Technology innovation takes tank gauging to new heights
Level measurement technology has evolved significantly over the last 50 years and has expanded to serve many applications over the years . The journey from such rudimentary methods as knocking on tank walls to mechanical floats and electronic servo-based methods to today , where non-contacting radar systems are at the forefront , has been swift . It ’ s also been guided by the changing needs and automation requirements of industry . What started as a way to measure level in storage tanks on oil-tankers at sea has evolved to include more marine vessel types and applications , over to onshore petroleum storage tanks , chemical tanks , other energy storage , level measurement in food & beverage industries and many more applications .
“ There are lots of storage tanks out in the world . Historically the technology was applied in the oil and gas industry , but these days , driven by automation trends and an increasing valuation of products and raw materials , tank gauging solutions are needed in a much wider range of applications ,” says Mikael Helmer , general manager for tank gauging at Emerson .
Helmer says tank gauging technology and associated systems has evolved , itself , over the last two decades . “ The preference for non-contacting , continuous level measurements continue to grow ,” he says . “ but in addition , tank gauging is about volumetric measurements in the end , and level with radar is a key piece to that . But associated measurements , such as temperature , pressure , volume calculations are other key measurements to deliver what a customer expects from a complete tank gauging system ”.
Customer needs have driven the technology innovation here as well . More accurate temperature measurements , tank and liquid pressure measurements , more volume calculations , diagnostics are a few such valuable inputs to your stored product . “ Changes in how you monitor your data , what you want to do with it , the way customer expect to have easy access to data via mobile systems is driving the technology forward and demands scalability , flexibility and open communication protocols to and from the system .” Helmer says .
“ Safe operations of tank farms has become an extremely important piece over the recent years — you don ’ t want to spill your product ,” he continues . “ Tank overfills are a major concern and since many products stored are flammable , hazardous and explosive , it is critical to take actions to protect health , lives , environment and plant assets , to ensure and improve safe workplaces and surrounding communities . So , using the reliable , accurate radar technology for overfill prevention is addressing those concerns .”
The ability to continuously monitor bulk liquid levels as they move around from tank , to train , to ship , to tank again is paramount . “ Storage is about the movement of product , so you need to have good control of your inventory and the transfers between the different locations ,” Helmer says to common usage for his company ’ s tank gauging technologies . “ It ’ s not only that you ’ ve managed to put a batch of product inside your tank . You need to know how much you got , transferred or received , all while doing it in a safe manner .”
A world of firsts for Radar Level Measurement .
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1972
The world ’ s first functioning radar level gauge was designed , marking the beginning of radar-based level measurement development .
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