The experts at VEGA explain how their measurement products increase operational efficiency across fixed and mobile tank storage
Tank storage continues to play a critical role across a wide range of industries, from energy and chemicals to water, fuels and emerging bio-based processes. Whether in large, fixed installations or mobile and remote storage assets, operators are under increasing pressure to ensure safe, efficient and transparent operations. This pressure is being driven by a combination of stricter safety expectations, the need for accurate inventory management, and a growing emphasis on remote accessibility and digitalisation. At the centre of all of these requirements lies one fundamental element: reliable measurement.
The Ongoing Challenge Of Measurement In Tank Storage
Achieving consistent and dependable measurement in tank storage environments is rarely straightforward. Process conditions can vary significantly depending on the stored medium, with factors such as vapours, condensation, foam, dust and changing dielectric properties all influencing measurement performance. In many installations, particularly those that have evolved over time, legacy measurement technologies can struggle to cope with these conditions. This can result in unstable readings, loss of signal, or the need for frequent recalibration and maintenance.
As a result, operators may experience reduced confidence in inventory data and, in some cases, increased reliance on manual verification. These challenges are not uncommon across the sector and highlight the importance of selecting measurement solutions that can deliver stable, repeatable performance regardless of changing process conditions.
Fixed And Mobile Tanks: Different Environments, Shared Expectations
While fixed and mobile storage tanks present different operational constraints, the expectations placed on them are increasingly aligned. Both must deliver accurate level information, support safe operation, and integrate with wider monitoring or control systems.
Fixed tank installations, such as those found in terminals or processing plants, often require continuous level measurement integrated into distributed control systems. These environments may also demand redundancy, proof testing, and compliance with functional safety requirements. Space for installation is typically less constrained, but the complexity of the process conditions can be significant.
Mobile or remote storage assets, by contrast, introduce a different set of challenges. These may include limited access to power, restricted installation space, and the need for equipment that can operate reliably with minimal intervention. In such cases, battery powered or wireless measurement solutions are increasingly being adopted to provide visibility without the need for extensive infrastructure.
Despite these differences, the expectation remains the same: operators require accurate, dependable measurement that can be trusted, regardless of where or how the tank is deployed.
Safety And SIL: Moving Beyond Compliance
Safety remains a central concern across all areas of tank storage, particularly where hazardous or high-value materials are involved. Overfill prevention is one of the most critical aspects, and it is here that measurement technologies play a vital role. Point level detection systems are commonly used as part of independent safety layers, providing a reliable means of detecting high or low level conditions. Technologies such as vibrating level switches, including instruments like the VEGASWING range, are widely applied in these scenarios and can be configured to meet Safety Integrity Level (SIL) requirements as part of a wider functional safety strategy.
However, achieving SIL compliance is not simply a matter of selecting certified devices. It requires a holistic approach that considers system design, installation, maintenance and proof testing. Reliable measurement is essential within this framework, as inaccurate or unstable readings can compromise the effectiveness of safety systems. Increasingly, operators are looking beyond basic compliance towards solutions that enhance overall process safety. This includes selecting measurement technologies that are inherently stable, resistant to process influences, and capable of maintaining performance over extended periods with minimal intervention.
Building Confidence Through Reliable Measurement
One of the key objectives in modern tank storage operations is to establish confidence in measurement data. Operators, engineers and process teams rely on this information to make decisions related to inventory management, process control and safety. When measurement is unreliable, confidence is eroded, and additional checks or safeguards are often introduced. Advances in measurement technology, particularly in the field of non-contact radar such as VEGAPULS 6X, have significantly improved the ability to deliver stable and accurate readings in challenging environments.
Unlike some legacy measurement methods, radar based measurement is largely unaffected by vapours, temperature fluctuations or changes in product composition. This makes it well suited to a wide range of tank storage applications. In addition to improved measurement stability, modern instrumentation also offers enhanced ease of use. Features such as wireless configuration and remote access allow devices to be set up and maintained without the need for direct physical interaction. This not only reduces time on site but also improves safety by minimising the need to access elevated or hazardous areas.
Pressure measurement also plays an important role in certain tank applications, whether for hydrostatic level determination or for monitoring process conditions.
Modern transmitters, including those within the VEGABAR series, support both gauge and differential measurement approaches, offering flexibility across a range of applications.
Ultimately, the goal is to create a measurement environment where data can be trusted without constant verification, enabling more efficient and confident operation.
Digitalisation & Remote Visibility
As the tank storage sector continues to evolve, digitalisation is becoming an increasingly important factor. Operators are seeking greater visibility of their assets, often across multiple locations, and are looking for ways to access data in real time. Remote monitoring solutions are now enabling tank levels and process data to be accessed from virtually anywhere, supporting improved inventory management and more responsive decision-making. This is particularly valuable in applications involving distributed or mobile storage, where traditional wired infrastructure may not be practical.
Wireless non-contact radar technologies, such as VEGAPULS Air, are increasingly being adopted to support these requirements. In addition to data access, digital tools are also improving the way instrumentation is managed. Configuration, diagnostics and maintenance can now be carried out remotely, reducing the need for site visits and enabling faster response to potential issues. Functions such as secure backup and restore of device configurations further enhance reliability and operational continuity, with tools such as the VEGA Tools app providing these capabilities free of charge to support efficient device management.
These developments are helping to bridge the gap between field instrumentation and higher-level 02 PAGE 42 systems, creating a more connected and transparent operating environment.
A Comprehensive Approach To Tank Measurement
The challenges associated with tank storage measurement cannot be addressed through a single technology or approach. Instead, they require a combination of reliable instrumentation, robust safety systems and effective integration into wider operational processes.
By considering the full range of measurement requirements – from continuous level monitoring and point level detection to pressure measurement and remote visibility – operators can develop solutions that are both resilient and adaptable. This is particularly important as storage applications continue to diversify, with new materials and processes introducing additional complexity.
Manufacturers such as VEGA continue to develop measurement technologies that support this transition, combining reliability, safety and digital integration across a wide range of tank storage applications.
Conclusion
As expectations around safety, efficiency and transparency continue to increase, the importance of reliable measurement in tank storage has never been greater. Whether in fixed installations or mobile assets, operators must be able to trust the data they rely on for day-to-day operation and long-term planning.
By adopting an integrated approach that combines robust measurement technologies with effective safety strategies and digital tools, the industry is well positioned to meet these challenges. The result is not only improved operational performance, but also a higher level of confidence across all levels of the organisation – from plant engineers and managers to process operators on the ground.
For more information, contact VEGA Controls at info.uk@vega.com or on +44 1444 870055
