LORAWAN: BRINGING THE DIGITAL TWIN INTO FOCUS
The oil and gas industry is undergoing rapid transformation from fast-advancing technologies. Everywhere, systems are being streamlined, procedures rewritten, and methodology redefined. It’s the inevitable direction the industry has to take to metamorphose into the modern technological age. While wireless sensors are not new, recent innovations, such as LoRaWAN communication, offer significant performance increases at a radically dropped price point. Combine this with the rapid growth of digital data platforms, and the real-world applications of the resulting data are compelling, and the advantages undeniable. Undoubtedly, there’s a revolution afoot. The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) is beginning to significantly impact […]
US TERMINALS ADOPT RE-GEN ROBOTICS’ TANK CLEANING SERVICES
Re-Gen Robotics operates with a focus on achieving and maintaining world-class safety standards to mitigate risks and underpin hazards. This goal underpins the company ethos. Re-Gen Robotics’ 100% no man entry Zone 0 EX rated robotic tank cleaning solution ensures the integrity of oil tanks, enhances performance and supports all regulatory compliance. In three years, Re-Gen Robotics has established its reputation in Europe, as the ‘go to’ company for 100% no man entry tank cleaning solutions. There has been a cultural change in safety thinking across Europe and terminal operators are quickly adopting this 100% no man entry service. Ensuring […]
QUO VADIS, PETROCHEMICALS?
Petrochemicals play a crucial role in the chemical industry. Firstly, they mark the starting point of almost all chemical value chains and, hence, provide a secure raw material basis to all the subsequent segments, such as specialties, fine chemicals or polymers, the more so as the majority of chemical plants in Europe is backwards integrated. Secondly, individually they represent also one of the biggest business segments in the chemical industry. FACTS AND FIGURES In the current structure of Europe’s chemical industry petrochemicals contribute: On average some €132 billion per year to the overall European GDP, representing 26.4% of the […]
TANK STORAGE IN AN UNCERTAIN WORLD
All eyes are on the Russia/Ukraine war, but this is not the only challenge facing the tank storage industry. In fact, it is actually quite a short-term problem, with the next year set to be a turbulent one. Prices are volatile, fluctuating as the supply and demand of gas does. On top of this, politicians are not moving fast enough to really respond to the boycott of Russian oil. While there is some slow movement towards using other fuels, the whole oil chain needs support in processing and storing these. Come October, it’s likely there will be an unprecedented diesel […]
ENABLING NET ZERO IN MAJOR HAZARD INDUSTRIES
The UK government’s Health and Safety Executive has launched a new Strategy for 2022-2032, setting out a key objective to enable industry to innovate safely to prevent major incidents, all while supporting the move towards net zero. It’s important that operators in the tank storage sector are clear on what they can expect from the Control of Major Accident Hazards (COMAH) Competent Authority and what HSE expects to see from them. How to identify and embed good practice in a major hazards environment and the role of executive leadership is well understood in the mature technologies of the hydrocarbon economy. […]
TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATIONS
The Sprint Robotics World Conference for Inspection and Maintenance Robotics is kicking off on 27 September in Amsterdam. Like many events, it’s the first time exhibitors are coming together since the covid pandemic. So, naturally, there’s plenty of innovations to catch up on. ‘We are seeing huge pent-up demand for the event with an early surge in exhibitors with a broad range of technologies on offer,’ says conference Chairman George Williamson. The event will have a particular focus on inspection and maintenance applications. ‘In these cases, robots are removing humans from high-risk activities such as working at heights, near chemicals […]
INNOVATION IN INSPECTION
When a UK-based bulk liquid storage operator commissioned WSG Eagle Eye Integrity Specialists to inspect a 500,000 litre storage tank in accordance with EEMUA 159, it was clear that the client had concerns about corrosion under insulation and vapour zone integrity. UK-based integrity specialist WSG Eagle Eye responded with a comprehensive tank integrity assessment, which included the latest in MFL (magnetic flux leakage) tank floor scanning to produce an EEMUA 159 tank inspection. In addition, the team deployed a confined space drone and, using highly sensitive thermography, was able to locate an area of 1.5m x 3m of corrosion under […]
THE CHANGING CHEMICAL SUPPLY CHAIN
The effective management of sustainability throughout the chemical supply chain is vital for reducing risk, improving reputation, and attracting customers and investment. The chemical supply chain is complex, often involving large numbers of suppliers spanning several countries with different legal and regulatory frameworks. As globalisation has increased over the years, it has evolved to be an extremely efficient operation, enabled by a highly integrated supply chain that allows freight to be moved reliably and economically. Over the last couple of years, however, the chemical supply chain has had to contend with unprecedented challenges. Factors affecting the chemical supply chain […]
VOC ABATEMENT FILTERS FOR STORAGE TANKS
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are organic chemicals with low boiling points that may be toxic to humans and the environment or have long-term health effects. As such, regulatory authorities the world over have strict regulations in place to minimise emissions. A number of methods to minimise VOC emissions exist that are applicable to storage tanks, one such being the Go4DK VOC abatement filter. THE BENEFITS The Go4DK VOC abatement filter is designed to remove VOCs from the tank ventilation. Applications for the technology include API650 storage tanks, offshore platforms and rigs and supply vessels with Lloyds Register (LR) design […]
BACK TOGETHER AT LAST
The most common comment heard around the show floor at StocExpo 2022 at the Ahoy in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, was how good it was to be back face-to-face, something echoed by many of the speakers in the show’s varied and extensive conference programme. ALL THE COLOURS OF THE RAINBOW The first day of the conference focussed on the impact of the energy transition on the storage sector. Blue, green and grey hydrogen were covered and even pink – with Matt Wilson, energy transition manager at Navigator Terminals saying that nuclear-produced hydrogen is now a viable option. With the energy […]
GAS RECOVERY – APPLICATIONS, EQUIPMENT AND TECHNICAL SOLUTIONS
In recent years, the oil and gas industry has been under a lot of pressure from environmental regulatory agencies worldwide to reduce the emissions of pollutants into the atmosphere. Among gaseous pollutants, regulatory attention has been focussed not only on the reduction of the emissions of toxic and hazardous substances, but as well on the reduction of emissions of greenhouse gases, such as methane and CO2. The development and installation of gas recovery packages has gone some way to tackling the problem. Gas recovery packages are process units aimed at recovering and re-using the gas that would otherwise be emitted […]
UPGRADING A TERMINAL VAPOUR RECOVERY SYSTEM
Vapour recovery systems at tank storage facilities have been in use for more than 40 years. They were developed to address environmental regulations, primarily regarding the control of volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions generated during the transfer of petroleum products. Vapour treatment may also be required due to odour or toxic exposure concerns. Over the years, there have been many different evolutions and improvements to vapour control equipment, not only in the design, processes, and efficiency of the units, but also in the ability to achieve lower emissions. This article describes how Zeeco assisted a tank storage facility in making […]
THE IMPORTANCE OF INVESTING IN TERMINALS
Um Terminals is a big believer in the power of building long-term, trusted partnerships with its customers. The UK-headquartered company has many valued customer relationships, extending over decades. Integral to sustaining such relationships is a willingness to invest. This helps ensure the company can evolve to meet the current and future requirements of its clients. Investing in client solutions UM Terminals operates out of eight terminals with a current capacity of over 300,000m3 of bulk liquid storage – with ambitions to bring this up to 400,000m3. The company maintains a broad portfolio of storing around 40 products, including vegetable […]
GROWTH AND DIGITALISATION
Poliport is an independent liquid and chemical storage terminal in Dilovası in the Kocaeli Gulf region, near Istanbul in Turkey. It was founded in 1971 with 17,000 m3 of liquid storage, and now has 272.000 m3 of liquid storage, a dry bulk and general cargo terminal and a custom bonded and non-bonded warehouse for dry bulk cargo. ‘Poliport’s main goal is to provide better service to its customers, reach a high operational efficiency level with a transparent approach and to make a difference via technological opportunities,’ says Efe Hatay, general manager of Poliport. PRODUCTS AND FACILITIES Poliport handles 55 […]
READY FOR A NEW ERA
In 2021 the volumes of trade passing between mainland Europe and the UK and Ireland via Belgium reached an all-time high. The Flemish ports prove to be resilient logistic hubs. Through development of warehousing, focus on green energy distribution and integration of port authorities, they expand the role of ports as key economic infrastructure. ‘Trade with the UK continues to flow,’ says Tom Hautekiet, chief commercial officer at Port of Antwerp-Bruges. ‘The Republic of Ireland has seen an increase in traffic of 25.3% (2021 vs 2020). UK trade is up by 1.2% (2021 vs 2020).’ THE END OF THE […]
CHANGING THE GAME FROM SOUTH AFRICA
Located in Saldanha Bay, South Africa, the Oiltanking MOGS Saldanha (OTMS) terminal is a highly advanced crude oil storage and inline blending facility. A flagship 1.4km pipeline project has recently been completed at the terminal, connecting to an existing pipeline to supply crude oil to the refinery in Milnerton, Cape Town. Tank Storage Magazine spoke to Chief Executive Officer Nonhlanhla Taylor to find out what makes the OTMS facility so unique. Recognising potential Commissioned in 2020, the OTMS facility is unique in South Africa. It is the first privately-owned facility of its kind that is not owned by an […]
EU PRIORITISES FETSA REQUESTS IN ACTION PLAN
Every year the European Commission releases a report assessing what actions need to be taken to improve the EU’s strategic position in the world. For the first time, the Commission has assessed that it is of strategic importance to develop storage for current and future energy carriers. ‘In a shifting geopolitical environment, the EU needs to continue strengthening its resilience and open strategic autonomy in critical sectors linked to the transitions. In the energy sector, intensified efforts are needed on green energy sources, replacing our reliance on fossil fuels, while diversifying sources during the transition period. Developing stockpiling solutions and […]
THE 2022 TERMINAL OF THE FUTURE
San Fernando de Henares – Torrejón de Ardoz terminal, near Madrid in Spain, was recently named the Terminal of the Future at the 2022 Global Tank Storage Awards. The terminal is Exolum’s largest, with a capacity in excess of 1 million m3, storing different grades of gasoline, diesel, biofuels and jet fuels. ‘The terminal is one of only two that is dedicated to supply demand in the centre of Spain, so it’s a critical terminal,’ says Andrés Suárez, global strategy and innovation lead at Exolum. The terminal is supplied by pipelines from the coast. It has a large truck loading […]
OSHA’S TOP REGULATORY PRIORITIES… OTHER THAN COVID-19
Eric J Conn, chair of law firm Conn Maciel Carey’s OSHA Workplace Safety Group, looks at recent changes The us Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has been quite busy the last few months on the rulemaking front, and it does not seem to be slowing down. Despite the fact that COVID-19 still sucks most of the air out of the room, over the last six months, OSHA still managed to: publish a new proposed regulation to dramatically expand the requirements of its Improve Tracking of Workplace Injuries and Illnesses Rule1; aka, the Electronic Recordkeeping Rule initiate an enforcement National […]
KEEPING PORT HOUSTON THRIVING
Richard Byrnes from Port Houston in Texas, US, shares what the port is doing to ensure a sustainable future it is an exceptional time to be part of the global supply chain, with all eyes on the movement of cargo and the unprecedented consumer demand for goods. Port Houston is constantly evaluating the needs and developing solutions to meet the increase in demand for goods. Port Houston owns and operates the eight public wharves and terminals along the Houston Ship Channel, including the area’s largest breakbulk facility and two of the most efficient container terminals in the country. Port Houston […]
A PRACTICAL APPROACH TO LIQUID TERMINAL DESIGN
Michael Felt from Energy Specialists Consulting runs through the basics Practical terminal design requires an understanding of the intended use of the facility and the expectations of the owner. Incorporating desired features while understanding the purpose and functionality are necessary for proper terminal design. Proper design should meet the functional requirements for the facility and absorb differences between the inbound and outbound product streams. These include terminals with product movements via inbound/outbound pipelines, rail cars, trucks, barges, tankers, and all combinations of these modes of product transportation. TERMINALS PROVIDE BUFFERS BETWEEN SUPPLY AND DEMAND STREAMS Terminals absorb differences in […]
MEETING THE STANDARD
TechnipFMC’s Jim Pettinato discusses gasoline-ethanol blend growth considerations following the publication of API’s new standard In May 2019 , the American Petroleum Institute (API) published a new standard for density correction and volume correction factors addressing a broad range of blends of gasoline and fuel ethanol. This standard, titled API MPMS 11.3.4 – Miscellaneous Hydrocarbon Product Properties—Denatured Ethanol and Gasoline Component Blend Densities and Volume Correction Factors, is an important change for the industry. Historically, the use of ethanol as an oxygenate component of retail motor fuels has been a standard practice since the 1980s. Billions of dollars’ worth of […]
A SATELLITE SOLUTION TO ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE MONITORING
Ever considered monitoring assets from space? Peter Weaver from Orbital Sidekick explains the benefits Good sidekicks are irreplaceable. It takes a few rocket scientists to optimise sustainable operations. And more than a few engineers, product experts, government specialists, data scientists, and a growing league of revolutionary thinkers to enable genuinely sustainable operations that are cost-effective at scale. Many readers of Tank Storage Magazine already recognise the rapid pace by which customised, retail satellite operations are becoming commercialised, including numerous imagery and remote sensing services. The technologies being deployed for client-specified applications include a broad portfolio of high-resolution, full colour imagery, […]
USING A DIGITAL TWIN FOR TERMINAL MANAGEMENT
Floyd Baker from Antea USA explains how a digital twin improves maintenance, reliability, and asset integrity management for storage tanks and terminals A digital twin, a virtual model of a physical object, is not a new technology; as a concept, it has been around for years. Yet, in the usage of asset integrity management (AIM) for oil and gas or petrochemical storage tanks and terminals, digital twin technology is evolving rapidly. It is a critical piece in the increasingly common movement towards digital transformation as many plants and facilities turn to laser mapping or 3D modelling to digitalise their assets. […]
DIAGNOSING AND REPAIRING TANK SETTLEMENT
Lance Watson from AR Watson looks at problems, techniques and solutions When it comes to tank settlement, a closer look needs to be taken before any tank repairs or modifications are made. There are three main types of settlement: Differential settlement – settlement in different locations around the foundation creating voids under the tank bottom Even tilt – the tank leaning to one side Edge settlement – when the tank circumference is pushing into the ground or break over If settlement isn’t fixed beforehand, repairs and modifications to the tank will trap the stress in the tank from the settlement. […]
INTEGRATED TANK CLEANING AND EMISSION CONTROL
Cristin Johnson of USA DeBusk discusses what to look for in unified project planning and execution Over the last 20 years, tank cleaning methodologies have evolved with regard to material processing, non-entry cleaning, material removal options, and control and/or destruction of hazardous vapours. Non-entry methods of cleaning tanks to limit human exposure has been the driving factor in these technology developments. Emission control serves an increasingly important role in aboveground storage tank cleaning operations as companies worldwide look not only to comply with regulatory requirements, but also to reduce their carbon footprint to an absolute minimum. More than ever, the […]
VAPOUR EMISSIONS FROM TANK TERMINALS CAN BE AVOIDED: GUARANTEED
Tecam’s José Miguel González looks at the challenges and solutions for gas venting for the tank storage sector Stockout of raw materials, pandemics, wars… Unfortunately, recent years have shown us that our society may change suddenly, from one day to another, causing severe and very dramatic effects on our lives. Under this uncertain scenario, optimised management of fuels and hydrocarbons storage is becoming more and more important. It would not be a surprise if a substantial number of tank storage terminals needed to be upgraded to higher storage capacities at some strategic locations, or even if new terminals needed to […]
USING BLOCKCHAIN FOR CRUDE OIL RECEIPT
Chinese digital technology company 66Yunlian Technology has completed the world’s first crude oil blockchain digital warehouse receipt pledge Recently, Chambroad Logistics, China’s leading hazardous chemicals logistics enterprise, worked with 66Yunlian Technology, a digital technology company financially backed by Sinochem Group, to complete the world’s first crude oil digital warehouse receipt pledge based on blockchain and Internet of Things (IoT) technology1. Qingdao Taihe Jiabai Energy applied for a warehouse receipt for its 17,000 tonnes of crude oil stored by Chambroad Logistics. Chambroad Logistics then issued a digital warehouse receipt for the oil on the 66Yunlian’s blockchain digital warehouse receipt platform. Subsequently, […]
MTG – THE EVOLUTION OF TANK GAUGING
Alexander Bukhman and John Hoben explain the benefits of Gauging Systems’ Multi-function Tank Gauge (MTG) The Multi-function Tank Gauge (MTG) represents the latest evolution in tank gauging technology. It incorporates accurate quantity and quality measurement, loss control, environmental monitoring, and operational safety. Based on machine learning algorithms, extensive self-diagnostics, and embedded redundancy, the MTG provides more measurement data and operational functionality than any other technology. MTG PREDECESSORS AND RELEVANT STANDARDS Traditional hydrostatic tank gauging (HTG) provides innage level, density, and mass measurements. HTG is covered in API MPMS Chapter 16.2. It has three pressure sensors: one in the vapour […]
A 10,000 FOOT OVERVIEW OF TANK CONSTRUCTION
Joe Mentzer from the Steel Tank Institute considers the fundamentals Building a storage tank is a significant investment that will result in a valuable, long-term asset. Properly built and maintained tanks can remain in service for generations, as evidenced by the STI/SPFA Field Erected Storage Tank Century Club. Storage tank usage can be flexible provided proper planning and decisions are made from the start. Tanks require ongoing inspection and maintenance, but preparation can minimise resources needed to fulfil these long-term obligations. Careful planning will allow the tank system to adapt to future needs. CONSIDERATIONS FOR LOCATING TANKS Sometimes the […]
FORCE MAJEURE, ESG, AND THE TANK INDUSTRY
Chris Alviggi from NFP explains what you need to know France, 1861. Two parties (event organiser-lessee and landlord) enter into a fixed price/day contract for a music hall rental, when an accidental fire destroys the venue. The contract did not contain a clause stipulating recourse due to unforeseen events. Parties sued and the courts ruled: ‘In contracts in which performance depends on the continued existence of a given person or thing, a condition is implied that the impossibility of performance arising from the perishing of the person or thing shall excuse the performance.’ On this day, force majeure (FM) was […]
COLLABORATION IS KEY TO THE ENERGY TRANSITION
Port of Amsterdam has focussed on getting all its businesses on board with its plans to become a climate-neutral, 100% sustainable port by 2050 The Port of Amsterdam is a leading energy port. Recognised as the world’s largest gasoline port, it has an unrivalled infrastructure as a fuel hub. While the company running the port, known simply as Port of Amsterdam, saw the share of fossil fuels in shipping cargo decrease considerably during the pandemic, a slight increase is expected in the short term. But the overall share of fossil fuels is forecast to fall in the long term. This […]
