ASTM F2044-09(2019)e1

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
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Designation: F2044 −09 (Reapproved 2019) An American National Standard
Standard Specification for
Liquid Level Indicating Equipment, Electrical
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F2044; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
ε NOTE—Reapproved with editorial changes to the Supplementary Requirements section in March 2019.
1. Scope 2. Referenced Documents
1.1 This specification covers the requirements for electrical 2.1 ASTM Standards:
liquid level indicating equipment for shipboard low pressure D3951 Practice for Commercial Packaging
and high pressure tanks containing freshwater, feed water,
2.2 ISO Standards:
potablewater,seawater,wastewater,dieselfuel,lubricatingoil,
ISO 9001 Quality System—Model for Quality Assurance in
contaminated oil, refrigerants, JP fuels, and various other
Design/Development, Production, Installation, and Ser-
fluids. Application includes compensating tanks in which the
vicing
equipment must locate the interface.
3. Terminology
1.2 Eachliquidlevelindicatingequipmenttypicallyconsists
of the following components:
3.1 Definitions:
(a) One or more sensing devices;
3.1.1 hysteresis, n—maximum difference in output, at any
(b) Flexible interconnections, if needed;
measurand value within the specified range, when the value is
(c) Primary indicator panel assembly;
approached first with increasing and then with decreasing
(d) Auxiliary indicator panel assembly, when required; and
measurand.
(e) Portable indicator panel assembly, when required.
3.1.2 insulation resistance, n—the resistance measured be-
1.3 Special requirements for naval shipboard applications
tween insulated portions of a liquid level indicating equipment
areincludedintheSupplementaryRequirementssectiontothis
and between insulated portions of a liquid level indicating
specification.
equipment and ground when a specified dc voltage is applied
under specified conditions.
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
standard. Inch-pound units are provided for information only
3.1.3 output, n—electrical or numerical quantity, produced
and are not considered standard. Where information is to be
by a liquid level indicating sensor or measurement system, that
specified, it shall be stated in SI units.
is a function of the applied measurand.
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
3.1.4 pressure cycling, n—the specified minimum number
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
ofspecifiedperiodicpressurechangesoverwhichaliquidlevel
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
indicating sensor will operate and meet the specified perfor-
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
mance.
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
3.1.5 process medium, n—the measured fluid (measurand)
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
that comes in contact with the sensing element.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
3.1.6 repeatability, n—ability of a liquid level indicating
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
equipment to reproduce output readings when the same mea-
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
surand value is applied to it consecutively, under the same
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
conditions, and in the same direction.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
1 2
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F25 on Ships For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
and Marine Technology and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F25.10 on contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Electrical. Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Current edition approved March 1, 2019. Published April 2019. Originally the ASTM website.
approved in 2000. Last previous edition approved in 2013 as F2044 – 09 (2013). Available fromAmerican National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
DOI: 10.1520/F2044-09R19E01. 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
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F2044 − 09 (2019)
3.1.7 response, n—the measured output of a liquid level 4.2.1.5 Capacitive—The capacitive-sensing technique uses
indicating sensor to a specified change in measurand. the change in capacitance of the sensing device to produce an
electrical signal proportional to the level of the measured fluid
3.1.8 signal conditioner, n—an electronic device that makes
in the tank.
the output signal from a sensor element compatible with a
4.2.1.6 Resistance Tape—The resistance-tape-type sensing
readout system.
technique uses the change in circuit resistance in the sensing
3.1.9 wetted parts, n—liquid level indicating equipment device to produce an electrical signal proportional to the level
components with at least one surface in direct contact with the of the measured fluid in the tank.
4.2.1.7 Static Pressure—The static head technique measures
process medium.
the static (head) pressure caused by the measured liquid
relative to the ambient pressure to change the circuit status of
4. Designation
thesensingdeviceandproduceanelectricalsignalproportional
4.1 Designation—Most liquid level indicating equipment
to the level of the measured fluid in the tank.
manufacturers use designations or systematic numbering or
4.2.1.8 Radar—The radar technique uses a high frequency
identifying codes.
electromagnetic wave transmitted through the air, including
guided inside a hollow tube, to determine the level of the
4.2 Design—Liquid level indicating equipment typically
measured liquid(s) by detecting changes in and/or timing the
consist of a sensing device that may or may not be in contact
reflected energy.
with the process medium, a transduction element that modifies
4.2.1.9 Ultrasonic—The ultrasonic technique uses high fre-
the signal from the sensing device to produce an electrical
quency sonic waves transmitted either through the air or in the
output,andanindicatorpanelassemblytoshowthelevelofthe
liquid to be measured, to determine the measured liquid(s)
mediumbeingmeasured.Somepartsofthesensingdevicemay
level by detecting changes in and/or timing the reflected
behermeticallysealedifthosepartsaresensitivetoandmaybe
energy.
exposed to moisture. The output cable must be securely
4.3 Process Medium—The following are the most common
fastened to the body of the sensing device.Avariety of sensing
types of process media. The first column identifies fluids that
devices is used in liquid level indicating equipment. In the
are measured in the tank. The second column identifies the
most common types of devices, sensing techniques such as
liquid or gas that interfaces with the measured fluid.
admittance/impedance, magnetic float, static pressure, differ-
ential pressure, time domain reflectometry, radar, capacitive, Fluid Liquid or Gas
resistance tape-type and ultrasonic are used. The function of
Contaminated fuel air
the sensing device is to produce a measurable response to the
Contaminated oil compressed air
Fuel (diesel fuel, cargo fuel, gasoline) compressed gas
admittance, impedance, differential pressure, reflected energy,
Freshwater, potable water, feed water Water
capacitance, or resistance of the fluid being measured. The
Hydraulic oil steam
following is a brief introduction to the major level sensing
JP-5, JP fuels seawater
Lubricating oil wastewater
technology design categories.
Refrigerants
4.2.1 Sensing Techniques—The sensing device typically
Synthetic oil
Seawater
doesnotuseanypartofthetankstructureaspartofthesensing
Turbine oil
device.
Waste oil
4.2.1.1 Admittance and Impedance—The admittance and Wastewater, sanitary waste
impedance sensing technique uses the apparent resistance to
4.4 Pressure Range—The liquid level indicating equipment
the current flow of an alternating current in the sensing device
must be able to withstand the expected fluid pressures in the
circuitoritsreciprocalwithrespecttothelevelofthemeasured
tank. Pressure range specification must take into account
fluid in the tank.
expectedpressurestobeencounteredindifferingtanksizesand
fluid types for a particular sensor type.
4.2.1.2 Magnetic Float—The magnetic float sensing tech-
nique uses a float with embedded magnets to change the circuit
4.5 Display—The display for liquid level indication is
status of the sensing device and produce an electrical signal
typically specified as analog, digital, or both.
proportional to the float’s position with respect to the level of
5. Ordering Information
the measured fluid in the tank.
4.2.1.3 Differential Pressure—The differential pressure- 5.1 The purchaser shall provide the manufacturer with all of
the pertinent application data shown in accordance with 5.2.If
sensing technique uses the pressure difference regardless of the
ambient pressure to change the circuit status of the sensing special application operating conditions exist that are not
shown in the acquisition requirements, they shall also be
deviceandproduceanelectricalsignalproportionaltothelevel
described.
of the measured fluid in the tank.
4.2.1.4 Time Domain Reflectometry—The time domain re-
5.2 Acquisition Requirements—Acquisition documents
flectometry sensing technique uses a high frequency electro-
must specify the following:
magnetic wave transmitted along a transmission line, wire, (a) Title, number, and date of this specification;
cable,orrodtodeterminethelevelofthemeasuredliquid(s)by
(b) Manufacturer’s part number;
detecting changes in and timing the reflected energy. (c) Sensing technique;
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(d) Application; 8.2 Liquid Level Indicating Equipment Performance—
(e) Pressure range; Performance tolerances are usually specified in percent of
(f) Display requirements (see 4.5) and indication range; indicator full scale. Critical performance requirements shall be
(g) Indicator panel assembly mounting method; specified in the acquisition requirements (see 5.2). The follow-
(h) Indicator panel assembly requirements;
ing performance characteristics and environmental exposures
(i) System operating characteristics; may or may not be important to each user’s intended applica-
(j) Materials;
tion.
(k) Environmental requirements; (a) Accuracy
(l) Quantity of liquid level indicating equipment required;
(b) Response time
(m) Size and weight restrictions (see 7.5);
(c) Repeatability
(n) Critical service life requirements (see 8.1);
(d) Hysteresis
(o) Performance requirements (see 8.2);
(e) Insulation resistance
(p) Special surface finish requirements (see 9.1);
(f) Specific gravity
(q) When certification is required (see Section 13);
(g) Fluid conductivity
(r) Special marking requirements (see Section 14);
(h) Tank wall proximity
(s) Special packaging or package marking requirements
(i) Inclination
(see Section 15);
(j) Spike voltage
(t) When ISO 9001 quality assurance system is not re-
(k) Salt spray
quired (see 16.1); and
(l) Pressure
(u) Special warranty requirements (see 16.2).
(m) Vibration
(n) Shock
6. Materials and Manufacture
(o) Enclosure
(p) dc magnetic field
6.1 Sensing Devices—The materials for the sensing devices
(q) Electromagnetic interference (EMI)
and wetted pans shall be selected for long-term compatibility
(r) Immersion
(see 8.1) with the process medium (see 4.3).
(s) Supply line voltage and frequency variation
6.2 Material Inspection—The manufacturer shall be respon-
sible for ensuring that materials used are manufactured,
9. Workmanship, Finish, and Appearance
examined, and tested in accordance with the specifications and
9.1 Finish and Appearance—Any special surface finish and
standards as applicable.
appearance requirements shall be specified in the acquisition
requirements (see 5.2).
7. Physical Properties
7.1 Enclosure—Unique or special enclosure requirements
10. Inspection
shall be specified in the acquisition requirements (see 5.2).
10.1 Classification of Inspections—The inspection require-
7.2 Liquid Level Indicating Equipment Mounting—Liquid
ments specified herein are classified as follows:
level indicating equipment is commonly mounted using brack-
(a) First article tests (see 10.2), and
ets or similar hardware.
(b) Conformance tests (see 10.3).
7.3 External Configuration—The outline drawing shall
show the configuration with dimensions in SI units (inch- 10.2 First Article Tests—First article test requirements shall
pound units). The outline drawing shall include limiting bespecified,whereapplicable.Firstarticletestmethodsshould
dimensions for electrical connections if required. The outline be identified for each design and performance characteristic
specified. Test report documentation requirements should also
drawing shall indicate the mounting method with hole size,
center location, and other pertinent dimensions. Where be specified.
threadedholesareused,threadspecificationsshallbeprovided.
10.3 Conformance Tests—Conformance testing is accom-
7.4 Electrical Connection—Electrical flexible interconnec-
plished when first article tests were satisfied by a previous
tions shall be provided with each liquid level indicating sensor
acquisition or the product has demonstrated reliability in
as specified in the contract (see 5.1).
similar applications. Conformance tests are usually less inten-
sive than first article tests, often verifying that samples of a
7.5 Size and Weight—The user may have intended applica-
production lot meet a few critical performance requirements.
tions in which size and weight are limited. Size and weight
restrictions shall be specified in the acquisition requirements
11. Number of Tests and Retests
(see 5.2).
11.1 Test Specimen—The number of test specimens to be
8. Performance Requirements
subjected to first article tests shall be specified and should
8.1 Service Life—The user may have a minimum specified depend on the liquid level indicating equipment design.
service life requirement that may be critical. Critical service Generally, one liquid level indicating equipment of each type
life requirements shall be specified in the acquisition require- (that is, sensing technique, application, pressure range, display,
ments (see 5.2). and indication range) shall be subjected to first article testing.
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12. Test Data (e) Excitation voltage.
12.1 Test Data—Test data shall remain on file at the manu-
15. Packaging and Package Marking
facturer’s facility for review by the buyer upon request. It is
15.1 Packaging of Product for Delivery—Product should be
recommended that test data be retained in the manufacturer’s
packaged for shipment in accordance with Practice D3951.
filesforatleastthreeyearsoraperiodoftimeacceptabletothe
buyer and manufacturer.
15.2 Any special packaging or package marking require-
ments for shipment or storage shall be identified in the
13. Certification
acquisition requirements (see 5.2).
13.1 When specified in the acquisition requirements (see
5.2), the buyer shall be furnished certification that samples 16. Quality Assurance
representing each lot have been either tested or inspected as
16.1 Quality System—A quality assurance system in accor-
directed in this specification and the requirements have been
dance with ISO 9001 shall be maintained to control the quality
met.
of the product being supplied effectively, unless otherwise
specified in the acquisition requirements (see 5.2).
14. Product Marking
16.2 Responsibility for Warranty—Unless otherwise
14.1 User specified product marking shall be listed in the
specified, the manufacturer is responsible for the following:
acquisition requirements (see 5.2). The minimum data to be
(a) All materials used to produce a unit, and
clearly marked on each liquid level indicating equipment shall
(b) Workmanship to produce the unit.
include the following:
Special warranty requirements shall be specified in the
(a) Manufacturer’s name,
acquisition requirements (see 5.2).
(b) Manufacturer’s part number,
(c) Serial number or lot number,
17. Keywords
(d) Date of manufacture (not required if serial number is
traceable to date of manufacture), and 17.1 level indicator; liquid level; sensing device; tank level
SUPPLEMENTARY REQUIREMENTS
The following supplementary requirements established for U.S. Naval shipboard application shall
apply when specified in the contract or purchase order. When there is conflict between the standard
F25(LLIE)M-99 and this supplement, the requirements of this supplement shall take precedence for
equipment acquired by this supplement. This document supersedes MIL-L-23886, Liquid Level
Indicating Equipment (Electrical), for new ship construction.
LIQUID LEVEL INDICATING EQUIPMENT (ELECTRICAL)
S1. Scope S2.2 ISO Standards:
ISO 9001 Quality System—Model for Quality Assurance
S1.1 This specification supplement covers the requirements
in Design/Development, Production, Installation, and Servic-
for electrical liquid level indicating equipment for use in low
ing
pressure and high pressure tanks aboard naval ships containing
S2.3 Military Standards:
freshwater, feed water, potable water, seawater, wastewater,
MIL-DTL-17 Cables, Radio Frequency, Flexible, Coaxial
diesel fuel, lubricating oil, contaminated oil, refrigerants, JP
MIL-DTL-915 Cable and Cord, Electrical, for Shipboard
fuels, and various other fluids.
Use, General Specifications for
S1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
MIL-DTL-24231 Connectors, Plugs, Receptacles,
standard. Inch-pound units are provided for information only
Adapters, Hull Inserts, and Hull Insert Plugs, Pressure-Proof,
and are not considered standard. Where information is to be
General Specification for
specified, it shall be stated in SI units.
MIL-DTL-17331 Lubricating Oil, Steam Turbine and
Gear, Moderate Service
S2. Reference Documents
MIL-DTL-901 Shock Tests, H.I. (High-Impact); Ship-
S2.1 ABS Rules:
board Machinery, Equipment and Systems, Requirements for
Rules for Building and Classing Steel Vessels
Available fromAmerican National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.
4 6
Available from American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), ABS Plaza, 16855 Available from DLA Document Services, Building 4/D, 700 Robbins Ave.,
Northchase Dr., Houston, TX 77060, http://www.eagle.org. Philadelphia, PA 19111-5094, http://quicksearch.dla.mil.
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MIL-S-16032 Switches and Detectors, Shipboard Alarm
Fluid Liquid or Gas
Systems
TO — Turbine oil
MIL-STD-167-1 Mechanical Vibrations of Shipboard
WO—Wasteoil
Equipment (Type I—Environmental and Type II—Internally
WW — Wastewater, sanitary waste
Excited)
S4.4 Pressure Range—The pressure range under which the
MIL-STD-461 Electromagnetic Interference Characteris-
sensing device shall operate shall be designated as follows:
tics of Subsystems and Equipment, Requirements for the
AP — Vacuum pressure of 749–mm mercury (29.5–in. mercury) to
Control of
138 kPa (20 psig) inclusive.
MIL-STD-1399 Section 070, Interface Standard for Ship-
VP — Vacuum pressure of 749–mm mercury (29.5–in. mercury) to
689 kPa (100 psig) inclusive.
board Systems, D.C. Magnetic Field Environment
LP — From 0 kPa to 689 kPa (0 to 100 psig) inclusive.
MIL-STD-1399 Section 300, Interface Standard for Ship-
HP — From 696 kPa (101 psig) to maximum pressure as specified
board Systems, Electric Power, Alternating Current
(see S5.2).
S2.4 NEMA Standards:
S4.5 Display—The display shall be designated as follows:
NEMA 250 Enclosures for Electrical Equipment (1000 V
A — Analog
Maximum)
D — Digital
C — Analog and digital
S3. Terminology
S4.6 Indication Range—The indication range shall be des-
S3.1 Terminology is consistent with that of Section 3 and
ignated by three numbers, separated by a slash. Each number
the referenced documents.
shall represent a height in millimetres above the bottom of the
tank. The first number shall indicate where liquid level
S4. Designation
indication shall begin.The second number shall indicate where
S4.1 Designation—For this specification, liquid level indi-
liquid level indication shall end. The third number shall
cating equipment designations shall be assigned as specified in
indicate the total height of the tank.
S5.1 and listed in the format below:
Example: F25(LLIE)M-MF-SW/AR-LP-A-005/245/250
S5. Ordering Information
005/245/
Specification MF SW/AR LP A
250 S5.1 The buyer shall provide the manufacturer with all of
F25(LLIE)M Sensing Application Pressure Display Indication
the pertinent application data in accordance with S5.2. If
technique range range
special application operating conditions exist that are not in the
S4.2 S4.3 S4.4 S4.5 S4.6
acquisition requirements, they shall also be described.
S4.2 Sensing Technique—The sensing technique shall be
S5.2 Acquisition Requirements—Acquisition documents
designated as follows:
shall specify the following:
AZ — Admittance/impedance
(a) Title, number, and date of this specification;
CA — Capacitive
(b) Part designation required (see S4.1);
DP — Differential pressure
MF — Magnetic float
(c) National Stock Number (NSN) if available;
RD — Radar
(d) National Stock Number (NSN) if available;
RT — Resistance tape type
TD — Time domain reflectometry (e) Quantity of liquid level indicating equipment required;
SP — Static pressure (head)
(f) If pressure range is HP, the maximum pressure required
US — Ultrasonic
(see S4.4);
S4.3 Application—The fluid to be measured shall be desig-
(g) If deviation requests are not required when departing
nated as follows. The first two-letter designation identifies the
from material guidance (see S6);
fluid to be measured in the tank. The second two-letter
(h) If the maximum height of any individual component is
designation identifies the liquid or gas that interfaces with the
other than 3048 mm (120 in.) or maximum weight of any
measured fluid.
individual component is other than 16 kg (35 lbs) (see S7.6);
Fluid Liquid or Gas
(i) Ifprimaryindicatorpanelassemblyispanelorbulkhead
mounted (see S7.9);
CF — Contaminated fuel AR — Air
CO — Contaminated oil CA — Compressed air
(j) If more than one liquid level display is required for the
FO — Fuel (diesel fuel, cargo fuel, CG — Compressed gas
primary indicator panel assembly (see S7.9);
gasoline)
(k) If volumetric accuracy is required (see S7.9.1);
FW — Freshwater, potable water, ST — Steam
feed water
(l) If a control circuit is required and whether settings are
HO — Hydraulic oil SW — Seawater
to be two high, two low, one high and one low, or two high and
JP — JP-5, JP fuels WW — Wastewater
two low (see S7.9.2);
LO — Lubricating oil
RF — Refrigerants
(m) If alarm lights are required on primary indicator panel
SO — Synthetic oil
assembly (see S7.9.3);
SW — Seawater
(n) If audible alarm and alarm acknowledge switch are
required on primary indicator panel assembly (see S7.9.3);
(o) If a protective shield is required for primary indicator
Available from National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), 1300
N. 17th St., Suite 900, Arlington, VA 22209, http://www.nema.org. panel assembly (see S7.9.4);
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(p) If auxiliary indicator panel assembly is required. S6.3 Flammable Materials—Materialsusedintheconstruc-
Specifyeitherpanelorbulkheadmounted,andwhatisrequired tion of liquid level indicating equipment shall in the end
in addition to a liquid level display (see S7.10); configuration be noncombustible or fire retardant in the most
(q) If portable indicator assembly is required (see S7.11); hazardous of atmosphere, pressure, and temperature to be
(r) If epoxy coating is required (see S7.13); expected in the application. Fire retardance shall not be
(s) If special purpose equipment is not to be provided (see achieved by use of nonpermanent additives to the material.
S7.14);
S6.4 Fungus-Resistant Materials—Materials used in the
(t) If indicator dial is not to be furnished blank or if construction of liquid level indicating equipment shall not
additional information is to be identified on the dial or if dials
support the growth of fungus.
are to have other than black letters, numerals, and graduations S6.5 Solvents, Adhesives, and Cleaning Agents—When
on a white background (see S7.15.1);
chemicals or cements are used in bonding of internal
(u) If red illumination is required for liquid level display components, no degradation shall result during in-service use.
(see S7.15.2);
(v) If audible signals are required for any remote station
S7. Physical Properties
(see S7.16);
S7.1 Configuration—Each liquid level indicating equip-
(w) If dc magnetic field strength requirement is other than
ment shall consist of the following components:
400 A/m (see S8.16 and S12.2.15);
(a) One or more sensing devices,
(x) When first article tests are required (see S10.3);
(b) Flexible interconnections, if needed,
(y) Sampling and acceptance numbers for Group A and
(c) Primary indicator panel assembly,
Group B testing (see S11.1 and S11.3);
(d) Auxiliary indicator panel assembly, when required (see
(z) If the inclination angle is other than 45° (see S12.2.8);
S5.2), and
(aa) Special product marking requirements (see S14);
(e) Portable indicator assembly, when required (see S5.2).
(ab) Special packaging or package marking requirements
S7.2 Magnetic Float Liquid Level Switches—Magneticfloat
(see S15);
liquidlevelswitchesshallbeinaccordancewithMIL-S-16032.
(ac) When ISO 9001 quality assurance system is not
S7.3 Microprocessors—When microprocessors are used to
required (see S16.1); and
perform processing and control functions, built-in test (BIT)
(ad) Special warranty requirements (see S16.2).
shall be provided in the form of firmware residing in program-
S5.3 First Article Tests—When first article testing is
mable read only memory. To assist troubleshooting, BIT shall
required,thebuyershouldprovidespecificguidancetoofferors
indicate basic failure modes of the equipment such as power
whether the item(s) should be a preproduction sample, a first
supply parameters out of tolerance.
article sample, a first production item, a sample selected from
S7.4 Testability—No mechanical or electrical disassembly
the first production items, or a standard production item from
shall be required for the purpose of obtaining access to test
the manufacturer’s current inventory. The number of items to
points or adjustments, except for removal of a cover plate.
be tested in accordance with S10.4 should be specified. The
S7.5 Safety—For JP, CF, CO, WO, and FO applications, the
buyer should include specific instructions in acquisition docu-
portionsoftheliquidlevelindicatingequipmentinsidethetank
ments regarding arrangements for tests, approval of first article
shall be in accordance with the hazardous area requirements of
testresultsandtimeperiodforapproval,anddispositionoffirst
ABS Rules for Building and Classing Steel Vessels, except
articles. Invitations for bids should provide that the buyer
flexible interconnections shall be in accordance with S7.8.
reserves the right to waive the requirement for samples for first
S7.6 Size and Weight—Unless otherwise specified (see
article testing to those bidders offering a product which has
S5.2), the maximum height of any individual component shall
been previously acquired or tested by the buyer; and that
be 3048 mm (120 in.). Unless otherwise specified (see S5.2),
bidders offering such products, who wish to rely on such
the maximum weight of any individual component shall be 16
productionortest,mustfurnishevidencewiththebidthatprior
kg (35 lbs).
buyer approval is presently appropriate for the pending con-
S7.7 Interchangeability—In no case shall parts be physi-
tract. The manufacture of items before buyer approval should
cally interchangeable or reversible unless such parts are also
be specified as the responsibility of the manufacturer.
interchangeable or reversible with regard to function,
performance, and strength.
S6. Materials
S7.8 Flexible Interconnections—Electrical flexible
S6.1 General—Toxic materials shall not be used in potable
interconnections, including tank penetration cables, shall have
water applications.
high pressure pin connections in accordance with MIL-DTL-
24231 on high pressure tank penetrations. Flexible intercon-
S6.2 Metals—Unless otherwise specified herein, all metals
used in the construction of liquid level indicating equipment nections shall permit easy repair, replacement, substitution, or
bypassing of sensing devices. No interconnection boxes or
shall be corrosion resistant or treated to provide corrosion
resistance. Dissimilar metals shall not be used in contact with junction boxes shall be installed inside of any tank. Flexible
interconnections shall be Type I or Type II as specified herein.
each other unless suitably finished to prevent electrolytic
corrosion. The materials for wetted parts shall be selected for S7.8.1 Type I Flexible Interconnections—Type I flexible
long-term compatibility (see S8.1) with the contacted fluid, interconnections shall be used in FO, CF, CO, WO, and JP
liquid, or gas (see S4.3). applications. For sensing techniques other than TD, the cable
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shall be shielded, water-blocked cable consisting of watertight two-pole double throw switching device with a contact rating
primary conductors, insulated with crosslinked (XL) modified of 1 A (inductive) at 115 V, 60 Hz.
polyalkene and with an outer layer of XL-modified polyvi-
S7.9.2.1 Control Circuit Setpoints—The high level control
nylidene fluoride. The primary conductors shall be water
circuit setpoints shall be adjustable from 50 to 98 % of the
blocked and wrapped with polyester tape. The shield shall be indicated range. The low level control circuit setpoints shall be
tin-plated copper and water blocked and wrapped with another
adjustable from 2 to 50 % of the indicated range. No mechani-
polyester tape layer. The cable jacket shall be XL-modified cal or electrical disassembly shall be required to access the
ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene copolymer.The final cable formu-
control circuit setpoint adjustments except for removal of a
lation shall meet the physical characteristics as specified in cover plate. A control circuit test means shall be provided to
MIL-DTL-915. For TD sensing techniques, the cable shall be verify the alarm setpoints and control circuit operation.
FEP-jacketed coax cable in accordance with MIL-DTL-17/
S7.9.3 Controls and Indicators—The following controls
127.
and indicators shall be mounted on the front panel of the
primary indicator panel assembly:
S7.8.2 Type II Flexible Interconnections—Type II flexible
(a) Power-on light (white lens),
interconnections shall be used in applications other than FO,
(b) Power-on switch,
CF, CO, WO, and JP applications. Type II flexible intercon-
(c) One or more liquid level displays,
nections shall be of watertight flexing construction in accor-
(d) Operational test device,
dance with MIL-DTL-915 and MIL-DTL-915/8, Type DSS,
(e) When required, alarm lights (see S5.2), and
TSS, FSS, and 755. The cable outer jacket shall be butadiene
(f) When required, audible alarm and alarm acknowledge
copolymer with an acrylonitrile content of 40 6 10 % by
switch (see S5.2). Multiposition switches and controls may be
volume. The final cable formulation shall meet the physical
used to combine functions.
characteristics (tensile strength, elongation, bending
endurance, and so forth) as specified in MIL-DTL-915. ForTD S7.9.4 Protective Shield—The protective shield, when re-
quired (see S5.2), shall be rigid, transparent, shatterproof, and
sensing techniques, the cable shall be FEP-jacketed coax cable
in accordance with MIL-DTL-17/127. positioned as close to the indicator as possible to protect the
indicator from accidental damage. The protective shield shall
S7.9 Primary Indicator Panel Assembly—The primary in-
not trap moisture and shall be easily removable.
dicator panel assembly shall be as small and lightweight as
S7.10 Auxiliary Indicator PanelAssembly—When required
practicable and arranged for bulkhead or panel mounting as
(see S5.2), the auxiliary panel enclosure shall be as small and
specified (see S5.2). Unless otherwise specified (see S5.2), the
lightweight as practicable and arranged for bulkhead or panel
primary indicator panel assembly shall provide only a single
mounting as specified (see S5.2). Unless otherwise specified
liquidleveldisplay.Theprimaryindicatorpanelassemblyshall
(see S5.2), only a liquid level display shall be mounted on the
consist of devices such as regulated power supply, signal
front panel. The liquid level display shall be of the same type
conditioners, controls, and indicators required for proper op-
as on the primary indicator panel assembly. In the event of
eration. When specified (see S5.2), a control circuit to be used
failure of the auxiliary indicator panel assembly, a device shall
for actuating an external device, such as an alarm or pump,
be provided on the primary indicator panel assembly to allow
when liquid level reaches predetermined points shall be pro-
isolation of the auxiliary indicator panel assembly. With the
vided. Other functional components and parts not included in
auxiliary indicator panel assembly isolated, the primary indi-
thesensingdeviceassemblyshallbecontainedwithinthepanel
cator panel assembly shall continue to operate as specified
enclosure. Where multiple displays are combined on a single
herein.
primary indicator panel assembly, there shall be no interaction
between the individual tank liquid level indicating equipment S7.11 Portable Indicator Panel Assembly—When required
circuits except that a common power supply and operational (see S5.2), the portable indicator panel assembly shall meet the
test device may be used. requirements of the primary indicator panel assembly (see
S7.9), except bulkhead or panel mounting provisions are not
S7.9.1 Signal Conditioner—The signal conditioner shall
required.
provide a continuous output signal from 0 to 200 µAdc, 4 to 20
S7.12 Mounting—Componentmountingdevicesorbrackets
mAdc, 0 to 10 Vdc, or 1 to 5 Vdc. The signal conditioner
output shall be uninterrupted from empty to full or over that shall be supplied with the liquid level indicating equipment.
portionofthetanktobemeasured.Unlessvolumetricaccuracy
S7.13 Coating—For all seawater applications and when
isspecified(seeS5.2),theoutputsignalshallbeproportionalto
required (see S5.2), the stationary metallic parts of the liquid
the actual liquid level height in the tank. When volumetric
levelindicatingequipmentwhichmaycomeincontactwiththe
accuracy is specified, the output of the signal conditioner shall
fluid to be measured, excluding flexible interconnections, shall
be proportional to the actual liquid level volume in the tank,
be powder epoxy coated.
and the contracting activity will furnish the tank capacity
S7.14 Maintainability—The liquid level indicating equip-
curve. Volumetric accuracy shall not be accomplished by
ment shall facilitate assembly, disassembly, fault isolation,
modifications to the indicator dial scale or display.
operational test (for example, setting or checking alarm set-
S7.9.2 Control Circuit—When specified (see S5.2), a con- points and setting or checking full-scale meter deflection), and
trol circuit shall be provided that has two (two high, two low, preventative maintenance without the aid of special tools or
or one high and one low), or four (two high and two low) special purpose equipment. Unless otherwise specified (see
independently adjustable settings, each of which controls a S5.2), special purpose equipment required for initial setup,
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equipment change, or troubleshooting shall be provided with S8.2 Sensing Device Operation—The sensing device shall
the liquid level indicating equipment. Functional pans shall be not use any part of the tank structure as part of the sensing
readilyidentifiable,accessible,andremovableforreplacement. device.
If possible, all equipment components, excluding float when
S8.3. Accuracy:
used, shall be maintainable outside the tank.
S8.3.1 Liquid Level Indicating Equipment Accuracy—
S7.15 Liquid Level Display—Liquid level displays shall be
Liquidlevelindicatingequipmentaccuracyshallbeasfollows:
0 to 200 µAdc, 4 to 20 mAdc, 0 to 10 Vdc, or 1 to 5 Vdc; high
(a) Actualliquidlevelas“heightinthetank”or“volumein
impact shock resistant; and watertight or sealed electrical
thetank”(volumetricaccuracy),whicheverisspecifiedinS5.2,
indicatingmetertypesinaccordancewithoneofthefollowing:
shall be within 63 % of full scale and
(a) 4 ⁄2 in., 250° with nominal scale length meter;
(b) Repeatability of the indicators shall be within 61%of
(b) Panel mounted, edgewise meter;
full scale at any point on the scale.
(c) Digital bargraph-type panel meter with minimum
S8.3.2 Control Circuit—Accuracy of adjustable control cir-
4-digit display and minimum 51–segment (101–segment pre-
cuit setpoints shall be as follows:
ferred)analogdisplay.Light-emittingdiodetypepreferred;and
(a) Hysteresis of dead band make and break of the control
(d) Digital panel display with 3 ⁄2 digits graduated 0 to
function when operated through down and up cycles shall not
100 % only. Light-emitting diode type preferred.
exceed 63 % including instrument hysteresis and dead band,
S7.15.1 Dials—Unless otherwise specified (see S5.2), liq-
and
uid level display dials shall be furnished blank, except for
(b) Repeatability of the control point contact shall be
minimum and maximum travel points.The dial shall be readily
within 61 % of full scale.
removable and replaceable from the front of the liquid level
S8.4 Response Time:
display without disturbing the pointer or other parts of the
S8.4.1 Indication Response Time—Liquid level indicating
liquid level display. The dial surface shall be suitable for
equipment shall have an indication response time of 0.5 s or
marking by an installing activity after the liquid level indicat-
less for liquid level change rates up to 1 in./s. Indication
ing equipment has been calibrated to a particular tank. When
response time is defined as the time difference between when
graduations are specified, they shall extend uniformly over the
a liquid achieves a specified level and when the liquid level
full range of the liquid level display and shall be multiples of
display indicates that specified level within the accuracy
1,2,5,10,20,50,andsoforth.Multiplesofanyothernumbers
requirements of S8.3.
or fractions are not permitted. The minimum number of
S8.4.2 Control Circuit Response Time—Control circuit
graduations per dial shall be 24 and the maximum number of
response time shall be adjustable and shall have a minimum
graduations shall be 200. Dials shall begin and end with a
control circuit response time of 0.5 s and a maximum control
numbered graduation. Markings such as “O” and “F” shall not
circuitresponsetimeof20s.Theindicationresponsetimeshall
beused.Whenrequired(seeS5.2),additionalinformationshall
be in accordance with S8.4.1 regardless of control circuit
be identified on the dial as specified by the contracting activity.
response time setting. Control circuit response time is defined
Unless otherwise specified (see S5.2), dials shall have black
as the time difference between when a liquid reaches a setpoint
letters, numerals, and graduations on a white background. The
level and when the control circuit activates or deactivates the
indicator pointer shall be black.
switching device associated with that setpoint level. Accuracy
S7.15.2 Red Illumination—When red illumination is speci-
shall be in accordance with S8.3.
fied (see S5.2), the primary indicator shall have white letters,
S8.5 Insulation Resistance—The liquid level indicating
numerals, and graduations on a black background and shall
contain internal red illumination. The letters, numerals, and equipment insulation resistance shall be not less than 10 MΩ.
Accuracy shall be in accordance with S8.3 after measurement
graduations shall appear white under ambient white light and
red under ambient and internal red light. The indicator pointer of insulation resistance.
shall be either red illuminated or silhouetted against the dial.
S8.6 Specific Gravity—Forapplicationsinwhichthefluidis
Red illuminated dials shall be readable in all levels of incident
FO, CO, WO, CF, or JP, accuracy shall be in accordance with
illumination up to 0.3 lux. The lighting circuit shall be
S8.3 when subjected to changes in specific gravity. Manual
ungrounded and shall be energized from a 6-V supply with
adjustments shall not be permitted or required to obtain
separate external terminals.
accuracy.
S7.15.3 Display Visibility—The display shall be clearly
S8.7 Fluid Conductivity—For applications in which water
visible from a distance of 3 ft and from a viewing angle of 45°
of any type is present, accuracy shall be in accordance with
from normal, both vertically and horizontally.
S8.3 when the water conductivity is in the range of 3 to 10 000
S7.16 Audible Signals—When audible signals are required
µS/cm. Manual adjustments shall not be permitted or required
for any remote station (see S5.2), the audible signal shall be
to obtain accuracy.
actuated by the signal conditioner output or a control circuit
S8.8 Tank Wall Proximity—Accuracyshallbeinaccordance
adjusted to a predetermined level (see S7.9.1 and S7.9.2).
withS8.3whenthedistancefromthesensingdevicetothetank
walls is reduced.
S8. Performance Requirements
S8.9 Inclination—Accuracy shall be in accordance with
S8.1 Service Life—Electrical liquid level indicating equip- S8.3 when the liquid level indicating equipment is inclined.
ment shall be constructed for a life of 25 years of operation. Differential pressure sensing devices with ranges less than 20
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in. of water may compensate for hydrostatic pressure changes S8.17 Electromagnetic Interference—The liquid level indi-
created by the inclined geometry. cating equipment shall meet the requirements of Table II of
MIL-STD-461, except as modified below:
S8.10 Spike Voltage—Accuracy shall be in accordance with
CE101—The test signal shall be applied only to the ac
S8.3 after spike voltage is applied.
power leads of the test sample.
S8.11 Accelerated Life (Endurance)—The liquid level indi-
CE 102—The test signal shall be applied only to the ac
cating equipment shall withstand the effects of the accelerated
power leads of the test sample.
life test. The temperature range shall be 0 to 60°C except for
CS114—Only limit Curve #2 shall apply with the fre-
ST (steam) applications in which the temperature range shall
quency range limited to 10 kHz to 30 MHz.
be 0 to 100°C. Performance shall be in accordance with S8.3
RE101—Only the limit curve for 50 cm shall apply.
throughout the test. After completion of the test and cleaning,
RS103—The frequency range shall be limited to 10 kHz to
the base metal shall not be visible through the finish nor shall
18 GHz with an electric field strength test level of 10 V/m.
there be any evidence of blistering, softening, separation from
Accuracy shall be in accordance with S8.3.
the base metal, corrosion, or other coating failures. Flexible
S8.18 Flexible Interconnection—Type I cables shall resist
interconnectionsshallnotexhibitanysignsofdeteriorationnor
swelling and show no evidence of liquid intrusion or evidence
corrosion of connector pins and housings. Upon completion of
of mechanical or electrical damage after immersion testing in
theacceleratedlifetests,accuracyandresponsetimeshallbein
JP-5. Removable flexible interconnections shall meet the
accordance with S8.3 and S8.4.
insulation resistance test requirements of S8.5 after completion
S8.11.1 Power Supply—The power supply shall be compat- of immersion testing.
ible with Type I power input as specified in MIL-STD-1399,
Section 300. Nominal power input voltage and frequency shall S9. Workmanship, Finish, and Appearance
be 115 V, 60 H
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