HERMetic UTImeter RTex – Restricted Operation Portable Level Gauge

HERMetic UTImeter RTex
for Restricted Operation

Honeywell's HERMetic UTImeter RTex is a portable electronic liquid level gauge designed for gauging of petroleum products under restricted conditions. A restricted system exists when a marine tank vessel allows some vapors from its cargo tanks into the atmosphere under normal operating conditions.

⬇ Download RTex Brochure

What Is It?

The HERMetic UTImeter RTex offers three measurements in a single operation, making it indispensable for efficient cargo management aboard petroleum tankers and marine vessels:

  • Ullage level measurement
  • Continuous temperature verification
  • Oil-water interface level identification

The unit is used for custody transfer, cargo control measurement and free water detection on marine vessels. Connected to a HERMetic vapor control valve fixed on the tank, it permits operation under restricted conditions. It features easy battery access and can be fitted with interchangeable adaptors for different vapor control valves. Tape cleaning devices, window wiper and tape protection are all standard.

What Problems Does It Solve?

The HERMetic UTImeter RTex allows static verification of tank content and continuous temperature reading with incomparable repeatability. The fully modular unit ensures high accuracy and stability, while significantly reducing maintenance costs for vessel operators.

  • Eliminates multiple measurement trips — three readings in one lowering
  • No recalibration required when replacing tape or sensor — Plug & Play
  • Reduces VOC exposure during gauging on restricted-type vessels
  • Compatible with foreign ball valves via Honeywell adaptors
  • Lightweight and ergonomic for safe on-deck operation

Key Features & Benefits

The HERMetic UTImeter RTex is engineered for reliability and efficiency in demanding marine environments. Its modular design and factory-calibrated sensor set it apart from conventional gauging equipment.

🌡️

Continuous Temperature

RTD element sensor provides real-time temperature readings throughout the measurement cycle.

📏

Ullage Measurement

Precise electronic ullage detection with high repeatability for accurate custody transfer.

💧

Interface Detection

Reliable oil-water interface level identification for free water detection and cargo monitoring.

🔋

Easy Battery Access

Designed for quick, tool-free battery exchange — minimizing downtime during operations.

🔌

Interchangeable Adaptors

Fits different vapor control valves onboard without modifying existing tank infrastructure.

⚙️

Plug & Play Sensor

Sensor replacement requires no factory recalibration — full calibration data stored on-chip.

🧹

Tape Protection

Tape cleaning device, window wiper and tape protection guard are standard on all units.

⚖️

Lightest in Class

Optimized weight for easy one-person on-deck operation — reduces operator fatigue.

🛡️

Zone 0 Certified

Intrinsically safe for use in explosive atmospheres — ATEX, IECEx and Factory Mutual approved.

How Does It Work?

The HERMetic UTImeter RTex is connected to a HERMetic vapor control valve installed on the tank top. The unit is lowered into the tank through the valve under restricted conditions, ensuring vapors from the cargo tank are not freely released into the atmosphere during the gauging operation.

The ULTRA sensing probe — now standard on all HERMetic UTImeters — consists of a stainless steel tube terminated by a PEEK head. It incorporates an ultrasonic liquid level sensor and a temperature sensor for simultaneous ullage, interface, and temperature measurement.

Factory Calibration — No Recalibration Required

The sensor of the HERMetic UTImeter RTex is calibrated once at the factory and does not require subsequent calibration. The temperature probe is an RTD element and its characteristics are stored inside the sensor itself. The sensor sends true temperature values directly to the electronic package.

This means: changing a sensor or a tape does not require a new calibration — saving operators significant time and service costs over the lifetime of the instrument.

  • RTD temperature element — characteristics stored in sensor memory
  • True temperature values transmitted directly to electronic display
  • Tape or sensor swap does not invalidate factory calibration
  • Annual calibration verification only — no laboratory recalibration

Restricted vs Closed Operation — Understanding the Difference

The RTex operates under restricted conditions, which means the vapor control valve allows a small amount of vapor to vent under normal operating pressure — unlike the GTex which is fully gas-tight (closed operation). The RTex is suitable for petroleum tankers where closed gauging is not mandated.

RTex vs GTex — Which to Choose?

Both the RTex and GTex are Honeywell HERMetic UTImeters offering the same three core measurements in one operation. The key difference lies in the degree of vapour control during gauging.

Feature UTImeter RTex UTImeter GTex
Operation typeRestrictedGas Tight (Closed)
Ullage measurement✓ Yes✓ Yes
Temperature reading✓ Continuous✓ Continuous
Oil-water interface✓ Yes✓ Yes
Zero vapor emission✗ Restricted✓ Fully gas tight
Chemical tanker use✗ Not recommended✓ GTex Chem version
High viscous liquids✗ Not applicable✓ GTex Visc version
Petroleum tankers✓ Primary use✓ Yes
Factory calibration✓ Yes✓ Yes
Plug & Play sensor swap✓ Yes✓ Yes
ATEX / IECEx approved✓ Zone 0✓ Zone 0

Our recommendation: Choose the RTex for petroleum tankers where restricted gauging is acceptable. Choose the GTex for chemical tankers, high-pressure systems, or vessels requiring fully closed zero-emission gauging operations.

Technical Specifications

The HERMetic UTImeter RTex is built to the highest marine instrumentation standards. Key technical parameters are listed below.

ParameterSpecification
Operation TypeRestricted (vapor control valve)
Measurement FunctionsUllage, Temperature, Oil-Water Interface
Temperature ProbeRTD Element (characteristics stored in sensor)
Sensing ProbeULTRA probe — stainless steel, PEEK head
Tape Lengths Available15m · 25m · 35m
CalibrationFactory calibrated — no field recalibration required
Battery AccessTool-free, easy exchange design
Adaptor CompatibilityInterchangeable for different vapor control valves
Hazardous Area RatingZone 0 (ATEX II 1G Ex ia IIB T4)
Tape ProtectionCleaning device, window wiper, tape guard — standard
Carrying CaseWooden case — approx. 13 kg · 73×40×20 cm
Warranty3 Years Honeywell Factory Warranty

International Compliance

The HERMetic UTImeter RTex fully complies with all major international maritime and petroleum measurement regulations:

IMO SOLAS 74 MARPOL 73/78 ISO 4512 ISO 3170 ISO 4268 API MPMS Chap 3.1A API MPMS Chap 7 API MPMS Chap 8.1 API MPMS Chap 17.11 IP PMM Part III-1 IP PMM Part IV EC Directive 89/336/EEC EC Directive 94/9/EC (MED) EC Directive 96/98/EC (ATEX 100a)

Approved By

The unit has been tested and approved by all major national authorities and classification societies worldwide:

USCG
MSA
GOST-R
ATEX
IECEx
Factory Mutual
NEPSI
DNV GL
Lloyd's Register
Bureau Veritas
ABS
ClassNK

Intrinsic Safety Classification

  • ATEX: II 1G Ex ia IIB T4 / Tamb 50°C
  • IECEx: Zone 0 Ex ia IIB T4 / Tamb 50°C
  • Factory Mutual: CL I, DIV 1, C&D, T4 Tamb 50°C
  • NEPSI: ExiaIIBT4 (China certification)
  • GOST: Russian Federation approval standard

Have a Query? We're Available.

Speak to our marine instrumentation specialists for quotes, upgrades & technical support.

📞 +65 9890 3047
Get In Touch

Contact Swift Marine Tech

📍

Singapore Workshop

Swift Marine Tech Services Pte Ltd
7 Soon Lee Street #03-40 ISpace
Singapore – 627608

☎️

Follow Us

Request a Quote

Home Call Email