35 level gauges for Total's Island View blend plant
February 2001
Level Measurement & Control
The Total oil blend plant situated at Island View in Durban has a full tank gauging system installed on its 35 storage tanks. The tanks, which are a combination of vertical and horizontal vessels, are used for the storage of base oils, automotive, industrial and marine oils used in the blending process. Sizes vary widely in height from 2,4 m on the horizontal (bullet) tanks to over 19 m on the vertical tanks. The volumes range from 14 to 2336 cubic metres.
Total South Africa chose the Saab PRO radar level gauge for this application and the turnkey project, which included mechanical and electrical installation as well as commissioning, was handled by Tyco MeasureTech, which is the local agent for the Saab product.
The mechanical and electrical work was done by Durban-based contractors, the commissioning being handled by the Tyco MeasureTech Engineering Division.
The noncontact radar method of level measurement used meant that very little work had to be done on the existing tank nozzles and, because all instrumentation (radar gauges and temperature sensors), are fitted from the top of the vessels, there was no requirement for the removal of product from the tanks. Production was able to continue normally throughout the installation and commissioning period. Level and temperature data is transmitted from the field instruments to two field control units, which in turn communicate with Saab's Tankmaster tank farm management software package, conveniently located in the operator's office. Temperature signals are multiplexed through Saab's intrinsically safe independent data acquisition unit. The use of Modbus data communication considerably reduced installation time and proved very cost effective from a wiring point of view.
The Windows-based Tankmaster software permits the operator to call up any of the 35 tanks to view the level, rate of change as well as other information relating to level changes in the vessel. The system allows for the setting of alarms to prevent spills and to alert the operator should the production be at risk due to a low level of product in any of the tanks. In addition the program allows the insertion of strapping tables to give an accurate indication of tank volume.
The introduction of a state-of-the-art, maintenance-free tank level measurement and inventory system at the blend plant results in a more accurate method of controlling stock levels and does away with need for regular tank dipping, a laborious and often dangerous task.
[email protected]
www.tyco.com
Further reading:
Groundwater level measurement using LoRa module
Instrotech
Level Measurement & Control
Monitoring groundwater levels across large industrial sites is critical. Salzgitter Digital Solution was tasked with developing a fully automated and digital monitoring system using Long Range Wide Area Network technology.
Read more...
Where corrosion meets control
VEGA Controls SA
Level Measurement & Control
Reliable level measurement is essential in copper and cobalt processing, and at KCC, VEGA Controls is helping ensure uninterrupted operations with robust vibrating level switch technology.
Read more...
Safety, hygiene and quality management for Africa’s pharmaceutical manufacturing industry
VEGA Controls SA
Level Measurement & Control
VEGA sensors support critical processes in pharmaceutical manufacturing such as fermentation, purification, formulation, filling, storage and CIP/SIP cleaning cycles. Their design ensures that pharmaceutical manufacturers can maintain sterility, reduce downtime and achieve consistent batch quality, even in demanding production environments.
Read more...
Level measurement for hygienic applications
Endress+Hauser South Africa
Level Measurement & Control
Endress+Hauser’s Liquiphant is considered to be the most reliable and safe point level detector in industrial plants. The latest generation of devices is ready for Industry 4.0 and, with the Liquiphant FTL63, is ideally suited for applications with hygienic requirements.
Read more...
Level measurement of an acid dosing tank at a WWTP
Level Measurement & Control
Ferric chloride and other acids are essential chemical substances in water and wastewater treatment. To control the dosing of acid solutions, an Australian wastewater treatment plant uses a special container to store, mix and add these chemicals. The company opted in favour of KROHNE’s OPTIWAVE 1540 radar level transmitter
Read more...
Sensors measure palm oil tank level
Instrotech
Level Measurement & Control
The Senix ToughSonic 30 accurately measures and monitors the level of palm oil in large tanks approximately nine metres in height.
Read more...
Precise level control
Level Measurement & Control
Whether in silos, tanks or process containers, the exact detection of fill levels is crucial for stable, safe and economical production processes. However, many common measuring methods quickly reach their limits in practice.
Read more...
Powering Africa’s sustainable mining
VEGA Controls SA
Editor's Choice Level Measurement & Control
At the 2026 Mining Indaba in Cape Town, one theme rises above all others, progress through precision. For VEGA, a global leader in process instrumentation, this mission aligns perfectly with its core purpose, which is turning measurement into meaningful progress.
Read more...
VEGA is redefining synthetic fuel production
VEGA Controls SA
Level Measurement & Control
Polish company, Ekobenz specialises in producing bio-hydrocarbons. The company utilises advanced manufacturing techniques where VEGA sensors monitor levels and interfaces, essentially overseeing separation layers in the process.
Read more...
Precision in paper processing
VEGA Controls SA
Editor's Choice Level Measurement & Control
Paper manufacturing is a demanding process that relies on consistency, precision and control at every stage. The VEGABAR 82 pressure transmitter is well-suited to these harsh environments.
Read more...
printer friendly version