Auxitrol Tokyo Keiso TA840 Radar Level Gauge 46044240

Auxitrol Tokyo Keiso TA840 Marine Radar Level Gauge (46044240 / M13002)

The Auxitrol Tokyo Keiso TA840 Radar Level Gauge (Part No. 46044240 / M13002) is a non-contact, explosion-proof continuous level measurement transmitter engineered for harsh marine cargo tank environments. Operating on Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) microwave radar principles in the X-band/K-band spectrum, this unit provides millimeter-accurate ullage and innage measurement across crude oil, refined petroleum products, aggressive chemicals, and LNG/LPG cargo holds.

Constructed with marine-grade stainless steel housing (IP66/IP67) and PTFE/ceramic process seals, the TA840 isolates sensitive microwave transceiver electronics from corrosive tank vapors, extreme thermal cycling, and high-pressure inert gas blanketing. It integrates directly into centralized Marine Cargo Monitoring and Control Systems (CMCS) via loop-powered 4–20 mA analog signals overlaid with digital HART communication, alongside dedicated RS-485 serial bus interfaces for multi-drop tank gauging networks.

Model Details

• Manufacturer: Tokyo Keiso Co., Ltd. (Distributed under Auxitrol Marine / Esterline / TransDigm Group)
• Series / Model: TA840 Series Radar Level Transmitter
• Primary Manufacturer Part Number (MPN): 46044240
• Secondary / Assembly Code: M13002
• Measurement Principle: FMCW (Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave) Non-Contact Radar
• Housing Type: Dual-compartment flameproof/intrinsically safe marine aluminum-alloy / SUS316L enclosure

Features

1. High-Sensitivity FMCW Signal Processing: Resolves true liquid surface echoes even in turbulent cargo sloshing, dense hydrocarbon vapor layers, and low-dielectric media.
2. Dual-Compartment Marine Enclosure: Physically separates the field wiring terminal chamber from the RF microwave module, preventing moisture ingress or explosive vapor migration during dockside troubleshooting.
3. Built-In False Echo Suppression: Digital signal processor (DSP) maps static tank obstructions—such as heating coils, internal stiffeners, and ladder rungs—eliminating false level locks.
4. Non-Intrusive Local Configuration: Features an integrated backlit LCD dot-matrix display with magnetic push-buttons (or Hall-effect switches), enabling full parameter calibration without opening the explosion-proof housing cover in Zone 0/1 hazardous areas.
5. Hot-Swappable Transceiver Head: The electronic transmitter head can be unbolted from the process flange and antenna assembly without breaching the cargo tank’s inert gas seal or pressure boundary.

Applications

• VLCC, Suezmax, and Aframax Crude Oil Tankers: Continuous primary cargo ullage gauging and high-level overfill alarm integration.
• IMO Type I, II, and III Chemical Tankers: Non-contact measurement of corrosive acids, alkalis, and solvents where wetted mechanical floats fail.
• Product & Bunkering Tankers: Precision custody transfer monitoring and volumetric cargo calculation.
• FPSO & FSO Offshore Units: Slop tanks, produced water separators, and stabilized crude storage cells.
• Ballast & Service Tanks: Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO), Marine Gas Oil (MGO), and deep ballast tank monitoring.

Compatibility

• Auxitrol / Tokyo Keiso Cargo Monitoring Systems: CargoMaster, TankMaster, and TK-7000 / TK-8000 series operator consoles.
• Intrinsic Safety Barriers: Pepperl+Fuchs KFD2-STC4-Ex1, MTL5541 / MTL5041 Galvanic Isolators, Stahl 9160 series Zener barriers.
• Temperature & Pressure Multiplexers: Compatible with Tokyo Keiso PT100 multi-spot temperature sensors and IG (Inert Gas) pressure transmitters on shared HART/RS-485 cargo networks.

Part Number Cross-References

• Tokyo Keiso Primary Code: TA840 / 46044240
• Auxitrol Marine Assembly Ref: M13002
• Transceiver Electronic Module Sub-Assembly: 46044240-E / TA840-HEAD
• Replacement Antenna PTFE Cone Seal Kit: TA840-SEAL-PTFE

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between part numbers 46044240 and M13002 on the Tokyo Keiso TA840?

Part number 46044240 is the primary Tokyo Keiso OEM manufacturing code for the TA840 radar transmitter assembly, while M13002 is the corresponding Auxitrol Marine / system integrator configuration code specifying the marine flange, hazardous area certification, and pre-configured firmware profile. Both numbers identify the exact same compatible hardware unit for marine cargo tank replacements.

Can the TA840 electronic transmitter head be replaced without depressurizing the cargo tank?

Yes. The TA840 utilizes a process-isolated antenna and PTFE/ceramic pressure seal assembly. By loosening the housing locking collar, the electronic transceiver head can be detached and swapped while the process flange and seal remain bolted to the tank deck, maintaining the vessel’s inert gas (IG) blanket integrity.

Does the Auxitrol Tokyo Keiso TA840 require a Zener barrier or galvanic isolator?

Yes. For installation on crude oil, chemical, or product tanker decks classified as Zone 0 or Zone 1 hazardous areas, the TA840 must be wired through an approved intrinsically safe (Ex ia) galvanic isolator or Zener barrier located in the safe zone (cargo control room or instrument room) to limit loop energy and prevent ignition hazards.

How do I calibrate the TA840 if there is a heating coil causing false echoes in the tank?

Using a HART handheld communicator (such as an Emerson 475/Trex) or the local magnetic push-buttons on the LCD display, navigate to the False Echo Suppression (TVT Curve) menu. Run an Empty Tank Mapping routine across the known distance of the heating coils or tank stiffeners. The transmitter’s digital signal processor will store the static obstruction profile and ignore those echoes during normal cargo operations.

What dielectric constant is required for accurate measurement with the TA840?

The TA840 reliably measures liquids with a relative dielectric constant as low as 1.4, making it suitable for liquefied gases, light hydrocarbons, naphtha, gasoline, crude oil, and high-dielectric aqueous chemicals without requiring physical recalibration when switching cargo grades.