New portable level gauging equipment
21 January 2004
Portable Electronic Gauging Devices (PEGDs)
The new HERMetic UTImeter: accurate, handy while reducing VOC's emissions
State-of-the-art manual electronic gauges are highly accurate portable measuring instruments, incorporating microprocessor control and reliable electronic sensors, and can work under totally closed conditions.
General
Manual gauging is not usually associated with advanced technology nor with reducing VOC's emissions, but recent developments by one manufacturer working in this sector have taken the concept onto a different plane.
When they hear the word "manual" in relation to tank gauging, most people would picture a traditional tape and bob assembly. Although relatively easy to operate, these traditional tape and bob assemblies cannot be used without opening the tanks, and therefore large quantities of VOC can escape during gauging. When tanks are inerted, the gas pressure shall be reduced prior to open the tanks for gauging.
"Automatic" equipment would suggest more sophisticated technology linked via remote control system to a computer, and working under closed conditions, i.e. without VOC's emissions.
The reality is more complex, however. State-of-the-art manual electronic gauges are highly accurate portable measuring instruments incorporating microprocessor control and reliable electronic sensors and can work under totally closed conditions. The latest examples in the field, such as those recently introduced by Swiss manufacturer TS Tanksystem SA, even use digital signal transmission technology between the unit and the sensor head to improve immunity to electromagnetic fields.
Unlike automatic systems, Portable Electronic Gauging Devices (PEGDs) are designed to be used on many different tanks and can be checked in a laboratory independent of the tank geometry.
PEGDs are more reliable than other traditional methods (dipping tape with weight, dipping rods, water finding pastes, glass thermometers, etc.), giving more repeatable results.
But until recently their weight was considered a disadvantage, they needed regular re-calibration to ensure that accuracy is maintained, and they were not immune to electromagnetic fields.
The new UTImeter from TS Tanksystem SA addresses these issues, and sets new standards in the technology of PEGDs.
No VOC's emissions
In recent years there has been growing concern over the release of volatile organic compound (VOC) vapours, with regard to both air pollution and occupational exposure. New vapour control systems that require closed operation to avoid VOC emissions have been developed and TS Tanksystem SA has responded by introducing gas-tight gauges which allow gauging to be carried out without releasing any vapours. The new HERMetic UTImeter is designed to offer fast, accurate and reliable gauging without any vapour release. A compact ball valve, specially designed, is permanently fixed on the tank. The UTImeter is easily connected to this valve via a quick coupler. Then a single penetration of the tank can establish ullage, oil/water interface level and product temperature. All along the gauging process, the system remains tight and the operator is never exposed to the VOCs.
