Description
The ESTERLINE AUXITROL TA-840-I is a high-precision, marine-grade tank radar monitoring system engineered for continuous cargo level measurement on commercial vessels. Originally developed under Thales / Thomson-CSF and later managed by Esterline Auxitrol, this advanced system utilizes Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) radar technology to deliver highly stable level readings. Built with a robust, cast stainless steel housing and a flat antenna design, it provides exceptional resistance against the harsh, corrosive atmospheres of marine cargo tanks, remaining completely unaffected by fluctuations in inert gas (IG) pressure, high temperatures, or liquid viscosity.
Technical Specifications & Datasheet
- Model Designation: TA-840-I (TA840 Series)
- Manufacturer: Esterline Auxitrol (Legacy brands include Thales / Thomson-CSF)
- Measurement Technology: Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) Radar
- Measuring Range: 0.5 meters to 42 meters
- Measurement Accuracy: ±10 mm
- Resolution: 0.1 mm
- Antenna Aperture Angle (3dB): 10°
- Maximum Tank Pressure: 1 bar
- Operating Temperature Range: -40°C to +70°C
- Enclosure Protection Class: IP66 / IP67 water and dust tightness
- Intrinsic Safety Approvals: ATEX standard Exia [ia] IIB T6…T5 or IIC T6…T5
- Construction Material: Sturdy cast stainless steel radar housing
- Signal Processing: Embedded internal processing unit with proprietary digital output protocol
- Standard Protection: Built-in PTFE protection sheet installed under the antenna surface
- System Weight: 18 kg (39.7 lbs)
- Country of Origin: France / European Union
Target Applications
This system is purpose-built for total cargo measurement, monitoring, and control within the marine and shipbuilding industries. It is widely installed on crude oil tankers, product carriers, chemical tankers, and offshore oil/gas platforms. Beyond level gauging, the system serves as a central hub for comprehensive tank management by interfacing directly with multi-point temperature sensors (Pt100) and inert gas pressure transmitters inside hazardous cargo areas.
Operating Guidelines & Instructions
The TA-840-I radar gauge must be mounted vertically on the top flange of the designated tank vapor space, ensuring the flat antenna surface has an unobstructed line of sight to the liquid surface. To satisfy strict marine intrinsic safety regulations, the digital output and power cabling must be routed directly through an approved intrinsically safe power supply barrier (such as the IS-POWER M1 module) located in the non-hazardous control room area. The gauge utilizes standard digital communication loops that allow it to multiplex level data, up to three cargo temperature data points, and inert gas pressure readings back along a shared power/communication line, significantly reducing deck wiring complexity. When integrating or retrofitting older vessel layouts, ensure the control module software (such as CONTROL M1 or SuperDIR series monitors) is configured to recognize the unique proprietary digital protocol of the TA840 series.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the FMCW radar technology maintain accuracy in volatile chemical tanks?
Unlike pulse-type radar or ultrasonic gauges, FMCW radar continuously sweeps the signal frequency. This allows the system to determine distance based on frequency shifts rather than time-of-flight, making the measurement immune to vapor density changes, heavy mist, boiling surfaces, or intense variations in inert gas pressures.
Can the TA-840-I radar handle high-temperature cargo management?
Yes. While the standard radar housing operates comfortably up to +70°C, high-temperature liquid cargos can be safely and accurately measured by employing specialized thermal isolation spacers or custom standoff installation arrangements.
What is the purpose of the I-NODE module mentioned in these system configurations?
The I-NODE is an on-deck concentrator box that can be connected to the exact same transmission line as the TA-840-I radar gauge. It drastically extends the sensor capacity of a single tank bay, allowing a single deck run to carry data for up to three temperature sensors and four ceramic pressure transmitters simultaneously.
