kits available
Installation:
- Kee tank drilling necessary
- Calibration required in
- Suitable for DIY installation
- Detailed instructions included
Properties:
- Maintenance-free
- Resistant to soiling
- Retrofittable
Availability:
- Price: from 69 Euro sensor, 151 Euro display
- Via specialised dealers, www.lindemann-kg.de German importer
- Manufacturer: Garnet (Canada)
- Website: https://www.garnetinstruments.com
Michael Rinck
Redakteur Test & Technik
Michael Rinck war das Kind, das nach der Schule direkt aufs Wasser wollte – Segeltraining, Regatten, Hauptsache nass. Diese Vorliebe machte er zum Beruf: Erst als Segellehrer auf der Alster (während des Studiums), dann ab 2014 in der YACHT-Redaktion. Dort hat er im Bereich Test & Technik seine Berufung gefunden: Segelboote und Sicherheitsequipment testen. Was besonders bei Rettungswesten und MOB-Systemen bedeutet, dass er mehr Arbeitsstunden im Wasser treibend verbringt als die meisten Menschen im Büro sitzend. Höhepunkt: eine ganze Nacht in der Rettungsinsel auf der Ostsee. Seine Familie hat inzwischen durchgesetzt, dass Urlaubstörns auf der eigenen Fahrtenyacht deutlich trockener ablaufen.
