Improved Tank Gauging Topology

Fiber Ethernet Tank Farm Topology

The major cost in any tank gauging or tank farm automation project is the field wiring. Normally two-thirds (2/3) of the cost is for wire, conduit, electrical fittings, etc. The upgrade of older technology in the field is often delayed because of the capital needed to replace the communications infrastructure. This means the benefits are also delayed and costs you more money.

An ideal communications Topology would be designed to:

Reduce the cost of cabling vs. conventional wire
Increase the reliability and data throughput speed
Provide electrical isolation to field devices (against power surges and electrical storms)
Maintenance ease by using off the shelf components
Reduce system integration costs (electrical standards, protocols, communication devices, and software drivers)
Provide access to multiple users, i.e., Operations, Laboratory, Scheduling, Oil Movements, Engineering, Maintenance, Safety, Environmental, Marketing, Accounting, Management, and Corporate. On a local basis or an Enterprise solution (from/to anywhere via Intranet VPN)

From the Master Switch, fiber cable is run to field mounted industrial quality Smart Switches, thus establishing a Fiber Ethernet network. Depending upon the Smart Switch selected, one particular Master Switch can be cabled in a ring, i.e., a primary cable run with a return loop to the Master Switch.

The Master Switch sends a packet out over the primary fiber cable and awaits the receipt of the packet. If the packet is not returned, the Master Switch assumes that there is a fiber cable or switch problem. On the next communication, the packet is transmitted in both directions over the primary fiber cable and the return loop fiber cable. Diagnostics can then identify the location of the problem, i.e., device or fiber cable, as well as restore communication with all working network components.

The field installed Smart Switches then communicate to Ethernet devices (GSI CIM, E/RTU, NET/IFI, E/IFI, or E/TGI) or Ethernet ready Tank Gauges (MTG, CAP3, 2000/APTB).

It has installed systems using the Fiber Ethernet Topology since 1996. It is a field proven topology that reduces overall maintenance costs, and increases data throughput and speed. It allows communication for configuration and remote preventative maintenance with intelligent field devices.

FROM:Gauging Systems Inc.

 

Multifunctional Tank Gauge BJLM-80HA is designed for ambient and high pressure liquid tank gauge measurements. It has multiple functions measurements integrated in one gauge,  including measurement of level, density, temperature, water interface, and automatic calculation of volume and mass by temperature compensation for the liquid in the tank.

 

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