Common Practices for Tank Car Gauging

S&S Technical gets involved in projects for loading railcars with refined fuels like gasoline, diesel, and bio-fuels where custody transfer of the products is required. Today, we will discuss metering versus tank gauging when it comes to accuracy in determining how much product was loaded into railcars. We will also cover the use of different types of flow meters, such as coriolis meters and turbine meters, and typical tank gauging methods like tank strapping and sticking. API MPMS 3.2 can provide further guidance for tank gauging.

Metering involves the use of flow meters installed in the railcar loading rack to measure flow, while tank gauging involves manually measuring the level of liquid in the railcar’s tank. Coriolis meters, PD meters, and turbine meters are common types of flow meters used in metering.

Coriolis meters

Coriolis meters are highly accurate flow meters that work by measuring the mass flow rate of the liquid. These meters use a vibrating tube that is influenced by the fluid flowing through it, and the resulting change in frequency is used to determine the mass flow rate. Coriolis meters are highly accurate with an accuracy of up to +/- 0.1%.

Coriolis meters

PD meters, or positive displacement meters

PD meters, or positive displacement meters, work by measuring the volume of liquid that is displaced by a rotating chamber or piston. These meters are accurate as well and have been used for many years in this type service.

PD meters, or positive displacement meters

Turbine meters work by measuring the rotational speed of a turbine placed in the liquid flow path. As the liquid flows through the meter, it causes the turbine to rotate, and the resulting rotational speed is used to calculate the flow rate.

Tank gauging

Tank gauging methods involve measuring the level of liquid in the railcar tank. Tank strapping and sticking are two common methods used for tank gauging.

Tank strapping involves measuring the distance between pre-determined points on the tank, such as the top and bottom, using a tape measure. The distance measurements are used to calculate the volume of the tank. This method is less accurate than metering, with an accuracy of up to +/- 0.5%.

Tank gauging

Sticking involves inserting a graduated stick, or dipstick, into the tank until it reaches the bottom. The level of the liquid is determined by reading the measurement on the stick where it intersects with the liquid surface. This method is also less accurate than metering, with an accuracy of up to +/- 0.5%.

In terms of percentage differences in accuracy, as previously mentioned, it is common for metering to be up to twice as accurate as typical tank gauging methods. The choice of a flow meter or tank gauging method will depend on the accuracy required for the specific application. While coriolis meters and PD meters are highly accurate, they may not be necessary for all applications. Similarly, while tank strapping and sticking may be less accurate than metering, they may be sufficient for some applications.

As an example, a producer using coriolis meters to load the product and an end user or storage terminal using a tank gauging method where the product is unloaded, will commonly see discrepancies in the measurement of the various products because coriolis meters are highly accurate, with an accuracy of up to +/- 0.1%, whereas tank strapping can be up to 5% inaccurate in comparison to that of a coriolis meter. However, the frequency and magnitude of these discrepancies will depend on several factors, including the accuracy of the meter or tank gauging method, the calibration of the equipment, and the conditions under which the measurement is taken.

Common Practices for Tank Car Gauging

To minimize the chances of discrepancies, it is important to ensure that the equipment used for both metering and tank gauging are calibrated and that the operators are trained to use the equipment correctly. It is also important to monitor the equipment regularly to ensure that it is functioning correctly and to identify any potential issues before they become a problem.

Need help on projects for loading railcars with refined fuels like gasoline, diesel, and bio-fuels where custody transfer of the products is required? Contact Pete at S&S Technical pete@skidsolutions.com – (678)250-9507

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