Endress+Hauser hosted the latest Technology Evening where Alwin Lutchman, business driver for Inventory Management Solutions, presented ‘Tank Gauging’.
Tank gauging is a generic name for the static quantity assessment of liquid products in bulk storage tanks. Two methods are recognised: volume-based tank gauging systems and quantity assessment based on level, and temperature measurement.
Mike Banda (left) thanks Alwin for the presentation.
International Recommendation OIML R085-1-2 indicates: the metrological purpose of tank level measurements is the application in conjunction with tank calibration tables for the determination of liquid volume received from, delivered to, or contained in stationary storage tanks. Alwin pointed out typical factors that affect tank gauging, such as temperature, density and level uncertainty, tank strapping tables, hydrostatic deformation, tank shell thermal expansions, roof flex and vapour influences. Other topics covered include:
• Accuracy – typical tank distortion influences
• Typical TG system calculations and corrections
• OIML R85 and API regulations accuracy specifications
• Inventory control vs custody transfer
• Key technologies used in tank gauging
• Manual level gauging or dipping
• Operating principles of radar and servo technologies
• Weight detection principle
• Multiple measurements by a single device
• Principle of pulse measurement technology
• Typical intrinsically safe (Ex ia) installation
The presentation was well attended and followed by an interactive Q&A session.
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