Morrison 918 - User Manual

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Morrison Bros. Co. - Dubuque, IA - 800-553-4840
918---0188 PP rev8.12.13
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The 918 Clock Gauge is designed to measure liquid level in an aboveground storage tank. The gauge mounts on
top of the tank and is activated by a fl oat connected to a cable. The 918 is designed to connect to an alarm box
that can provide a high level audible alarm at a desired volume that is set during installation.
Failure to follow any or all of the warnings and instructions in this document could result in a hazardous
liquid spill, which could result in property damage, environmental contamination, fi re, explosion, serious
injury or death.
NOTE: The most accurate method to calibrate the tank is with fl uid in it. This will take into account variables
associated with the fl oat position, the mechanism, and the fl uid density.
Gauge Installation & Calibration
Warnings
• Fire Hazard – Death or serious injury could result from spilled liquids.
• You must be trained to install or maintain this alarm. Stop now if you have not been trained.
• Any modifi cation to this gauge other than those stated in these installation instructions will void the
product warranty.
• This device is intended to be used as an auxiliary warning to the operator of a possible overfi ll situation
and should not be the only system in place to prevent a tank from overfi lling. It is the sole responsibility
of the operator to continuously prevent any spillage regardless of the situation or status of the gauge.
• Install in accordance with all applicable local, state, and federal laws.
• For your safety, it is important to follow local, state, federal and/or OSHA rules that apply to working
inside, above, or around the storage tank and piping area. Use all personal protective equipment required
for working in the specifi c environment.
• Tanks could be under pressure. Vapors could be expelled from tank vents, piping, valves or fi ttings while
performing installation. Vapors could catch fi re or cause an explosion. Avoid sparks, open fl ame, or hot
tools when working on gauge.
• Use a dampened cloth when cleaning the clear front cover of the gauge or 918 alarm box to prevent
static buildup and discharge.
• In the event of malfunction, contact Morrison Bros. Customer Service.
Steps
1. Verify contents of box. You should have received the gauge, fl oat, installation instructions, re-order/overfi ll
labels, warning tag, cable tie, and optionally the alarm box. Inspect the items for shipping damage. DO NOT use
if damage is found. DO NOT pull and release the cable uncontrollably. This can cause damage to the internal
mechanism and render the gauge inoperable. ALWAYS hold onto cable and allow it to move in a slow steady
motion.
2. Locate the opening, on the top of the tank, where the gauge is to be installed. If possible, select a location
away from the fi ll port to avoid excessive turbulence that could affect the fl oat. Also make certain that there are
no objects inside the tank, near the selected opening, upon which the fl oat and cable could get tangled.
3. Once an opening is selected, measure to the bottom to determine the current liquid level height in the tank.
Record this height in feet and inches (or meters and cm) as you will need it to set the gauge once it is installed.
4. Apply pipe dope or Tefl on tape to the male threads on the gauge. If you have a gauge with female threads,
apply the pipe dope or Tefl on tape to the male threads of the pipe on the tank. DO NOT get pipe dope on the
cable of the gauge.
5. Open the fl oat clip and attach the fl oat clip to the swivel end of the cable. Latch the fl oat clip making sure the
fl oat clip is securely closed.
6. Slowly lower the fl oat into the tank. Guide the cable through your fi ngers letting the cable slide through
slowly. DO NOT allow the fl oat to free fall into the tank as this will cause the cable to come off of the pulley
mechanism and render the gauge inoperable.
918 Clock Gauge
Installation, Operation, and Maintenance Instructions

Summary

Gauge Installation and Calibration

Installation Steps

Detailed steps for installing the 918 Clock Gauge and float assembly into the storage tank.

Gauge Calibration

Instructions for setting the gauge hands to accurately reflect the current liquid level.

Alarm Setting

Procedure for calibrating the alarm point on the gauge mechanism.

Operation

Determining Fluid Height

How to read the gauge hands to determine the current fluid level in the tank.

Checking Alarm Function

Procedure for testing the audible alarm before initiating a tank fill.

Maintenance and Labels

Routine Maintenance

Guidelines for inspecting and cleaning the gauge and associated alarm.

Overfill and Reorder Label Installation

Steps for applying custom labels to the gauge's front cover for overfill indication.

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Important Technical Specifications
3. Usage Features
4. Maintenance Features
5. Safety Warnings (Crucial for Operation and Maintenance)

The 918 Clock Gauge is a mechanical device designed for measuring liquid levels in aboveground storage tanks. It operates by means of a float connected to a cable, which activates the gauge mechanism as the liquid level changes. This gauge can also be connected to an optional alarm box to provide an audible high-level warning, with the alarm volume adjustable during installation.

Function Description:

The primary function of the 918 Clock Gauge is to provide a visual indication of the liquid level within a storage tank. The gauge features a clock-like display with hands that indicate the liquid height. The short hand typically indicates feet (or meters in the metric version), and the long hand indicates inches (or centimeters). This allows operators to quickly ascertain the current liquid level.

Beyond simple level measurement, the gauge incorporates an alarm setting feature. Operators can calibrate an "Alarm hand" to a desired trip point. When the liquid level reaches this set point, the gauge can trigger an external alarm box (if installed), providing an auxiliary warning of a potential overfill situation. It is crucial to understand that this device is intended as an auxiliary warning and should not be the sole system for preventing tank overfills. The operator remains responsible for continuously preventing spillage.

Important Technical Specifications:

• Measurement Units: Available in both standard (feet and inches) and metric (meters and centimeters) versions.
  • Standard Version: Short hand = Feet, Long hand = Inches.
  • Metric Version: Short hand = Meters, Long hand = Centimeters (x10).
• Mounting: Designed to mount on top of the storage tank.
• Activation Mechanism: Float-activated cable system.
• Alarm Integration: Connects to an optional 918 Series Alarm box for audible high-level warnings.
• Calibration Method: Most accurate calibration is achieved with fluid in the tank, accounting for variables like float position, mechanism, and fluid density.

Usage Features:

• Installation:
  • Requires careful handling of the cable and float to prevent damage to the internal pulley mechanism. The float should be lowered slowly into the tank, not allowed to free fall.
  • Pipe dope or Teflon tape should be applied to threads for a secure, leak-free connection.
  • The gauge hands are set by rotating a shaft with a screwdriver after removing the back cover, aligning them with the measured liquid level.
• Calibration (Alarm Setting):
  • The alarm set point is calibrated by rotating a thumb nut counterclockwise (when facing the rear of the gauge) to raise the float to the desired alarm level.
  • The "Alarm hand" is then manually adjusted to point to a triangular indicator on the gauge face, signifying the alarm trip point.
  • After setting, the float is carefully lowered back into the liquid by turning the thumb nut clockwise.
• Operation:
  • To determine fluid height, read the position of the gauge hands, interpolating if necessary.
  • The gauge readings can be correlated with the tank manufacturer's volume chart to translate fluid height into fluid volume.
  • Before a tank fill, the alarm (if installed) should be checked for proper operation and loudness using the Test/Cancel button.
  • If the alarm sounds during filling, operations should be immediately halted.
• Optional Overfill and Reorder Labels:
  • The gauge supports optional adhesive labels for overfill and reorder points, which are applied to the inside surface of the clear front cover using a provided template. These labels help visually mark critical levels.

Maintenance Features:

• Annual Maintenance: The gauge should be maintained at least once each year, or per applicable codes.
• Visual Inspection: Regularly inspect the gauge and alarm for any damage or excessive wear. Replace components if damage is found.
• Cleaning: Clean the clear front cover of the gauge or alarm box with a damp cloth to prevent static buildup and discharge.
• Calibration Verification: Measure the fluid height and compare it to the tank manufacturer's volume chart to verify the gauge's accuracy. Adjust the gauge setting if readings do not match.
• Alarm System Check: If an alarm box is installed, test its battery level and overall operation.
• Warning Tag Inspection: Inspect the warning tag near the tank fill and off-loading area. Replace if damaged or difficult to read.

Safety Warnings (Crucial for Operation and Maintenance):

• Fire Hazard: Spilled liquids can lead to fire, explosion, serious injury, or death.
• Training Requirement: Only trained personnel should install or maintain this alarm.
• No Modifications: Any modifications not specified in the instructions will void the product warranty.
• Auxiliary Warning: The gauge is an auxiliary warning system and not the sole means to prevent overfills. Operators are solely responsible for preventing spillage.
• Compliance: Installation must comply with all applicable local, state, and federal laws.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Use all required PPE when working inside, above, or around storage tanks and piping areas.
• Pressure and Vapors: Tanks may be under pressure. Vapors can be expelled during installation, posing fire and explosion risks. Avoid sparks, open flames, or hot tools.
• Static Discharge: Use a dampened cloth for cleaning to prevent static buildup.
• Malfunction: In case of malfunction, contact Morrison Bros. Customer Service.
• Hazardous Liquid Spill: Failure to follow warnings and instructions can result in hazardous liquid spills, property damage, environmental contamination, fire, explosion, serious injury, or death.

Morrison 918 Specifications