In industries where the precise measurement of liquid products is critical—such as oil & gas, petrochemicals, and chemicals—accurate custody transfer and inventory control are non-negotiable. Errors in measurement can lead to significant financial discrepancies, regulatory issues, and operational inefficiencies. This is where Servo Tank Gauges (STGs) stand out as essential tools for ensuring accurate, reliable, and real-time liquid level measurement in storage tanks.
Why Servo Tank Gauges Are Ideal for Custody Transfer
1. Unmatched Measurement Accuracy
Servo Tank Gauges are designed to provide extremely high-precision level readings, often with an accuracy of ±0.4 mm or better. This level of precision is crucial for custody transfer transactions, where product volumes must be measured and reconciled according to international standards (such as API, OIML R85, ISO 4266).
2. Compliance with International Standards
Leading Servo Tank Gauges meet or exceed the stringent accuracy and performance requirements for custody transfer applications. They are certified for use in accordance with API MPMS Chapter 3.1B, OIML R85, and ISO 7507, ensuring compliance in global markets.
3. Density and Interface Measurement
Many modern Servo Tank Gauges can also be equipped with additional probes for density measurement and interface detection (e.g., oil/water interface). This ensures accurate product quality verification and multi-phase inventory control.
4. Real-Time Volume and Mass Calculation
When combined with a tank management system, STGs provide real-time, compensated volume and mass calculations by integrating temperature, pressure, and density data. This allows operators to manage inventories accurately and make data-driven decisions.
Servo Tank Gauges for Inventory Control in Large Tank Farms
1. Accurate Stock Reconciliation
Accurate inventory data helps operators to reconcile stocks with minimal uncertainty. With Servo Tank Gauges, tank farm managers can obtain precise volume, mass, and level data—crucial for inventory audits, loss detection, and process optimization.
2. Enhanced Operational Safety
STGs can monitor the tank level even under challenging conditions such as vapors, temperature fluctuations, and varying product densities. Their reliability ensures safe tank operations, preventing overfilling, and supporting automated alarm systems.
3. Integration with SCADA and ERP Systems
Modern Servo Tank Gauges feature digital communication protocols (such as Foundation Fieldbus, HART, Modbus, or proprietary systems) allowing seamless integration with SCADA, DCS, or ERP platforms. This enables centralized monitoring, reporting, and inventory optimization.
Key Benefits of Using Servo Tank Gauges
High accuracy (±0.4 mm or better) for critical custody transfer and inventory control.
Compliance with global custody transfer standards (API, OIML, ISO).
Simultaneous level, interface, and density measurement for comprehensive tank monitoring.
Real-time data integration into tank farm management systems for accurate stock reconciliation.
Enhanced safety and operational efficiency through automated monitoring and alarms.
Typical Applications of Servo Tank Gauges
Crude oil, refined products, and petrochemical tank farms.
LNG/LPG storage terminals.
Aviation fuel depots.
Chemical and specialty liquid storage facilities.
Floating roof and fixed roof storage tanks.
In high-stakes environments where accurate measurement is critical, Servo Tank Gauges remain the trusted solution for both custody transfer and inventory management. Their precision, compliance, and integration capabilities empower operators to reduce uncertainties, ensure transparency in transactions, and optimize their storage operations.
Investing in high-quality Servo Tank Gauge systems is not just a technical upgrade—it is a strategic decision to protect revenue, enhance efficiency, and ensure global compliance.