Tanker Loading and Unloading Control Systems are designed to manage accurate transfers of liquids without compromising safety aspects associated with the same. In most places, these systems have been designed and made so simple that they can even be operated by the tanker driver himself. Specialized schemes are provided for safe & efficient transfers of liquid such as chemicals, crude oil, liquefied natural gas (LNG), other bulk liquids, organic solvents, edible oil and its derivatives, etc. The systems can be provided for the unloading of ships, barges, tank trucks, railway tank wagons, etc. Similar systems can also be provided for the loading of such movable tanks from the storage tanks. Specialized systems can also be designed to handle bi-directional flow to have a common system for loading & unloading.
Various choices of flow-metering devices can be selected based on the process medium, desired accuracies. Special flowmeters are also selected for any corrosive liquids such as acids or alkalis.
The major components of solutions include:
- Loading & unloading pumps
- Safety devices like earth logic detectors, emergency shut-off valves, over-fill protection, and leak detection.
- Tank level measurement
- Flowmeters
- Pressure & temperature sensors
- Batching valves
- Batch totalizers
- Loading arms
The system can be designed for operations in a hazardous area. Add-on software, electronic card readers, batch downloading & security services can also safeguard pilferage of expensive liquids.
Benefits of a Tanker Loading & Unloading Control System
- Safety: Automated monitoring and control of critical parameters reduce the risk of accidents, spills, or overfills.
- Efficiency: Optimizes the flow rates, reducing the time required for loading/unloading while maintaining safety.
- Regulatory Compliance: Ensures compliance with international safety and environmental standards, such as MARPOL (Marine Pollution), and local regulations.
- Data Logging & Reporting: Accurate records of every transfer, including quantities, flow rates, and safety parameters, are kept for auditing, reporting, and analysis.
- Remote Monitoring: Advanced systems allow remote monitoring and control, which is especially beneficial for offshore or isolated facilities.
