Tank level system extends into inventory management functions
Emerson Process Management’s new Raptor tank level measuring system helps refineries and bulk liquid storage plants handle the ever-increasing demands on efficiency, accuracy, and safety. The scalable platform makes it easy to install the devices needed today and add or replace units in the future.
The Raptor system consists of a complete range of tank level measuring devices, including high performance, non-contact radar level gages, temperature and pressure transmitters, plus water interface sensors and inventory management software. Tank hubs are used to communicate with the measuring instruments and control room via standard communication protocols. The design is based on open technology and is fully scalable with functionality and scope that can be adapted to any application and performance class.
The system includes new safety technologies to help protect plant assets, personnel, and the environment. One example is a safety device that incorporates two independent radar gauges in one single enclosure, providing SIL 3 safety for overfill prevention. There are also a number of other dual redundant configurations available to suit individual tank safety requirements.
Emerson says it has designed the Raptor system to reduce installation costs. The system uses a unique, bus-powered, two-wire protocol called Tankbus. This communication is based on Foundation fieldbus technology, allowing easy start-up and integration of all system units. The tank units are intrinsically safe, which means no expensive cable conduits are required. Communication to the control room can be made using Modbus over most existing cabling, or using other fieldbus standards.
Further installation cost savings can be realized with Emerson’s Smart Wireless functionality, which eliminates the need for long distance signal wiring. This is especially valuable when no suitable ground cabling is available and it is necessary to cross roads, or when ground conditions make cabling overly expensive. Wireless communication can also be used as a redundant and independent communication path beside traditional wired communication.
When used in existing installations, the company says that Raptor instruments can emulate gauges from other manufacturers, allowing them to integrate into existing system using the same cabling and control room infrastructure.
The system is built around a new line of Rosemount 0.5 mm (0.02 in.) precision radar level gauges, and temperature transmitters with three- or four-wire multiple spot sensors. Emerson says this results in the highest available precision in net volume calculations for custody transfer and inventory management, resulting in more accurate tank content information.
Edited by Peter Welander, pwelander@cfemedia.com
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