AMNYTT AMNYTT.no 1/2023 | Page 104

1972

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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