PORTATANK® – Accurate Measurement of Oil Levels

At Sonemat, we excel in bespoke commercial research and development projects, delivering real-world solutions that meet our clients’ unique needs. Our expertise in transforming research into viable, commercial products is exemplified by our collaboration with Coltraco Ultrasonics on the development of the PORTATANK®. This partnership led to the creation of a highly effective tool now widely used in industry, showcasing our ability to translate research into market-ready innovations.

The Importance of Transformer Oil Levels

Transformer oil is critical for the safe and efficient operation of electrical transformers, serving as both an insulator and a coolant. Maintaining proper oil levels is essential to prevent overheating, insulation failure, and, in extreme cases, fires or explosions.

Ultrasonic Testing with PORTATANK®

Ultrasonic testing is a reliable, non-invasive method for monitoring transformer oil levels. The PORTATANK® device, developed through our research, allows operators to accurately measure liquid levels without opening the transformer or causing downtime. Its portable, handheld design ensures ease of use and versatility across different tank sizes and materials.

Key Advantages of PORTATANK®

• Non-Invasive: Measures oil levels without drilling or opening the tank.
• Zero Downtime: Allows testing without interrupting operations.
• Versatile: Suitable for tanks from 0.5m to 15m in diameter.
• Accurate: Offers precision within +/- 10mm, surpassing traditional gauges.
• User-Friendly: Portable and easy to operate by a single person.
• Broad Compatibility: Works with various tank materials and wall thicknesses.
• Cost-Effective: Requires no installation and operates on standard AA batteries.

Proven Accuracy in the Field

In practical demonstrations, PORTATANK® has proven its effectiveness. In one case, it accurately measured oil levels in Yorkshire switchgear distribution boxes and a large transformer, with results matching manual measurements precisely.

Conclusion

Maintaining proper transformer oil levels is crucial for safety and efficiency. The PORTATANK® provides a reliable, non-invasive solution for monitoring these levels, ensuring that transformers operate within safe parameters without the need for tank modifications or downtime. Sonemat’s work in developing this technology highlights our commitment to delivering innovative, practical solutions that enhance safety and performance in critical infrastructure systems.