EDR-8010 Series

Common issues

• Antenna/horn fouling from product residue, vapour condensation or icing, causing signal loss or false echoes
• False echoes from tank internal obstructions (ladders, heating coils, agitators) being read as level
• Stilling well/still-pipe blockage or corrosion where the gauge is bypipe-mounted, causing erratic readings
• Cable/connector corrosion at the tank penetration causing intermittent signal or communication loss
• Low cargo dielectric constant reducing usable signal strength, more pronounced for low-dielectric cargoes
• Loss of communication with the cargo control system from bus/wiring faults
• Calibration drift over time versus a manual dip/ullage reference

Inspection checklist

• Cross-check the radar reading against a manual ullage/dip measurement at a fixed interval
• Inspect the antenna/horn for fouling, residue buildup or physical damage where accessible
• Check the tank penetration gland/seal for gas-tightness and corrosion - critical for cargo tank integrity
• Verify power supply and signal cable condition and terminations
• Check the communication link to the cargo control/level monitoring system
• Confirm the high-level/overfill alarm functions correctly and independently of the primary gauge
• Review calibration/verification records against class and flag state requirements for cargo tank gauging

Service intervals

Typical intervals for this design class, not the manufacturer’s figures for your model. The manufacturer’s manual is binding.

Critical spares

• Signal cable/connector kit for the tank penetration
• Antenna/horn assembly, if a field-replaceable design
• Local display/transmitter unit
• Power supply/transmitter power module
• Mounting flange gasket for the tank penetration

Safety

• The gauge penetrates the cargo tank boundary - any seal or gland work must follow the vessel's enclosed space and gas-freeing/hot work procedures
• Level gauging failure can contribute to tank overfill - the independent high-level/overfill alarm is a primary safety layer, not an optional backup
• Electrical work on tank-mounted equipment must respect the hazardous area (Ex) rating of the installation

Class survey

Cargo tank level gauges on tankers/gas carriers are checked at survey against the independent high-level/overfill alarm requirement; class wants calibration records and confirmation that the primary gauge and the independent alarm are functionally separate.

Estimated lifetime: Radar level transmitters are electronic instruments typically rated for continuous service over many years rather than a running-hour figure; life is usually limited by connector/seal corrosion or electronics obsolescence - confirm expected service life against the manufacturer's documentation for the installed unit