Withstanding the heat:

Svanehøj proves LTD Gauge reliability in extreme temperatures

When temperatures climb above 50°C and equipment is exposed to direct sunlight for hours, reliability is critical. This understanding led the tank control system specialists at Svanehoj France to conduct an extensive high-temperature testing campaign for Svanehøj’s LTD Gauge. The goal: to demonstrate its effectiveness in extreme heat conditions.

After weeks of testing under extreme conditions, the results are clear: Svanehøj’s LTD gauging equipment maintains full functionality without performance degradation.

The decision to conduct the heat resistance test was driven by a clear recognition of the challenges faced by operators working in some of the world’s harshest climates. The Svanehoj France team set out to demonstrate that the LTD equipment can withstand conditions far beyond what it would typically meet in particular warm parts of the world.

"Conditions like those in the Middle East put significant stress on electronic equipment. By thoroughly documenting our heat resistance testing, we have now demonstrated our commitment to delivering reliable equipment, even in the most demanding environments", says Fabrice Vandewalle, Sales Manager, LNG/Cryogenic at Svanehoj France.

Simulating Middle Eastern heat in a controlled environment

The test setup at Svanehøj’s factory in Calais aimed to recreate real-life extreme environmental conditions. A temperature-controlled enclosure was used, starting with a baseline temperature of 57°C, slightly above the world record for surface temperature.

An LTD Gauge without a cover was placed in a temperature-controlled enclosure. Calibrated temperature sensors were positioned at strategic points throughout the equipment to monitor for potential overheating.

To stress the system further, the motor was run with a 24% overload, putting extra strain on the gear transmission. Alongside temperature monitoring, the team tracked motor current to detect any drift or increases that might signal mechanical or thermal stress. Communication signals and density measurements were also continuously monitored to ensure functional stability.

To build in a meaningful safety margin, the team went well beyond expected field conditions. The enclosure temperature was raised to 85°C, which is 20°C higher than the worst-case internal temperature the gauge might face when in service. Even at these extremes, the most temperature-sensitive electronic component inside the LTD Gauge stayed comfortably within its design limits, maintaining a safety buffer of 20°C below its maximum rated temperature.

The data from weeks of testing concluded that the equipment maintained full functionality without performance degradation. Temperature readings and motor currents were stable, with no communication or measurement failures.

This heat resistance testing reflects Svanehøj’s ongoing commitment to delivering reliable, high-performance equipment proven not just by design, but by testing in environments close to real-world conditions. From the icy cold of cryogenic applications to the extreme heat of desert installations, Svanehøj powers critical operations around the world.

Test summary

• Purpose: To verify the reliability of the LTD Gauge in extreme high temperatures.
  
  
• Test setup: The equipment was tested in a temperature-controlled enclosure at Svanehøj’s facility in Calais, France.
  
  
• Temperature levels: The gauge was assessed up to 85°C, 20°C beyond the worst-case field conditions.
  
  
• Stress factors: Included electronic self-heating, simulated solar radiation, and 24% motor overload.
  
  
• Monitoring: Continuous tracking of motor current, internal temperatures, communication signals, and measurement accuracy was conducted.
  
  
• Result: No performance loss or component failures, confirming safety for long-term operation in harsh environments.

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