In the final part of our series on tank management systems, this month we look at the key things that people often forget when it comes to installing and commissioning tank management equipment:
- Taking accurate measurement of the sensor’s mounting height above the tank lowest point This will help you ensure that the system is configured correctly.
- Ensuring that the correct Specific Gravity value is used in the monitoring system to avoid calculation errors.
- Ensuring that the system is powered from an isolated supply to avoid potential ground loops / earth faults being generated, and that all signal cable screens are correctly terminated to avoid interference from other adjacent equipment.
- Ensuring that the tank tables are based on physical level in the tank rather than a manual sounding table where the sounding pipe might not be perpendicular.
- Checking the sensor output is zero when the tank is empty. This will ensure there are no unwanted offsets causing an error of display.
- For absolute sensors, calculating the expected output based on actual barometric pressure. This will help check that you are receiving an accurate reading from the sensor.
- Using appropriate protection when using metal tie clips to secure sensor cables in cable trays to prevent damage to the cables.
- For gauge pressure sensors, checking that the vent pipe has not been kinked, trapped, or crushed. This will ensure that sensor is receiving the correct atmospheric reference pressure. The junction box for the sensor cable must also be vented.
- Ensuring that where sensors are supplied with remote electronics that these are correctly matched together. The calibration of the instrument relies on using the factory matched items.
- Remembering that a Hazardous Area Safety Barrier is designed to protect the equipment attached. If a Safety Barrier is “blowing” it is doing its job and the installation fault needs to be identified and corrected. A Safety Barrier should NEVER be bypassed.
If you have missed any of our previous top 10 articles on tank gauging, you can view the full Top 10 Guides to Tank Level Measurement here. And for expert advice on your next tank gauging project, please contact us to discuss your requirements.
