Maintaining optimal levels in petroleum storage tanks is crucial for ensuring operational efficiency, safety, and profitability in the oil and gas industry. One of the significant challenges faced in midstream operations is accurately monitoring and managing these tank levels to avoid fines, losses, and operational disruptions. This case study explores how BluoSoft’s Tank Insights system was implemented to address these challenges, leading to significant operational improvements and cost savings.
Challenges
The company faced several challenges in maintaining optimal tank levels:
- Accurate Monitoring: Difficulty in accurately monitoring tank levels across multiple storage tanks.
- Capacity Management: Inefficient management of tank capacities leading to overflows or shortages.
- Regulatory Compliance: Risk of incurring fines due to non-compliance with regulatory requirements for storage levels.
- Operational Disruptions: Potential for operational disruptions and safety hazards due to improper tank level management.
Solutions
BluoSoft designed and developed the Tank Insights system to provide a centralized, comprehensive solution for monitoring and managing tank levels. The solution included the following components:
- Centralized Information System:
- Created a centralized source of information on all tanks, including their capacity, dimensions, location, and level alarms.
- Tank Level Monitoring:
- Implemented a monitoring system that takes tank strapping information and calculates appropriate tank level alarms.
- Utilized sensors and telemetry to provide real-time data on tank levels.
- User Interface:
- Developed an intuitive and easy-to-use user interface.
- Flexible configuration is allowed for different types of tanks and alarm thresholds.
- Alarm System:
- Configured level alarms based on calculated thresholds to alert operators of potential issues.
- Included visual and audible alerts to ensure timely response.
Technology Stack
- Sensors and Telemetry: Used for real-time data collection on tank levels.
- Data Integration Tools: Integrated data from various sensors and systems into a centralized database.
- User Interface Design: Developed an intuitive UI for easy access and management of tank information and alarms.
- Alarm Management System: Configured alarms based on tank strapping data and predefined thresholds.
Outcome
The implementation of the Tank Insights system resulted in several notable outcomes:
- Reduction in Fines and Losses:
The company significantly reduced or eliminated fines and losses associated with overflows, shortages, and regulatory non-compliance by accurately monitoring and maintaining optimal tank levels.
- Improved Operational Efficiency:
- Real-time monitoring and centralized information allowed for better decision-making and operational planning.
- Reduced the risk of operational disruptions and safety incidents.
- Enhanced Profitability:
Optimizing tank levels ensured that storage capacities were utilized effectively, improving profitability.
- Regulatory Compliance:
The system ensured compliance with regulatory requirements for tank levels, reducing the risk of fines and legal issues.
Conclusion
The Tank Insights system developed by BluoSoft was instrumental in transforming the company’s approach to tank-level management. The company could maintain optimal tank levels, reduce fines and losses, and enhance operational efficiency by providing a centralized, real-time monitoring solution with an intuitive interface and robust alarm system. This case study highlights the importance of leveraging advanced technology and data analytics in achieving effective storage management and operational excellence in the oil and gas industry.
