Petroleum refiningCrude storage

Upon arrival at the refinery terminal, crude oil is pumped into above-ground storage tanks with capacities of thousands to millions of gallons. Raw crude is stored in floating-or fixed-roof tanks field-built to API standards. Tank level measurement by non-contact radar has gained share over mechanical float type and servo gauges due to its accuracy, low maintenance, no moving parts and fast set-up.

Challenge

Tank level is maintained by valve actuation. By triggering an emergency cutoff, level controls prevent overflows and shut down pumps when level falls below low level. Safety certified controls may be necessary due to crude’s low flash point.