How does it work?
All LevelDatic system work on a electro-pneumatic principle. Clean and dry instrument air is directed to the bottom of the tank through a pipe where it escapes creating air bubbles. Since the flow is maintained constant, the pressure in the air pipe is directly proportional to the level of liquid inside the tank. A pressure sensible element, a pressure sensor (transducer), measures the pressure value, which is further processed in the system. The output values can be either digital or analogue.

Common problems
After several years of collecting data from thousands of vessels we have learned a few common problems with LevelDatic systems, which are mostly avoidable and can be rectified by the vessel crew.

Bad quality instrument air is often a main cause of problems with LevelDatic. Check your system visually for any signs of oil deposits in small transparent tubes and flow indicators inside LD cabinet. Would you notice this kind of trouble please make sure that your compressed air system is rectified before any troubleshooting and repairs are started on LevelDatic. Especially condition of air compressor and air filters and dryers should be checked. We recommend a dedicated filter and dryer to be installed close to LevelDatic air supply. Ask us for suitable models.

If bad quality air is supplied to LevelDatic for extended period of time it will cause damage to system elements. As soon as an air quality is improved LevelDatic system should be checked for damages. Most common damage resulting from oil presence in the system is damaged diaphragm in pressure reducing valve or in constant flow controllers. Ordering and replacing diaphragms will fix this problem. Special overhaul kits are also offered.

Damaged or dirty non-return valves are often a reason of wrong level measurement. Dismount the valve, open it and check for possible damage. In most cases the valve can be overhauled onboard. If it’s permanently damaged, we can supply you with a new valve.

Air leaks in air pipes inside the tank and on deck are frequently responsible for wrong measurement. See our short instruction how to check the system for air leaks. For older systems small air leaks are possible inside LevelDatic cabinet due to tear and wear of its components. Ordering and replacing o-rings will help to fix this problem.

Air pipe blockages would disturb a free air flow into the tank and can be a reason of large measurement errors. The pipes can be blocked either by sediment in the bottom of a tank or by physical damage to copper pipe on a deck. Purging the pipeline and visual check for any damages should provide solution to this problem.