API Industry TLA-500 tank level alarm system

The API Industry TLA-500 tank level alarm system provides safety during loading and storage of liquids. The level alarm is IECEx certified intrinsically safe and is also designed to meet all International Maritime Organisation requirements for tankers.

The TLA is designed specifically for operations in liquids and liquefied gases and special versions are available for extremely harsh and difficult environments, including versions for arctic/antarctic ambient temperatures and LNG gas carriers. It is available to customer specifications and is thus suitable both as standalone on the replacement market or as part of a complete API TSS/Cargo control system.

Control levels are set at the upper level (95%) and at emergency level (98%) of the tanks. If these control levels are reached during loading, the API TLA sets off an alarm together with an indication of the level reached.

Being built on patented acoustic wave technology, the TLA ensures the accuracy of measurement regardless of shape of tank, type of liquid or product temperature. The TLA is installed externally, with only the metal rods inside the tank. Acoustic waves are created by piezoelectric energy in the metal rods. When the liquid in the tank reaches the probe on the rods, the emission of sound waves is attenuated. This change is detected by the piezoelectric unit and signals are transmitted to the corresponding alarms. With only the metal rods inside the tank and no mechanical or moving parts, no routine maintenance is required on the unit.