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AutroCAL®

AutroCAL® is a unique calibration and verification function in

the KONGSBERG system. Gas vapour density and mixture of

gases influence the propagation speed of the radar signal, thus

the accuracy of the measurement. By using pipe joint reference

markers, AutroCAL® continuously compensates for the changes

caused by the differences in the propagation speed. AutroCAL®

ensures high accuracy over the whole measurement range,

independent of the gas mixture, pressure and temperature.

With AutroCAL®, the influence of the gas vapour density and

composition is measured and compensated for automatically.

FEATURES

• Closed level gauge suitable for all liquefied gas tank designs.

• Measuring range 0 to 50 metres.

• Outstanding accuracy in the whole range.

• Superior sensitivity – suitable for precise measurement of

products with low dielectric constant.

• Dual transmitter with independent units, providing primary &

secondary level gauging.

• Combined level and TOP functionality s subject to case-by

case approval by class

• Each transmitter connects to its dedicated signal processing

unit with power and IS barrier.

• Approved for Custody Transfer (CTS) on board ships.

• Continuous level verification – AutroCAL®

• Utilize 50 mm standpipe.

• Modular design.

• Intrinsically safe for use in all zones.

How it works

Sensor information is continuously logged and stored in a database. Dynamic

data like maximum exposed pressures and temperatures, sensor aging and drift,

radar reflection curves and signal condition states are collected. The application

extract the data, analyse health condition and monitor the status of each sensor.

Static data like serialnumber, SW version and type designation is also stored for

easy identification and service history.

Knowing the health and condition of sensors disclose new levels in

safe and efficient tank operations:

• Condition based maintenance. Contamination influence the stability of

measurements. By monitoring contamination, simple cleaning can be planned

and performed when required.

• Increased lifetime. Logging of maximum exposed values and pressure shocks

supports the understanding of the process dependencies and offers insight

and more parameters for operational procedures.

• Confidence and trust. Knowing the status and condition gives confidence and

reduce need for manual checking and uncertainty in automatic operations.

K-Gauge Intelligent applications

When combining K-Gauge Tank Monitoring System and K-Load Loading

Computer the KONGSBERG Tank application becomes available for further opera

tional support. Some examples:

• Cargo tank monitoring

The Cargo tank application can give inventory overview, transfer reports

and history, loading/discharge data and cargo information. This can evolve

further to cargo planning, automatic cargo operations (by K-Chief) and

history of vessel stress and stability conditions.

• Fuel, Ballast & Service tank monitoring

The tank monitoring application can provide information on fuel inventory

and history, ballast exchange history and draft, trim / list views. This can

further evolve into ballast planning and automatic ballast exchange (by

K-Chief).

Sensor Reliability application

The need for accurate and reliable data is more important than ever. Sensors

are your eyes overlooking the processes running your ship. By continuously

sensing the levels, pressures and temperatures, and the combinations of

these, you get the overview necessary for reliable asset management and safe

operations.

As maritime instrumentation is particularly exposed to severe conditions like

constant vibrations, heavy seas, extreme temperatures and potential explosive

atmospheres, the condition of the sensor will be influenced. Monitoring this will

optimize the maintenance required and increase lifetime of sensor.

The K-Gauge Sensor Reliability application utilize KONGSBERG extensive

expertise in sensor technology, combined with current and historical data, to

provide you the highest confidence in the measured data on-board your vessel.

The application is available through Vessel Insight on Kognifai, designed and

developed for maritime use by KONGSBERG.

How it works

Sensor information is continuously logged and stored in a database. Dynamic

data like maximum exposed pressures and temperatures, sensor aging and drift,

radar reflection curves and signal condition states are collected. The application

extract the data, analyse health condition and monitor the status of each sensor.

Static data like serialnumber, SW version and type designation is also stored for

easy identification and service history.

Function

The MGC is a strap-down based gyro compass

including three Ring Laser Gyros (RLG) and three linear

accelerometers. The system can operate in Attitude and

Heading Reference System (AHRS) mode and Inertial

Navigation mode. In the AHRS mode input of speed

and latitude data (VBW/VTG and GGA/GLL) is required.

External time input is also required (ZDA). In this mode

the system will output heading, roll, pitch and heave. In

the Inertial Navigation mode input of latitude, longitude,

height and time (GGA and ZDA) and PPS from a GNSS

receiver is required. In this mode the product will output

heading, roll, pitch, heave and position.

The system is delivered with configuration software.

In this software the user selects output formats on the

different communication lines in addition to other

configuration purposes.

The MGC R2 COMPASS system is IMO type approved as a

gyro compass for navigation purposes for use together with

a heading and bearing repeater. Very high reliability is

achieved by using Ring Laser Gyros with no rotational or

mechanical wear-out parts.

Typical applications

The system can be operated as an inertial navigation

system as well as a gyro compass with output of position

and heading. Linear position and velocity measurements

can then be output in up to four different points on the

vessel.

Principle of operation

The RTG employs the Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave

(FMCW) principle with dual sweep technology to eliminate

Doppler-effect caused by cargo movement. Frequency sweep

ing microwave signals are emitted from two separate electronic

units and through a common standpipe. The distance (i.e. the

ullage) is derived from the time delay of the reflected signal.

The standpipe is assembled by sections adjusted to match the

total tank height. The pipes have ventilation holes allowing the

vapour pressure inside and outside the pipe to stabilize, thus

allowing the liquid to rise or fall unimpeded in the pipe.

Each pipe section is supplied with flanges prepared with refer

ence markers. The liquid level and the markers are measured

simultaneously, so the system automatically verifies itself at

every measurement. By careful calibration of the pipe sections

length before installation, the positions of the markers are re

corded and stored in the system. By comparing the liquid echo

with the signature plate echo, a continuous auto-calibration of

the measurement is done.

The electronic units in the RTG includes a patented signal

detection method that ensures optimum performance. Com

bined with its superb signal-to-noise ratio, GLA-310/5 offers the

highest measurement reliability and accuracy.

Each electronic unit is connected to a dedicated signal process

ing unit, where the AutroCAL® principle is employed.

RADAR TANK GAUGE FOR GAS CARRIERS

The KONGSBERG Radar Tank Gauge (RTG), GLA-310/5 DUAL is

designed for redundant measurement of level in tanks containing

liquefied gases. Accurate measurement is possible regardless of

the tank amospheric conditions. Flexible design ensure easy

adaptation to LPG (Propane, Butane), LEG (Ethylene, Ethane),

VCM, liquefied Ammonia (NH3) and LNG.

AutroCAL®

AutroCAL® is a unique calibration and verification function in

the KONGSBERG system. Gas vapour density and mixture of

gases influence the propagation speed of the radar signal, thus

the accuracy of the measurement. By using pipe joint reference

markers, AutroCAL® continuously compensates for the changes

caused by the differences in the propagation speed. AutroCAL®

ensures high accuracy over the whole measurement range,

independent of the gas mixture, pressure and temperature.

With AutroCAL®, the influence of the gas vapour density and

composition is measured and compensated for automatically.

Installation

The Transmitter Barrier is typically installed in the processing

cabinet in control room. The DZ-110/U is equipped with blue

coloured terminals 4 and 5/6 for connection of the intrinsically

safe circuit in hazardous area. Terminals 2 and 3 connects the

Transmitter Barrier to an analogue input channel in the moni

toring system. The Transmitter Barrier shall be grounded to the

Intrinsically Safe busbar in the system (6), by minimum a 1.5

mm2 cable.

The DZ-110/U snaps to a TS-32 or a TS-35 mounting rail (ac

cording to DIN46277). End stoppers shall be used to support

the units.

Safety instruction:

For safety instruction see the document 373874 K-Gauge Ex I

Safety instructions.

FEATURES

• Intrinsically safe connection of 4 – 20 mA transmitters to safe

area

• Snap-on installation to DIN rail (TS-32 or TS-35)

• Small size

• ATEX, IECEx and type approved

The KONGSBERG DZ-110/U Transmitter Barrier Unit is designed to

safely provide signal interface and pow er supply to Kongsberg

instrumentation located in hazardous area. The unit connects

intrinsically safe 4-20 mA transmitters.

Principle of operation

The Transmitter Barrier is installed in safe area, designed to

limit the amount of energy that could appear in an electric circuit

that connects to instrumentation located in hazardous area.

The DZ-110/U is a single channel shunt diode safety barrier,

intended for energising a 2-wire, 4-20 mA signal transmitter

installed in hazardous area. A “current mirror” amplifier re

peats the transmitter current into an equal magnitude safe

side current. To prevent leakage through the zener diodes, the

voltage applied to the barrier section is regulated and limited

to a suitable level. Active current limiting is also incorporated to

prevent fuse blow-out during accidental shorting of the transmit

ter circuit.

Signal Processing Unit (SPU)

Each RTG is connected to a dedicated signal processing unit,

where the specific tank design data is stored.

The GLK-300 Signal Processing Unit (SPU) is located in safe

area and provides necessary communication and power barri

ers to the instrumentation located in hazardous area. The SPU

employs powerful processing of the data from the Radar Tank

Gauge and temperature transmitter.

AutroCAL®

Gas vapour density and mixture of gases influence the prop

agation speed of the radar signal, thus the accuracy of the

measurement. AutroCAL® utilizes multiple reference markers to

measure the speed of the signal down the tank and continuous

ly compensates level readings for a varying propagation speed.

Each pipe section is delivered with reference markers in the

flange joints. The liquid level and the markers are measured

simultaneously, and the system automatically verifies itself at

every measurement.