INTRODUCTION

Terminal Automation system (TAS) is a process in which a Supervisory Software System

(Terminal Automation System) automates certain manual processes in a terminal. TAS is
used to automate, measure, record and report all transfers and exchanges throughout the
product movement in a terminal. TAS provides monitoring, control and management of the
entire product handling process from receiving to storage to distribution.

TAS combines automatic control and business management functions. It is generally an

integrated, modular, open and scalable solution that helps ensure the safe and stable
operation, optimal management and profit maximization of the terminal, as well as lowering
production costs. This paper covers all the aspects of TAS.

LAYERS OF TAS

A complete TAS has three basic layers:

· Field Layer,

· Control and Automation and

· Business layer.

The Field layer includes Remote operated shutoff valves (ROSOV), flow meters, control
valves, Double Block and Bleed valves (DBBV), temperature and pressure measurements,
Level measurement and groundings.

The Control and Automation layer includes computers / servers, Operator stations, PLCs,
Printers, card readers, and emergency shutdown system. The top Business layer is for data
exchange between the Management / Enterprise systems and control & automation. Orders
are transferred from the Management / Enterprise systems. When the order is complete, a
transaction is uploaded to the Management / Enterprise systems for invoicing.
FUNCTIONS OF TAS

Dispensing

SUB SYSTEMS OF TAS

TAS encompasses various sub systems for automatic, reliable, efficient and safe operation
of entire terminal from receipt to dispatch. The various subsystems of TAS are as mentioned
below.

Ø Process control system

Ø Emergency Shutdown system

Ø Tank farm management system

Ø Fire and gas system

Ø Custody Metering

Ø Truck Lorry filling system

Ø RFID Based Truck Identification System

Ø Traffic Signaling

Ø Truck Queue Management System

Ø Weighbridge

Ø PA system

Ø CCTV system

Ø Fire Detection and Alarm System

Ø Intrusion detection system

All the above sub systems of TAS are integrated with each other for efficient and smooth
operations of the terminal. Functions and features of these sub systems are briefly
described in the subsequent paragraphs.

Process Control System

Process control system is PLC based system which interfaces with various other sub
systems. It can be called as heart of TAS. The main functions of process control system are

· Improves Productivity

· Reduces Loss

· Prevents Accidents and & Improves Safety

· Protects the Environment

· Reduces Paperwork

· Expedites Billing Process

· Enhances Product Security

The process control system is PLC based system with PC based operator stations. It mainly
control and monitor the following areas / equipment

a) Pumping plant: The complete automatic start and stop of pumps based on the process
requirements are controlled by process control PLC system

b) Motorized valves: Motorized valves are either hardwired or multidropped using

communication bus and connected to process control PLC. All the motorized valves are
operated and monitored by process control PLC as per process requirement. As per OISD
guidelines motor operated valve (MOV) on inlet, outlet and recirculation lines should be
located outside the dyke.

c) Double Block and Bleed Valves: The purpose of DBBV is to have positive isolation of
lines / tanks. Remote operation and monitoring of DBBV is carried out through process
control PLC.

d) Dyke valve position monitoring: As per OISD guidelines Dyke drain Valves shall be
provided with position indication and alarm system in the event of opening the valve.

e) Truck Queue Management System: The trucks arriving at terminals shall register at the
entry gate. After registration vehicle is parked in parking area and driver goes and rest in
driver rest room. A LED monitor is located in Driver rest room provided in parking area.
According to the process requirement and first cum first basis the vehicle number will be
displayed on the monitor for driver to report at the entry gate. This system will be part of
process control system PLC.

f) The process control system PLC shall be Interfaced with the following systems for
efficient operation of the terminal.

- Tank Farm Management System

- Truck Lorry Filling System

 - Weighbridge

- RFID Based Truck Identification System

- Traffic Signaling

- RIM seal protection

- Upstream and Downstream control system

Emergency Shutdown System

The emergency shutdown system for terminal consists of the following:

· SIL certified PLC system

· Interfacing with Terminal control system

· ESD Push buttons at critical locations in terminal

· ROSOVs

· Flame detectors

· Gas detectors (Point Type and Open path)

· Audio Visual alarms

· Manual call points in field

· Vibrating fork type level switch

As per OISD guidelines the SIL classification study shall be carried out to determine the
required SIL level. SIL of the safety instrumented function for the tank including overfill
protection shall be meeting the requirement of Part 1 of EN 61511. ESD system shall be
only through push buttons with wired connection.

As per OISD guidelines Remote operated shut off valve (ROSOV) is not a regularly
operated valve and is kept normally open; the second motor operated valve (MOV) is a
regular operating valve. ROSOV shall be fail safe and fire safe (shall close in case of signal
failure). The actuator shall be fail-safe. The cables leading to the control room shall be fire
retardant. ROSOV shall have only close operation from control room or at a strategic remote
location. The Open/Close push buttons of ROSOV shall be provided in field i.e. just outside
the dyke. These push buttons shall have distinctive feature so that opening is different than
action required for closing (e.g. pull type and push type).

Tank farm management system

The various components of the Tank farm management system are as follows:

· Radar gauge level measurement

· Multipoint temperature measurement

· Side mounted liquid head measurement

· Field control unit

· Central control unit

· Water level measurement

· PC based monitoring station with following features

- Individual temp. and temp. Profile for tank

- Product density

- Volume calculation as per ASTM / API table

· Interfacing with Terminal control system

Fire and gas system

The various components of the Fire & Gas system are as follows:

· SIL certified PLC system

· Flame detector

· Point type gas detectors

· Beam type gas detectors

· Sounders

· Beacons
 · Sounder cum beacon

· Manual call points

· Interfacing with ESD PLC

Custody Metering

For custody metering of the despatched product from the terminal there are there are two
methods

· Mass flow meter / Positive displacement flow meter

· Weigh bridge

The custody metering of product despatched from terminal can be carried out using either
flow meter or weigh bridge. Generally in most of the terminals the metering of despatched
product is carried out using Weigh Bridge and same is cross verified using the reading from
flow meter

Truck Lorry filling system

The truck lorry filling system comprises of following major components.

· Batch controller

· Flow meter

· DCV (Digital Control Valve)

· Truck tank overfill switch

· Earthing system

· Interfacing with Terminal control system

As OISD recommendations loading pumps shall be provided with additional explosion proof
switch located at the strategic location in the gantry to switch off the pump in case of
emergency such as over flow, fire or any other abnormal situation. Also automated locations
should provide suitable overfill protection system to prevent any overflow and hazards
arising out of that
RFID Based Truck Identification System

This system is very useful in reducing errors in terminals. It also reduces processing time of
the various operations in dispatch. Various components of the RFID based truck
identification system are as mentioned below.

- RFID tag fitted on vehicle body.

- RFID antenna fitted at the entry point to capture information from RFID tag

- RFID reader to receive data from RFID antenna and transmit all the data to
TAS
Traffic Signalling System

This is very useful for properly guiding the vehicles inside the terminal and to ensure that
right designated vehicle enters to allocated locations. The various components of this
system are as mentioned below.

· Red and Green signalling lights

· Software to program the functions

· Cable and connectors

This system is interface with the terminal automation system so that it can work in co-
ordination with the RFID system for controlling the movement of vehicles.
Truck Queue Management System

This system is very helpful in avoiding congestion inside the terminal. The truck queue
management system mainly comprises of following items.

· Vehicle registration

· Q-management software

· Monitor in Driver’s rest room

Weighbridge

Weighbridge plays a very important role in functioning of the terminal. It is used for custody
metering. All the billing for the material dispatched from terminal is based on the reading
from weighbridge. Hence weighbridge in the terminal has to be periodically calibrated
through national accredited authorities. All load cell of weighing system shall be OILM R 60
(International Organisation of Legal Metrology) Certified for custody transfer measurement
Public Address System (PAS)

The public address system is very important for the smooth operation and terminal and also
for safe evacuation of people from terminal during emergency situations. PAS is interfaced
with F&G and FDAS system so that pre-recorded message can be initiated during
emergency situations. The major components of PAS are

· Speakers

· Desktop call station

· Field call stations

· Amplifier and controller

· Interfacing with F&G and FDAS system

As per OISD guidelines loading gantry shall be provided with at least one suitable
explosion-proof telephone / paging device for communication with pump house in normal &
emergency operations. In addition, operating personnel shall be provided with intrinsically
safe walky-talky suitable for use in oil installations.
Closed Circuit Television system (CCTV)

It is mandatory to provide CCTV system in the terminal for surveillance and safety of
terminal. Generally the CCTV system LED monitors are located in control room and security
cabins for continuous monitoring the healthiness of terminal. The cameras located in the
field shall be exproof suitable for hazardous area classification. The major components of
CCTV system are

· Cameras

· Ethernet switches

· Network video recorder (NVR)

· Cable and connectors

· LED monitors at control room and security

As per OISD recommendation the areas to be covered by CCTV system are

· Tank farm

· Entry / exit gate

· Periphery
 · Critical operating areas

Fire Detection and Alarm system (FDAS)

The FDAS is required to be provided for all indoor areas such as control room, electrical
substations, workshops, administrative / technical buildings etc. FDAS system is mandatory
in control room as per OISD guidelines. The FDAS is designed as per the guidelines stated
in NFPA 72 and IS 2189. The major components of FDAS are

· Smoke detectors

· Heat detectors

· Manual call points

· Fire alarm panel

· Fire alarm repeater panel

Intrusion Detection system

The system is required to the periphery of terminal. There are various types of intrusion
detection system available which can be provided for protecting the terminal boundary.
There are no statutory guidelines for providing intrusion detection system. However, based
on the past experiences and location of terminals it can be decided whether such system is
required. Various types of intrusion detection system available are

· Infrared detection system

· Intrusion detection through CCTV.

· Guard touring system

· Break wire type system

· Optic fibre cable

· Optical intrusion detection

· Ultrasonic Intrusion detection

· Electrification of fence

CHALLENGES AND DESIGN ISSUES IN TERMINALS:

Automation of terminals is a must to have safe and efficient operations. Manually planning,
executing, and recording movements can greatly impact the profitability of terminal.
Mistakes result in contamination, unsafe working conditions, and the loss of materials and
energy. Any of these factors can directly contribute to higher operating costs, revenue loss,
and, ultimately, lost opportunities.

We have tried to list out some of the common challenges encountered during design of the
terminals, the areas which are missed out during engineering and the areas where we are
not able conclude during engineering
Operation of valves inside the dyke

In case of emergencies such as oil spillage inside dyke it is not possible to access the
valves located inside dyke. Hence it should be ensured that suitable access platforms
are provided right from outside the dyke up to the valves so that person need not have
to land inside the dyke to approach the ROSOVs.

Cabling inside the tank dyke

It is observed that in most of the cases the inside portion of dyke is required to be
made impervious. Due to which providing structural steel support for cable trays on
dyke floor is not advisable. The best practice is to avoid puncturing dyke floor and use
the access platform provided for valves to support the cable trays.

Cabling for the instruments mounted on the tank

There are many instruments such as Radar level transmitter, multipoint temperature
sensor, vibrating fork level switch etc. are located on tank roof. Cable tray routing and
supporting for all the cables from these roof top instruments up to junction boxes
located outside tank dyke is always a challenge. There are two ways to overcome this
situation. First option is to use the tank staircase structure to support all the cable trays
from roof top to bottom of tank. Second option is to provide mounting pads all along
the body of tank from top to bottom at certain interval to support the cable trays.

Safety Integrity Level (SIL) requirement for field instruments( Radar Relay only
SIL certified)

The instrument, valves, relays, control system etc. used in emergency shutdown loops
shall be SIL certified. The SIL level for these items shall be ascertained after carrying
out SIL identification study. If Radar level transmitters if they are used in ESD loops
then the specifications shall be designed considering the following aspects.

- Very few manufacturers provide radar level transmitter with SIL rated 4-20 mA
output.

- Some manufacturers provide radar level transmitter with only SIL rated one
no. relay output.

- Very few manufacturers provide SIL 3 rated radar level transmitter.

Power supply for periphery security systems.

Generally all the terminals are provided with CCTV cameras, intrusion detection
system, guard touring system etc. for security of the plant periphery. All these system
components located near periphery boundary wall required power supply. Running
long cables to provide power supply to these components from centralized located
power source is not advisable from both technical as well as economical aspects. To
overcome these problems various options are

- We can locate power sources in various buildings located near plant

boundary supply power supply to various nearby cameras.

- Power to the cameras can be fed from the power supply from nearby
periphery lighting poles
 - In case security watch towers are provided on plant periphery then power
source for cameras can be located in watch towers.

Cable sizing for ROSOV(ESD Valves)

The ROSOVs have either pneumatic or electro hydraulic actuators. ROSOVs

generally located at quiet long distance from the control room. Proper cable sizing shall
be carried out considering the load of solenoid provided for actuation of ROSOVs.

ESD system communication between Jetty and Tank Terminal

The distance between the jetty and tank terminal are large due to which laying of
copper cable for interfacing between ESD systems for jetty and tank terminal is not
possible. The best alternative is to lay fiber optic cable and provide TUV certified
communication between the ESD systems of jetty and tank terminal.

Actuator Selection for ROSOV

The ROSOVs in terminals are part of ESD system and hence are generally provided
with pneumatic or electro-hydraulic actuators. In case instrument air is available in
terminal then providing pneumatic actuator is most economical. When air is not
available the providing electro-hydraulic actuators may be economical. Hence proper
techno-economical study shall be carried out in selecting the type of actuator with due
considerations to fail safe action, total air requirement, total quantity of valves etc.

Dyke valves position monitoring

For draining of leakage oil from dyke pit valves are provided. It is very important and
also mandatory as per OISD to monitor the open / close positions of these valves and
alarms shall be generated on operator stations as per the logic of operation.

Limitations of vibrating fork type level switches for floating roof tank.

The point of high-high level actuation point from tank top shall be properly calculated to
decide on probe length for top mounted vibrating fork type level switches. Alternatively
the switch can be mounted from side of tank at point of actuation. However, the probe
shall not be projected inside the tank as it will get damaged due to movement of
floating roof. The switch probe tip shall remain inside the mounting nozzle. Preferably
the mounting nozzle shall be tilted upward with 60 degree angle with surface of tank so
that no oil gets trapped in the nozzle.

Roof tilt indication for floating roof tank.

It is always advisable to monitor the tilting of roof as may cause hazard. In case roof tilt
indication is required same can be achieved by providing 3 nos. of top mounted level
transmitters above the tank roof at 120 degree apart. The signals from all these 3 nos.
transmitters can be compared in terminal PLC to derive the roof tilt indication.

Location and quantity of Hydrocarbon detectors (HC)

There are no fixed guidelines to locate the HC in a terminal. Practically if HC detectors

are to be provided at each leakage point for class A and B products then the quantity
become very high. One has to very selectively place the detectors so that any leakage
of class A and B products won’t go undetected. If below mentioned guidelines are
followed almost all the leakage points will be covered.
 - In pump house open path HC gas detectors are most suitable.

- For leakages in tank dyke point type HC gas detector may be located near
leakage collecting pit and open path HC gas detector on the leakage path leading
to collection pit inside dyke.

- One no. fire detector for detecting fire near the valves inside the dyke.

- In valve terminals open path HC gas detector are most suitable.

Philosophy for Audio visual alarms in field and control room

Providing hooters with single type of tone in field for all conditions does not give clear
idea about the cause of alarm. Hence to have clear idea about the cause of alarm
conditions the philosophy mentioned below may be followed.

- Red colour beacon with hooter for master ESD condition in terminal

- Amber colour beacon with hooter for detection of gas leakage or fire in the
terminal detected by F&G detectors.

- Yellow colour beacon with hooter for rim seal fail (Applicable for only floating
roof tanks).

Proof testing for SIL rated instruments

For SIL rated instruments it is mandatory to continuously monitor the healthiness of

instrument. This feature shall be always mentioned in the specifications while
procuring.

For e.g. In ROSOVs which is the first body valve and part of ESD loop “Partial stroke
test” facility shall be specified. Vibration fork type level switch which is provided for
overfill protection of tank and is also part of ESD loop. Simulation facility shall be
provided to initiate a pulse to check the healthiness of switch periodically without
removing the switch from site.

P&ID’s (Indicate ESD and Terminal PLC instruments clearly)

It should be ensured that the P&IDs clearly shows the instruments which are in ESD
loop and instruments which are part of terminal process operations. So that further
engineering is carried out error free.

Size of Nozzle for tank top mounted instruments.

It is always a confusion to finalize the size of process connection for various

instruments mounted on tank top. Below mentioned process connections may be
followed for mounting of various instruments.

Pressure transmitter: To mount the pressure transmitter on top of tanks, 2” size flange
process connection is sufficient. To mount pressure transmitter on bottom side of tank
3” size flange connection may be provided to have desired accuracy level.

Multipoint Temperature transmitter: To mount the multipoint temperature probe 2” size

flange process connection may be provided.
Vibration fork type level switch: To mount the Vibrating fork type level switch 2” size
flange process connection may be provided.

Radar type level transmitter: Generally for mounting of radar type level transmitter 8”
size flange process connection is adequate. However, based on the tank height, type
of media to be measured process connection size shall be confirmed with instrument
supplier before finalization.

For floating roof tank it is necessary to provide still well for each tank top mounted
instruments. Alternatively instead of providing separate still wells for each instrument a
common bigger size (around 20 to 24”) still well may be provided for mounting of all
the top mounted instruments. For radar type level instrument as per manufacturer’s
requirement a separate 8” still well inside the big size still well may be required.

Motorized valve communication

The second valve on the tanks inlet, outlet or recirculation lines are generally
motorized valves. The distance between these valves and the control system located
in control room are very large. It is most economical to use multidrop communication
cable between the motorized valves and control room for operation and monitoring of
valves. This will save huge amount of multicore cables to be laid for each motorized
valve. Additionally it will provide all the diagnostic information and save commissioning
time of valves.

Waxy Crude special requirement

In case of waxy crude additional instruments are required to be provided as mentioned

below same shall be properly considered while designing the system

- Monitoring healthiness of heat tracing system provided for pipelines.

- Control and monitoring of steam for maintaining temperature of crude in

tanks.

- Provide temperature sensor located 120 degree apart at suitable level on the
tank for monitoring spot heating due to steam leakage inside tank.

- Water level monitoring inside the tank which may rise due to steam leakage
inside the tank.

Queue management system

For trucks which come for receipt of material at terminal Q management system is a
must. When the truck reaches the terminal the driver is provided a unique no. and is
asked to park the vehicle in parking area and wait in driver’s waiting room. In driver’s
waiting room a LED display is provided. As per the availability of gantry bay and
material in terminal the number given to drivers and vehicle no. are displayed on the
LED display. Looking at this numbers, sequentially the drivers will proceed toward the
terminal. This avoids the congestion near the terminal entry gate.

RFID tracking

In many terminals preregistered trucks are only allowed to enter the terminal. In such
cases this system is very useful from operation as well as safety of terminal. In RFID
tracking system as preconfigured RFID tag is fixed on truck body which has
information about the truck such as vehicle no., driver name, capacity of truck tank etc.
 The RFID antenna along with reader is provided before weighbridge, entry to gantry
bays. As the truck with RFID tag reaches near the RFID antenna the reader captures
all the information about the truck automatically. This system can be also used to
operate the boom barriers provided at entry of gantry bay so that the truck enters the
right designated gantry bay. The fig below shows the typical schematic of RFID
system.

Multi spot temperature element(RTD/Thermocouple)

Most of the suppliers of multipoint temperature probe provide RTD as sensing

elements in the probe. However, some suppliers provided combination of RTD and
thermocouple as temperature sensing elements in the probe. Looking at the
application of i.e. monitoring of temperature profile in tanks, both the option should be
acceptable.

· Radar Level Transmitter(FMCW/PWM)

There are two technologies (i.e. FMCW: Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave and
PWM: Pulse Width Modulation) which are offered by various vendors for radar level
measurement. Both the technologies are proven in field. However, when application is
for custody metering then FMCW principle of measurement is preferable as accuracy
of +/- 1 mm is required. Both the principles of measurement are suitable for level
measurement in tanks.

· Common PLC for ESD and F&G

For both Emergency Shutdown (ESD) and Fire & Gas (F&G) applications SIL rated
PLCs are to be provided. As the quantity of I/Os for both F&G and ESD are generally
small, it is advisable to provide a common SIL rated PLC for both ESD and F&G
applications. This will save cost, intersystem wiring, space in control room etc.

· Hardwired console

As per OISD guidelines ESD system shall be only through push buttons with wired
connection. The hardwired console in control room is often missed out. For all the
devices such as ESD valves, pumps, etc. operated by ESD system stop button along
with status indicating lamps shall be provided on the Hardwired console in control
room. All the signals from this console shall be wired to ESD PLC.

REFERENCES

The information given in this paper is having references from below mentions various codes
and standards. These OISD standards are applicable only for the terminals located in India.
For designing of terminals located outside India suitable NFPA codes shall be followed.

Fire protection facilitiesfor petroleum depots, terminalsand pipeline

OISD-117
installations

OISD-118 Layouts for oil and gas installations

OISD-163 Process control room safety

 Storage and handling of petroleum products at depots and
OISD-244
terminals including standalone crude oil storage facilities.