Honeywell Hermetic Gtex UTImeter

Honeywell HERMetic UTImeter Gtex Portable Gas-Tight Gauging Tool

The Honeywell Hermetic UTImeter Gtex is a portable, gas-tight (closed system) electronic level gauging device designed for custody transfer, inventory verification, and free water detection on marine chemical tankers, product carriers, crude oil vessels, and offshore terminals. Engineered to operate under pressurized and inert gas conditions, the UTImeter Gtex mounts directly on Hermetic 1-inch, 2-inch, or 2.5-inch deck vapor control valves (C1-SS, C2-SS, D-2-SS), preventing toxic and flammable volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from escaping to the atmosphere during measurement cycles.

Equipped with an ultra-low-power sensing head containing a Platinum Resistance Thermometer (Pt1000), optical liquid/vapor phase sensors, and an ultrasonic conductivity pair, the device delivers simultaneous 3-in-1 measurement: Ullage (level), Temperature, and Oil-Water Interface. It complies with the rigorous requirements of SOLAS (Regulation 60 of Chapter II-2), API Manual of Petroleum Measurement Standards (MPMS Chapters 3.1A, 7, and 8), and ISO 4268.

Technical Specifications: TS-10031 (15m) / TS-10032 (30m) / TS-10033 (35m)

Key Features

1. Triple-Function Single Immersion: Simultaneously acquires precision ullage, temperature, and oil-water interface levels in a single tank deployment, reducing operational cycle times.
2. Gas-Tight Closed Operation: Integrated tape-cleaning mechanism and dynamic fluoropolymer barrel seal ensure zero hydrocarbon vapor escape up to 0.3 bar (4.4 psi) working pressure.
3. Continuous Internal Grounding: High-tensile stainless steel core embedded within an anti-static ETFE/PFA fluoropolymer jacket provides continuous electrical bonding from the sensor tip to the deck grounding clamp.
4. Modular Field Serviceability: Field-swappable sensor heads, plug-and-play electronics modules, and replaceable tape assemblies minimize vessel off-hire time and calibration downtimes.

Equipment Compatibility & Deck Connections

The Honeywell Hermetic UTImeter Gtex connects seamlessly with all industry-standard mechanical deck valves via dedicated quick-connect coupling rings:

• Deck Valves: Fully compatible with HERMetic Compact Valves:
  • C1-SS: 1-inch female BSP/NPT standard profile.
  • C2-SS: 2-inch quick-close ball valves.
  • D-2-SS: 2.5-inch dedicated vapor-tight valves.
• Adaptors & Ancillaries: Adapts to non-standard deck flanges and existing competitor standpipes using genuine Honeywell Hermetic BSP, ANSI 150#, JIS 10K, and DIN standard conversion spools.
• Storage Cases & Cleaning Tools: Fits all standard HERMetic storage cradles, deck carry racks, and mechanical tape-cleaning wipe cartridges.

Applications

• Crude Oil Tankers (VLCC/Suezmax/Aframax): Closed custody transfer ullage control, cargo verification, and settling-tank water draining checks.
• Chemical / Parcel Product Carriers: High-precision gauging of corrosive, aggressive, or volatile chemicals without deck crew exposure to toxic fumes.
• FPSO, FSO, and Offshore Platforms: Periodic manual validation and verification of fixed radar/servo automated tank gauging (ATG) systems.
• Shore Terminals & Bunkering Barges: Fiscal measurement, boundary interface auditing, and standard reference calibration during bunkering operations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary operational difference between the HERMetic UTImeter Gtex and UTImeter Rtex?

The HERMetic UTImeter Gtex is a 100% gas-tight (“Closed”) unit designed for operations where hazardous, volatile, or toxic cargo vapors must be completely contained under pressure (up to 0.3 bar). The HERMetic UTImeter Rtex is a restricted (“Restricted”) gauging device that allows minor vapor relief to the atmosphere, typically used where open/restricted ullage gauging is permitted under SOLAS regulations.

How does the Gtex differentiate between oil and water?

The Gtex sensing probe uses a high-frequency ultrasonic sensor and a pair of electrical conductivity pins. Non-conductive liquids (such as crude oils, solvents, and fuel oils) do not conduct an electrical current between the pins, triggering a steady, continuous audio tone. When the sensor enters water or an aqueous solution, the conductive liquid completes the circuit, altering the signal to an intermittent, beeping audio tone.

What battery type is certified for use in this intrinsically safe unit?

To maintain intrinsic safety compliance under ATEX/IECEx certifications, use only factory-approved 9V batteries. Approved models include standard Zinc-Carbon or Alkaline 9V batteries, specifically the Duracell MN1604, Energizer 522, or Panasonic 6F22. Using unapproved lithium-ion or rechargeable batteries voids the intrinsic safety certification.

How often should the UTImeter Gtex undergo recalibration?

In compliance with ISO 9001, API MPMS Chapter 3.1A, and marine classification society guidelines, the temperature measurement assembly and level tape calibration should be verified and certified annually by an authorized Honeywell service station. Verification includes calibration against reference thermometers traceable to national standards (such as NIST or PTB).