CALIBRATION

 To determine, check, or rectify the graduation of (any instrument giving

quantitative measurements).
 To divide or mark with gradations, graduations, or other indexes of
degree, quantity, etc., as on a thermometer, measuring cup, or the like.
 To determine the correct range for (an artillery gun, mortar, etc.) by
observing where the fired projectile hits.
 To plan or devise (something) carefully so as to have a precise use,
application, appeal, etc. : a sales strategy calibrated to rich investors.

Tank Calibration - Sounding & Ullage Tables

Tank Volume Calculations for each level and angle of trim / heel

Are the existing Calibration Tables correct?

There are many reasons that calibration tables of a specific tank could be
in error but the most frequently met are the following:
 Sounding Pipe or Ullage Reference Point is considered at a different
location from the place that is finally fitted. Many times the calibration
tables are based on the preliminary drawings of the ship (prepared
before construction) but some sounding pipes or Ullage ports have been
fitted at a different location due to technical obstructions at the studied
location. Many cases have been resolved with an onboard survey
determining the exact location of the sounding pipe or Ullage reference
point.
 Calibration tables are correct when the ship is evenly loaded, but trim
and list corrections are in error or not available. These corrections are of
major importance in most of the cases for an accurate determination of
the loaded quantity of bunkers or cargo. Many calibration tables use the
method of correcting the gauged Ullage or sounding. This method
assumes the vessel evenly loaded in order to determine the correction to
the Ullage or sounding when the vessel is listed and could be in error
when tank's top plating is partly wet or bottom plating is partly dry by
its content.
 The calibration tables have been prepared with software which is not
capable of handling the case where tank's top plating is partly wet or
bottom plating is partly dry by its content. In many cases the tanks are
modelled by means of some standard transverse sections but for the
 above case additional transverse sections are required in order to
determine the extent that the top or bottom plating is partly wet or dry.
 Tanks full capacity has changed due to a modification or is not
accurately calculated. In this case, the Internal Electro-Optical Distance
Ranging Method by laser scanning supported by powerful software is
required. This method is ideal for every ship but especially for floating
storage vessels, delivery barges, chemical tankers, bunker tanks etc.,
where accuracy is very important.