How to address a Stuck Spill Alarm?

Troubleshooting steps on common causes and resolutions for a stuck Spill alarm.

When your liquid level in your tank is at or above your programmed Spill alarm level, the FINCH II display toggles between showing “SPILL” and the last known volume before the Spill alarm was reached.

The only way to clear the Spill alarm is to unload your product at least 1” below the Spill alarm level while the TD100 system is powered ON. 

Common Issues and Potential Solutions:

However, the Spill alarm could potentially get stuck in other scenarios. Common causes of a Spill alarm on your TD System are typically related to:

• Loading/Unloading Methods
• System Installation/Testing
• Environmental Conditions

• Product Malfunction

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LOADING/UNLOADING METHODS

Issue 1: 

The Spill alarm may be triggered by the liquid sloshing inside your tank while driving.

Issue 2: 

The Spill alarm may be triggered while unloading your tank with your TD100 system turned off. This occurs because the TD System must detect the tank level drop to rest the Spill alarm. 

Issue 3:

The Spill alarm may be triggered while loading your tank after reaching the High-High alarm, but BEFORE reaching the Spill alarm point.

Solution for Issues 1 - 3:

The first step is to enter into Offset Calibration mode, making sure you do NOT change any of the display settings. Then turn the system power off and back on again. 

This should reset the Spill alarm and allow your system to function as usual.

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SYSTEM INSTALLATION/TESTING

Issue: 

The Spill alarm may be triggered on an empty tank. This usually occurs due to an incorrect installation or repair.

Solution:

Refer to Stuck Spill Alarm with Empty Tank for more details. 

Issue: 

The Spill alarm may be triggered after testing a new installation or repair. 

Solution: 

Refer to Stuck Spill Alarm with Empty Tank for more details. 

Issue: 

The Spill alarm may be triggered if the TD System transmitter is loose on the probe.  

Solution: 

1.   Remove the transmitter, clean out any water or other contamination between the transmitter and probe, and then reinstall the transmitter.

2.   After the initial hand-tightening, ensure the connection is tightened with a wrench.

3.   Once the Transmitter is secure, enter into Offset Calibration mode, making sure you do not change any of the display settings. Then turn the system power off and back on again. 

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ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Issue: 

The Spill alarm may be triggered while in-service with cold temperatures or viscous liquids. The top of the probe inside the tank may be buildup with product or frost. in frost or buildup of product.

Solution:

Inspect the probe for buildup or damage. The probe will need to be removed, cleaned, and then reinstalled.  The only resolution for frost buildup during cold-weather operations is to let it melt. 
 

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PRODUCT MALFUNCTION

Issue: 

Solution:

You will need to take your TD100 system to the repair shop or service centre for troubleshooting and assistance.  

Issue: 

The Spill alarm may be triggered if the TD System transmitter is loose on the probe.  

Solution: 

1.   Remove the transmitter, clean out any water or other contamination between the transmitter and probe, and then reinstall the transmitter.

2.   After the initial hand-tightening, ensure the connection is tightened with a wrench.

3.   Once the Transmitter is secure, enter into Offset Calibration mode, making sure you do not change any of the display settings. Then turn the system power off and back on again.