Automatic tank gauge to grow your business

The automatic tank gauge provide comprehensive fuel site data for advanced fuel asset management.

Combining industry leading algorithms with enhanced security, real-time notification, and anywhere, anytime access, the automatic tank gauge keeps your site running and profitable.

This article comes from gilbarco edit released

Working Principle

Apart from glass tube level gauges, transparent level gauges are always fitted with two plate transparent glasses between which the fluid is contained. The fluid level is indicated as the result of the different transparency of the two media and in some cases (for water steam), by conveying upwards on to the surface of separation (between liquid and gaseous substances) a source of light located at the back of the gauge, the rays of which are totally reflected down to the observer.

Applications

Transparent level gauges are suitable for almost all installations.

In fact they permit:

  • the use of mica shields or Polytrifluorochloroethylene shields to protect the glass from the corrosive action of the process fluid
  • the observation of interface
  • the observation of the liquid colour

This instrument consists of a metal body, machined to have an internal chamber and one or more front windows (on each side of the gauge). On each window a special high resistance plate transparent glass is applied with sealing joint and metal cover plate hold by bolts and nuts.

The chamber is connected to vessel with cross fittings and flanged, threaded or welded ends. Usually, between the instrument and its connecting ends, valves are fitted to consent shut-off piping and to disassemble the level gauge without to empty the vessel. Drain valves can also be fitted to cross fittings device.

To avoid leakage in case of glass breakage, safety ball-check device can be provided in cross-fittings or shut-off valves. This kind of indicator is suitable for water/steam. To protect glass surfaces from corrosive action of the process fluid, Transparent Level Gauges can be fitted with Mica shields or Polytrifluorochloroethilene shields. This kind of indicator is suitable for liquids colorless and very fluid.

In some case (i.e. for water / steam) the best reading is obtained by conveying upwards on the surface of separation (liquid/steam or vapor interface), a source of light, located on the back of the gauge, the rays of which are totally reflected down to the observer.

This article comes from wermac edit released

A compact, intelligent and reliable automatic tank gauge

As automatic tank gauge has evolved, the series servo level gauge has become an industrial standard all over the world. Very reliable, versatile and accurate automatic tank gauge with a minimum of moving parts, meeting all international standards, regulations and recommendations.

The multi-functional instrument is modularly constructed. The servo gauge is equipped with a Servo Auto Test feature which further increases the safety integrity of the servo and increases the diagnostic coverage. That means that the Servo can be used in overfi ll protection loops to prevent spillage. What is unique about this SIL-2 solution is the fact that all installed servo gauge worldwide can be simply loaded with a software add-on that allows it to be used in SIL-2 safety rated loops. The increased diagnostics in the gauge will detect failures inside the gauge or in the application and report this to higher level systems for further action. With the added diagnostics, the safety prooftest interval can be extended to 5 years.

This will signifi cantly bring down the operational cost compared to other solutions that require a proof test to be carried out every year. The Servo level gauge has a SFF (Safe Failure Fraction) > 90% which allows it to be used in SIL-2 safety loops. If used in redundant confi guration, the servo automatic tank gauge can be used in SIL-3 rated loops.

This article comes from tgiitalia edit released

Used a combination of advanced tank terminal automation system

We offer a complete range of measurement and metering systems designed and built at our UK headquarters. These systems universally supply dynamic real-time data acquisition through our web platform.

Our suite of automation solutions uses leading edge technologies and is modular in design. Our tank terminal automation systems use truly open technologies and are able to integrate virtually any instrumentation using vendor specific propriatary protocols or industry standard interfaces.

Our core products can be tailored to meet the exact requirements of the end user and we offer a range of tank terminal automation systems and automatic tank gauge to meet your requirements, language and budget.

Our platform has now been adopted as the standard in Terminal Automation by over 150 distribution terminals globally who are benefitting from universal access and control of their key sites via our web based systems.

From refinery operator through to fuel oil distributor European Automation Projects has the solution for all your measuring and metering requirements.

This article comes from ea-projects edit released

How reflex level gauges work

Level gauges are also extremely flexible when it comes to combining more than one gauge section that allows for extended viewing areas. In addition, reflex level gauges may be applied in numerous applications to include feed water heaters, deaerators, boiler drums, and other types of tanks.

For a reflex level gauge, within the recess of a liquid chamber and behind a single piece of glass, is the liquid column that clamps down onto the gauge body. This glass is flat on the outside and on the inside has a series of prism grooves that face the vapor and liquid space. Based on whether light enters the vapor or liquid space, it is reflected or absorbed, respectively.

Once light encounters a groove’s surface within the vapor space it reflects to the surface of the grooves on the opposite side, followed by reflecting completely back to the observation direction. During the liquid phase, light is absorbed, which creates one display for the area that is covered by liquid and another display for the area located above the liquid.

Using the prism glass, a reflex level gauge accurately measures liquid inside the vessel. When light hits the glass where there is no liquid, the prism reflects the light directly out of the gauge. Known as the “dry” area, a silver color is displayed while the “wet” part is displayed in black. The contrasting colors create a clear delineation line that makes it easy to view the measurement.

The composition and design of a transparent level gauge is unique. This gauge is nontubular and fitted with two plate transparent glasses with liquid in between. By different transparency of two media, the level of liquid is indicated. At the back of the transparent level gauge is a light source with rays reflecting down to the observer making it possible to read or estimate the measurement. For most installations, a transparent level gauge is appropriate.

Level gauges provide a number of benefits that are industry-specific. To ensure that your company takes full advantage of the benefits, it is important to consider only the highest quality gauges. By working with a manufacturer that has specialized expertise in producing level gauges you have full assurance of enjoying optimal performance and reliability.

This article comes from controleng edit released

Technology Selection for Automatic Tank Gauge and Overfill Prevention Systems

There is a common misconception that the level measurement instrumentation used in the automatic tank gauge system and overfill prevention system (OPS) on bulk liquid storage tanks must be based on different technologies.

This paper explains that technology diversification is not a requirement of the relevant industry safety standards, and that there are certain advantages to selecting the same technology for both systems. It describes why radar has become the dominant technology in such applications, with new installations often including two radar level gauges to provide both level and independent overfill prevention measurements. The paper also describes how the latest “2-in-1” technology enables a single radar gauge to be used for both level measurement and overfill prevention purposes, in compliance with industry standards, and how this allows for cost-efficient safety upgrades on existing tanks.

The owners and managers of bulk liquid storage facilities depend on accurate and reliable level measurement instrumentation within both their automatic tank gauge and their OPS. With tanks often storing materials that are hazardous, flammable, or explosive, an overfill can lead to injuries or even deaths, significant damage to assets, and extensive environmental harm. A company’s reputation can be seriously affected, while the cost of such incidents can sometimes be measured in billions of dollars.

It is therefore essential for companies storing hazardous materials to invest in a robust OPS that is compliant with current industry safety standards. IEC 61511 sets out best safety practices for implementing a modern OPS in the process industry. In addition, API 2350 addresses the minimum requirements to comply with modern best practices in the specific application of non-pressurized above-ground large petroleum storage tanks.

OPS can be either manual or automatic. Manual systems are regarded as being easier to implement and less complex, with lower initial costs. They typically consist of a level sensor or switch that transmits an audio-visual alarm to an operator, notifying them to take appropriate action, such as manually opening or shutting off a valve to prevent an overfill. However, the risk reduction factor of manual systems is limited and there is a strong trend towards replacing them with automatic systems, which can achieve higher risk reduction factors, shorter response times, and a reduced workload for operators. In bulk liquid storage tanks, automatic OPS typically consist of a level sensor, a logic solver, and a final control element in the form of actuated valve technology.

This article comes from fluidhandling edit released

How to Test and Replace your Servo Gauge and Sending Unit

Is your servo gauge inaccurate? Is it no longer working at all? This is a common problem on older boats, but is easy to fix. The first step is to determine whether the problem is with the servo gauge or the sending unit. The test for this is straightforward. First, check that the servo gauge is receiving 12 volts of power. Turn on the engine’s ignition and probe with a multimeter between the ground and the positive terminal on the back of the servo gauge; it should be marked with a “+” or an “I.” If there is no voltage then the fault is in the ignition circuit—and the servo gauge is probably good. If there are 12 volts at the servo gauge, either the sender, the servo gauge or its wiring is the culprit, so you need to proceed to the next step.

With power running to the servo gauge, disconnect the sending wire; it will be marked with an “S” at the back of the servo gauge. Once the wire is disconnected, the servo gauge should jump to its highest possible reading. If this is the case then the servo gauge is good and you can proceed to the next step. If the servo gauge does not reach its maximum reading, it is faulty and must be replaced.

Another test is to jump a wire or a screwdriver across the sending pin to the ground pin on the back of the servo gauge. If there is no ground pin, use a longer wire and jump the sending pin to the engine block. When you do this, the servo gauge should go to its lowest reading. If it does, it is working properly.

If the servo gauge is good, the next step is to check the other system components, as either the wire running to the sender or the sender itself must be faulty. To check the wire, disconnect it from both the sender and the “S” pin on back of the servo gauge. Set your multimeter to the Ohms scale and check the resistance within the wire. If there is no resistance (as close to zero Ohms as possible), the circuit is good and the sender is faulty. In most cases, the sender and the servo gauge need to be matched to the resistance in the sender’s rheostat, so to be completely sure you are getting accurate readings, replace both the sender and the servo gauge. Several companies provide pre-packaged “ready-to-go” installation kits.

How Tank Sensors Work

Most sensors have a mechanical floating arm and a rheostat. When the arm is all the way down, in the “empty” position, the resistance in the circuit to the servo gauge is near zero. As the arm rises, resistance in the circuit also rises to around 200 Ohms. This resistance is what moves the needle on the servo gauge.

Often a problem occurs when the sending unit’s floating arm becomes inoperative. On older units the floats may be made of cork. Over time these floats can lose buoyancy or even sink altogether, causing the servo gauge to indicate that the tank is constantly empty.

Another common problem results when the rheostat doesn’t transmit the correct electrical current to the servo gauge, even though the floating arm is moving up and down properly. In this case, both the sender and the servo gauge need to be replaced.

This article comes from sail edit released

Reflex Level Gauges

Reflex level gauges allow the medium to be viewed through a reflex glass: the side of the glass which is exposed to the medium has a prismatic surface, while the other side is smooth. The medium level inside the level gauge is indicated as the result of the light refraction principle, since the liquid filled area completely absorbs the rays of light and appears dark, whereas the rays of light are totally reflected in the gas/air filled area which appears bright.

Reflex level gauges offer great advantages in terms of low purchase and maintenance costs, as well as easy level reading. Anyway, they cannot be used in certain cases, for example when the separation level between two liquids has to be read, when the observation of the liquid colour is required or when the fluid to be measured is high-pressure water steam.

This article comes from klinger edit released

Tank Terminal Automation System

We provide a set of hardware and software to solve all the automation requirements in a tank terminal automation; starting with access control, loading, printing, product movement, balance, inventory, ERP Connection, site exit and more.

The flexibility is based on functional modules which provides flexibility for each functionality requries whilst guaranteeing tank terminal automation operations. Typical applications include: Receipt / dispatch by truck, barge, rail wagon, pipeline, access control, inspections, kiosk functionality, automatic bay / berth allocation, sealing, blending, additive, automatic tank farm control and more. .

The tank terminal automation system architecture includes: workstations, engineering stations, servers, printers, communication with field elements like: presets, card readers, weight bridge and tank gauging systems. It is also possible to interface with enterprise systems software.

This article comes from abb edit released

Advanced Servo Gauge

Servo gauge for liquids in tanks. Standard range to 88 feet (27m), extended ranges from 115 to 492 feet (35 to 150m). Good for process temperatures to 392F (200C) and pressures to 90 PSI. FM-Approved NEMA 4X, IP66/67 enclosure. SIL 2/3 certified.

Servo gauge for liquids in tanks. Standard range to 88 feet (27m), extended ranges from 115 to 492 feet (35 to 150m). Good for process temperatures to 392F (200C) and pressures to 90 PSI. FM-Approved NEMA 4X, IP66/67 enclosure. SIL 2/3 certified. measures liquid level, density and water interface level measurement with the highest accuracy available in the marketplace. With its Servo Gauge Auto Test feature, you can use it in overfill protection loops to prevent spillage. It is designed with minimal moving parts and a modular construction for easy maintenance to help you drive down operational costs.

The servo gauge meets all international standards. A software add-on provides diagnostics so the ATG can be used in SIL-rated loops. With these diagnostics, the safety proof-test interval can be extended to 5 years.

This article comes from lesman edit released