FAQ’s FAQ’s

• Refer to our Product Certifications page to download certificates for individual products.  Create Link under 
• http://www.erlmarine.com/product-certifications/
• (entitled Product Certifications We will send you the data)

CFR requirements dictate that valves are tested on an annual basis and certified at 5 year intervals.  Standard practice will depend on the types of cargos moved specific company preventative maintenance schedule.  We typically see when a barge is brought in to a shipyard for service, the PV valves are pulled for cleaning/inspections and certification.

ERL supplies standard one meter DS39 units for the majority of the inland tank barge fleet in service.  ERL can produce internal sticks for the DS39 Rising stick gauge unit that would coincide with the High level & Overfill set points on the Level Alert II unit.  Refer to the link below for the order form specifications to build your DS39 Rising Stick Gauge according to you barges specifications.

• Level Alert II set point procedures can be located on ERL Website.  These can be found in Products Tab/Overfill Protection/Level Alert II High Level Overfill Alarm Sensor/Instructions/Set Point Check Procedure.
• https://www.erlmarine.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/page-055.pdf

ERL does not typically suggest reach rod diameters.  The diameter of the rod depends on multiple factors such size of the valve, torque required to Open and Close Valve, and distance of reach rod being used.  Discussing rod diameter with Naval Architect and/or design Engineer. ERL works daily with Naval Architects regarding construction specifications and requirements.  ERL can work directly with your designer to determine requirement and is happy provide this service free of charge to our customers.

Shaft hangers are used to help support the rod and reduce the amount of “whip” or movement of the rod during opening and closing of the valve.  Typically with overall hull heights of greater than 20 feet, reach rods are considered.  Standard 10K or 30K barges being operated in the Inland Rivers Systems often do not require the use of Shaft Hangers due to shorter reach rods being required.  Typically Deck Stand units using Actuators or Gear Operators to open and close the valve have longer reach rods (20+ feet) and often require a minimum of 1 shaft hanger per set up.

We make service calls to keep your tank barges running. Our service team is on hand 24/7 to provide the parts and service you need when you need it. With two locations, we guarantee we will reach your site anywhere in the contiguous US in 12 hours or less.

We invite you to visit our facilities in New Albany, Indiana or Houston, Texas. Meet our outstanding team and check out what we have in stock.

Pressure and vacuum set points or calculated by the Engineer or Naval Architect based on the barge design and cargo requirements. 

• ERL Equate PV Valves require a change in Spring(s) for the Pressure and Vacuum settings and in some cases, depending on size of the valve, will require a change in the stem.  All changes will need to be reviewed and USCG Approved for set point changes.
• ERL 6” High Velocity PV Valve requires a change in set weights for both the Pressure and Vacuum side and must be done at an approved Valve repair shop.  This will also require Approvals from USCG and Certified Naval Architect for set point changes.

Pre-check and pre-loading procedures are set according to company policies and USCG requirements.

The use of Glycerin inside a pressure or pressure/vacuum gauge is to help reduce inaccurate readings inside the gauge due to vibrations from the barge or boat.  The Vibra Gauge does not require Glycerin but instead contains a vibration dampener inside that preforms the same function as the Glycerin.

CFR Regulation 46 CFR 54.15-10