Over the years of supplying, maintaining and repairing UTI, MMC (also known as a 3-function measure: Water oil boundaries, gaps and temperatures), we draw on some experience and would like to share with our crew members how to use it to avoid measuring or breaking down as follows :
Why Ullage / Temperature / Interface meter usually malfunction? (UTI meter, MMC)
Because of too many functions in 1. It looks simple, but in the test head there are 3 types of sensors:
- Ultrasonic Sensors: For detection between air and liquids
- Electrolynthynity Sensor: For Water Detection
- Temperature sensor: To measure temperature.
These 3 sensors are integrated in a small measuring head, generally the technology is also complex



Due to improper use of the ruler
The use if the correct procedure will avoid a strong collision tester with a ball valve and a folded ruler wire. It should be noted to wrap in the right direction and wrap all the wires completely into the ruler box before removing the ruler from the valve and storage.
Some ships have a warming system, the sudden drop of the measuring head into the cargo tunnel also quickly damages the measuring head and measuring wire, due to the components having different thermal expansion.




Due to the harsh working environment
In addition to the highly corrosive petroleum environment, the long immersion test head at a large depth, high pressure also greatly affects the durability of the measuring head.
Everyone note: With IP68 water-resistant standard, the test process is a depth of 1m in a period of 30 minutes. So time and depth are important!

Due to the frequency of excessive use (this may be the main reason in the Vietnamese market)
Foreign vessels are often equipped with a fixed continuous level signaling system for use in the process of cargoing. As for the UIT ruler, MMC is only used to measure static goods.
However, in Vietnam, small vessels do not have a continuous reporting system, so use electronic oil gauges always during the entire process of making goods (soaking in the cargo cellar). The time of making a ship is very long, so it can be seen that the frequency of use is many times higher than those equipped with a fixed level alarm system.
According to our records, very few measures of damage from vessels with fixed-mounted cargo measuring systems
Notes when using electronic oil gauges:
- Use the correct process guided
- Wrap all the ruler cords completely and lock them before removing them from the valve and put them in the box. (Especially avoid wrapping upside down)
- Avoid heat shock gauges and heads (sudden hot and cold)
- Do not soak the measuring head too long or too deep
(Anyone who has any further notes please comment with us to improve the problem together)