ISO 18132-3:2011

Overview

ISO 18132-3:2011 provides internationally recognized requirements for the use of automatic tank gauges (ATGs) in the custody transfer measurement of liquefied petroleum gases (LPGs) and chemical gases on board marine carriers and floating storage units. Developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), this standard outlines essential principles for the accuracy, installation, calibration, and verification of ATG systems, ensuring reliable measurement practices during the transport and storage of refrigerated hydrocarbon and non-petroleum-based liquefied gaseous fuels. It also specifies the technical requirements governing the collection, transmission, and reception of measurement data, making it a key reference for ship operators, equipment manufacturers, and parties involved in maritime gas custody transfer.

Key Topics

• Accuracy and Calibration: Defines strict accuracy benchmarks for ATG systems used in custody transfer, including intrinsic error tolerances and calibration procedures traceable to national standards.
• Safety and Compliance: Emphasizes compliance with safety regulations, classification rules, and international electrical safety standards relevant to marine environments.
• Installation Requirements: Covers the correct installation practices for various ATG types, ensuring robustness against marine conditions and compatibility with volatile, low-temperature cargoes.
• Data Handling: Specifies requirements for the secure, reliable measurement data collection and transmission between ATG local and remote displays, including provisions for data integrity and filtering.
• Routine Maintenance and Verification: Details provisions for routine maintenance, self-diagnostic features, redundancy, and periodic verification or recertification of ATGs.
• Types of ATGs Covered:
  • Float-type ATG
  • Hydrostatic-type ATG
  • Magnetic-type ATG
  • Radar-type ATG

Applications

ISO 18132-3:2011 is primarily applied in the maritime and offshore industries where precise measurement of cargo volume and level is critical:

• Marine Gas Carriers: Used on LPG, chemical gas carriers, Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO), and Floating Storage and Offloading (FSO) vessels engaged in custody transfer and trading of liquefied gases.
• Floating Storage: Supports accurate inventory and custody transfer on floating storage units, helping to prevent cargo loss and disputes.
• Custody Transfer Transactions: Provides a reliable measurement framework for sales contracts and regulatory compliance in the transfer of ownership of liquefied gases.
• Safety and Compliance Inspections: Facilitates regulatory inspections and supports adherence to international standards for tank gauging in hazardous marine environments.
• Equipment Selection and Approval: Guides shipowners, builders, and operators in selecting ATG systems that meet internationally recognized accuracy and reliability benchmarks.

By adhering to ISO 18132-3:2011, stakeholders ensure robust, traceable level measurement systems, increased safety, improved data integrity, and harmonization with international custody transfer practices.

Related Standards

• ISO 18132-1:2011 – Automatic tank gauges for liquefied natural gas on board marine carriers and floating storage.
• ISO 18132-2 – Automatic tank gauges for use in refrigerated-type shore tanks.
• IEC 60079-0 – General requirements for electrical equipment used in explosive atmospheres.
• OIML Guidelines – Traceability and calibration of measurement equipment in legal metrology.
• IACS Unified Requirements E10 – Environmental testing for electrical, electronic, and programmable equipment and systems for ships.

Implementing ISO 18132-3:2011 ensures alignment with global best practices in automatic tank gauging for liquefied gas custody transfers, supporting safe, efficient, and dispute-free marine cargo operations.