5.2.1 An oil content meter should satisfy the
test and performance specifications contained in part 1 of the Annex
to these Guidelines and Specifications and should conform with the
general requirements contained in subsection 5.2.
5.2.2 The accuracy of meters designed to monitor
a wide range of oil content should be such that the reading will represent
the actual oil content of the sample being tested within ±
10 ppm or ± 20%, whichever is the greater. The accuracy should
remain within the above limit despite the presence of contaminants
other than oil, such as entrained air, rust, mud and sand.
5.2.3 The meter should be designed so that it
functions within the above limit when the power supply (in the form
of electricity, compressed air, etc.) is varied by 10% from the value
for which the meter is designed.
5.2.4 It is desirable that the reading should
not be affected by the type of oil. If it is, it should not be necessary
to calibrate the meter on board ship, but pre-set alterations in the
calibration may be made in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
In the latter case, means should be available to check that the correct
calibration has been selected for the oil in question. The accuracy
of the readings should at all times remain within the limit specified
in 5.2.2.
5.2.5 The response time of the meter, as defined
in paragraph 1.2.8 of part 1 of the Annex, should not exceed 20 seconds.
5.2.6 The meter may have several scales as appropriate
for its intended use. The full range of the scale should not be less
than 1,000 ppm.
5.2.7 The meter should have simple means to enable
the ship's crew to check the functioning of the electrical and electronic
circuitry of the meter by introduction of a simulated signal corresponding
approximately to half the full scale reading of the meter. It should
also be possible for qualified personnel to recalibrate the meter
on board the oil tanker.
5.2.8 The meter should, if intended to be fitted
in locations where flammable atmospheres may be present, comply with
the relevant safety regulations for such spaces. Any electrical equipment
which is part of the meter should be placed in a non-hazardous area,
or should be certified by the Administration as safe for use in a
hazardous atmosphere. Any moving parts which are fitted in hazardous
areas should be so arranged as to avoid the formation of static electricity.
5.2.9 The meter should not contain or use any
substance of a dangerous nature, unless adequate arrangements, acceptable
to the Administration, are provided to eliminate any hazard introduced
thereby.
5.2.10 The meter should resist corrosion in conditions
of the marine environment.
5.2.11 The meter should be constructed from materials
compatible with the liquids to be tested.