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Tank Calibration Procedure by EORDR Method

This document provides procedures for calibrating vertical cylindrical tanks using an electro-optical distance ranging method. It outlines the necessary equipment, preparation steps, calibration procedures, tolerance requirements, and documentation. Key responsibilities are assigned. Safety protocols for tank entry and work are emphasized. Measurements of tank radii at various levels are taken to compute tank capacity tables.

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100% found this document useful (1 vote)
1K views9 pages

Tank Calibration Procedure by EORDR Method

This document provides procedures for calibrating vertical cylindrical tanks using an electro-optical distance ranging method. It outlines the necessary equipment, preparation steps, calibration procedures, tolerance requirements, and documentation. Key responsibilities are assigned. Safety protocols for tank entry and work are emphasized. Measurements of tank radii at various levels are taken to compute tank capacity tables.

Uploaded by

EILA545 QAQC
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 9

PROJECT

P1066
CLIENT: NO.

CONTRACT FOR SITE CIVIL


PROJECT CONSTRUCTION AND/OR MECHANICAL
TITLE INSTALLATIONS WORKS IN LEKKI FREE
TRADE ZONE, NIGERIA
PMC:
LOCATION LEKKI FREE TRADE ZONE, NIGERIA

DOC NO. P1066-CTD-QAC-PRC-029

DOC TITLE. CALIBRATION OF VERTICAL


CYLINDRICAL TANKS BY ELECTRO-
CONTRACTOR: OPTICAL REFERENCE DISTANCE
RANGING METHOD

SUB-CONTRACTOR:
REV. NO: A
NO. OF
SHEETS: 1 of 8

DOCUMENT NUMBER: P1066-CTD-QAC-PRC-029


DOCUMENT TITLE: CALIBRATION OF VERTICAL CYLINDRICAL
TANKS BY ELECTRO-OPTICAL REFERENCE DISTANCE RANGING
METHOD

REVISION

A ANB MRT SA
30-07-19 Initial Issue
Rev No. Date Descriptions Prepared By Reviewed By Approved By
Contract For Site Civil Construction And / or Mechanical
Installations Works in Lekki Free Trade Zone, Nigeria

Calibration Of Vertical Cylindrical Tanks By Electro-Optical


Reference Distance Ranging Method

Table of Contents

1. Purpose............................................................................................................................................................................................ 2
2. Reference Information .................................................................................................................................................................... 2
3. Responsibility ................................................................................................................................................................................. 2
4. Equipment ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 2
5. Preparation ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 3
5.1. Safety Tank Entry................................................................................................................................................................... 3
5.2. Tank Status ............................................................................................................................................................................. 3
5.3. Instrument Set Up Inside the Tank ......................................................................................................................................... 3
5.4. Selection of Target Points ...................................................................................................................................................... 4
6. Procedure ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 5
6.1. Calibration .............................................................................................................................................................................. 5
6.2. Tolerances .............................................................................................................................................................................. 5
6.3. Other Measurements and Considerations ............................................................................................................................... 6
7. Calculation and Development of Capacity Tables .......................................................................................................................... 7
8. Documentation ................................................................................................................................................................................ 8

Page 1 of 8
Contract For Site Civil Construction And / or Mechanical
Installations Works in Lekki Free Trade Zone, Nigeria

Calibration Of Vertical Cylindrical Tanks By Electro-Optical


Reference Distance Ranging Method

1. Purpose
This procedure describes the method for the calibration of vertical cylindrical tanks by use of a laser measuring
device, this method is known as Electro-Optical Distance Ranging (EODR). The distance and the angle to various
points on each course of the tank shell wall are measured. These distances and angles are then used to compute the
radius of each course.

This method is suitable for the vertical cylindrical tanks having diameters greater than 5m by means of internal
measurement using a laser measuring device, and for the subsequent compilation of tank capacity tables at various
levels.
 This method shall not be used in the calibration of abnormally deformed tanks (e.g. dented) or non-circular tanks.
 This method is applicable to tanks tilted by up to 3% from the vertical provided a correction is applied for the
measured tilt.
 This method is applicable to tanks with cone up, cone down and flat bottoms.

2. Reference Information
API MPMS Chapter 2.2D - Calibration of Upright Cylindrical Tanks Using the Internal Electro-Optical Distance
Ranging Method
CAL-QPG-005-I01 - Tank RAD Program Work Instruction

3. Responsibility
 It is the responsibility of the Manager to ensure all relevant information is made available to the technicians.
 It is the responsibility of the calibration technician to ensure this procedure is complied with and that any possible
deviations are reported to the Manager for approval.

4. Equipment
 Laser measuring instrument: TPS – System 1205 is an Electronic Theodolite and Total Station designated for
reflector-less position measuring devices.
 The measurement beam emitted from the instrument is visible and can be focused on a small spot on the object
measured.
 Distance and horizontal and vertical angles are instantly presented on a screen.
 Instrument mounting: the instrument shall be mounted on a tripod which is firm and stable. The legs of the tripod
shall be held firm, and steadied by suitable devices such as magnetic bearers, if necessary.
 Stadia: a rigid bar, usually 2m long, such that the graduated length between the two stadia marks remains constant
to within ± 0.02mm.
 Equipment for bottom calibration: Bottom calibration may be undertaken by the liquid method or by use of the
laser measuring instrument, surveyors level or water filled tubes.
 Auxiliary equipment including;

Page 2 of 8
Contract For Site Civil Construction And / or Mechanical
Installations Works in Lekki Free Trade Zone, Nigeria

Calibration Of Vertical Cylindrical Tanks By Electro-Optical


Reference Distance Ranging Method

 Heavy weights to be set around the instrument to steady the unit.

5. Preparation
5.1. Safety Tank Entry
Prior to commencing work on a tank, the technician shall satisfy himself that all safety requirements have been
complied with to ensure work can be carried out in a safe manner. Special emphasis is to be paid with regards to
confined space entry.

The technician may also carry out a visual inspection that the tank is properly isolated and any potential danger be
reported prior to commencing measurement. The technician must also ensure that the tank is certified gas free and
a permit to work issued and signed by the authorized personnel. Safety stand watch should be present at the tank
entrance for duration of internal calibration and sound alarm if emergency occurs.

5.2. Tank Status


 Tanks shall only be calibrated after they have been filled at least once with a liquid of equal or greater density than
the liquid which they will hold when in use. A hydrostatic test for a period of approximately 24 hours will satisfy
this requirement and this must be confirmed with tank owner regarding newly constructed tanks.
 Calibration shall be carried out without interruption. If tank is operational then there shall be minimal transfers of
oil in or out of tank, according to the construction type of the tank. Operations must be informed the tank is to
remain static during calibration.
 The tank must be open, certified gas free, clean with no other work going in or around tank that might interfere or
obstruct the calibration operation.
 Lighting, where required, should be suitably placed within the tank so the bottom survey and internal measurements
can be completed.
 Constructional features such as manways, pipework or access ladders may make it impractical to use a
recommended elevation. Then a substitute tape path may be chosen. Strapping record should include location and
reason for departure.
 Circumferential tape elevations identified must be examined for obstructions and type of upright joints, dirt scale
and insulation should be removed along each path.

5.3. Instrument Set Up Inside the Tank


 The instrument shall be set up with care, according to the procedure and instruction given by the manufacturer.
 The instrument shall be set up so as to be stable. If necessary the tank bottom, in the vicinity of the instrument,
shall be made firm and steady by placing heavy weights in the area. The legs of the tripod on which the instrument
is mounted shall be fixed by use of suitable devices, such as magnetic bearers, to prevent slippage on the tank
bottom.

Page 3 of 8
Contract For Site Civil Construction And / or Mechanical
Installations Works in Lekki Free Trade Zone, Nigeria

Calibration Of Vertical Cylindrical Tanks By Electro-Optical


Reference Distance Ranging Method

 The instrument shall be set perfectly horizontal to ensure that the vertical axis (standing axis) is vertical.
 The instrument shall be free from external vibration.
 The sighting lines from the instrument to the tank shell wall shall not be obstructed.
 The instrument shall be switched on and brought to operating temperature for at least the minimum time
recommended by the manufacturer.

 After the instrument has reached its correct operating temperature, carry out the appropriate procedure given by
instrument manufacturer. Then select and clearly mark on the tank shell wall two reference target points, which
shall be approximately 100 grad apart and preferably on the same horizontal plane as the instrument.
 The slope distances to each of the two reference target points shall be measured. Two successive readings to each
reference target points shall be taken. The two readings, at each point, shall agree within +/- 2mm. The average
distance to each point shall be computed. The slope distance shall be recorded.
 Wait 15 minutes and repeat above. The repeated slope distances shall agree within +/- 2mm of the slope distances
originally measured. The slope distance shall be recorded.
 If the original and repeated average slope distances do not agree within +/- 2mm, determine the reason for the
difference;
 If the reason for difference is due to the instrument and/or its stability, repeat the procedure;
 If the instrument was off during the determination of the difference, repeat the procedure;
 If neither the above is appropriate, repeat the procedure;
 Repeat the appropriate procedures until two successive readings agree within +/- 2mm.

Note: Work Instruction CAL-QPG-005-101 shall be adhered to when operating the Laser Instrument.

5.4. Selection of Target Points


 There shall be two sets of target points per course, one at ⅕ to ¼ of course height above the lower horizontal seam,
the other at ⅕ to ¼ of course height below the upper horizontal seam.
 The target points shall be at least 300mm from any vertical welded seam.
 The number of target points selected on each course of the tank shell wall is dependent on tank circumference. The
minimum number of target points per set, as a function of tank circumference, is given below.

Page 4 of 8
Contract For Site Civil Construction And / or Mechanical
Installations Works in Lekki Free Trade Zone, Nigeria

Calibration Of Vertical Cylindrical Tanks By Electro-Optical


Reference Distance Ranging Method

Tank
Circumference, Minimum
C Target
Points
m

C ≤ 50 m 8

50 < C ≤ 100 m 12

100 < C ≤ 150 m 16

150 < C ≤ 200 m 20

200 < C ≤ 250 m 24

250 < C ≤ 300 m 30

300 ≤ C 36

Note: A number of target points, greater than the minimum number of points in the table, may be chosen depending on
specific circumstances and tank conditions.

6. Procedure
6.1. Calibration
 Sight all the target points along the horizontal plane at each course location, and measure the slope distance,
horizontal angle and vertical angle to each.
 Measure and record the slope distance, horizontal angle and vertical angle to each of the reference target points.
 Complete the measurements to the target points on each course prior to moving to the next course. Also,
measurement shall begin from the bottom course and extend, course by course, to the top.
 After all measurements on a course are completed, repeat the measurements to the reference target points.
 If the repeated slope distance to the reference target points do not agree with the measurements taken during the
setting up or the instrument, within the tolerance given below then repeat the steps above.
 If the horizontal and the vertical angle to the reference target points do not agree within the tolerance given below,
then repeat the steps above.
 If statistical agreement is not obtained between the original and repeated measurements of either slope distances,
horizontal angles or vertical angles, then the reasons for such disagreement shall be determined, the cause
eliminated and the calibration procedure repeated.
 Carry out all measurements without interruption.

6.2. Tolerances
 Reference target point, distance verification; the distance to each of the reference target point before/after the tank
calibration has been carried out shall be within +/- 2mm.

Page 5 of 8
Contract For Site Civil Construction And / or Mechanical
Installations Works in Lekki Free Trade Zone, Nigeria

Calibration Of Vertical Cylindrical Tanks By Electro-Optical


Reference Distance Ranging Method

 Reference target point, horizontal and vertical angle verification; the horizontal and vertical angle to each of the
reference target points before and after the tank calibration has been carried out shall be within +/- 0.005 grad.

6.3. Other Measurements and Considerations


 Tank bottom calibration; the bottom shall be calibrated by the liquid method or by use of the laser measuring device
or by use of surveyors’ level or water filled tubes. The choice of method shall be decided by the calibrator, taking
into account the facilities available at the site during calibration.
 Due to the nature of tank bottoms being of irregular shape and design, survey readings should be taken at many
points in order to determine the shape and a volume at zero. The bottom survey shall be carried out in the following
manner;
 Equipment - tripod, theodolite (laser) or transit level and a surveying staff.
 The survey - is carried out using standard distances from the shell to the center point at each radial segment i.e. 0.0,
0.5, 1.5, 2.0, 4.0, 6.0, 9.0, 12.0, 15.0, 18.0, 21.0, 24.0 and every 3m to the center of the tank.
 Set up the instrument as near to tank center and if necessary the instrument shall be made firm and steady by placing
heavy weights in the area where tripod is to be set up. The tripod legs shall be locked in position with use of
magnetic clamps.
 Once the instrument is level and locked on the horizontal then proceed to measure offsets by moving the millimeter
graduated staff from side of tank to center carefully recording the height offset on the horizontal cross hair of the
optical instrument radial offset measurements at initial radial segment 0º.

 The instrument is then moved horizontally to next radial station e.g. 10º and the measurement process is repeated
until all floor has been surveyed. Minimum number of radial stations is eight to determine number of stations to
survey floor tank circumference divided by nine.
 Dip gauge plate or reference position on the floor will also be recorded, as well as position on tank shell nearest
dip or gauge point
 On completion of the floor survey it is necessary to recheck offset heights of dip, side and center to ensure tripod
has not moved during floor survey if offset measurements do not agree then reset the tripod and carry out floor
survey again.
 If the laser readings at 20 percent on first course are obstructed by deadwood i.e. (heating coils). Then the laser can
be reset to reflect measurements taken at 50 % and 80% of first course height. The remaining courses will revert
to carrying out measurements at 20% and 80% of course height. The effect of the coils on the tank volume will be
accounted for in the capacity table.
 Floating roofs are occasionally installed in tanks with upright vertical cylindrical shells. They can be external or
internal in nature and usually of a rigid steel construction or aluminum. The displacement, however gives rise to
special deductions for floating roof weight and deadwood. When roof is fully buoyant, it displaces an amount of
liquid equal to the weight of the roof. The weight of floating roof should include the roof plus any fixtures that are
carried up and down in the tank with the roof, including fifty percent of the weight of the stairway. The roof weight
is calculated by the builder and should be recorded by technician. Operations/owner will be consulted if roof
weight is to be included in capacity tables as a displacement or as a separate table.
 Further a roof survey can be carried out after the floor survey by reversing the staff and placing it vertically on the
tank roof at zero position (dip gauge). By recording this height, the effective height of the roof in relation to dip
can be calculated. After this a roof survey can be carried out by placing the staff at the rim near dip position then

Page 6 of 8
Contract For Site Civil Construction And / or Mechanical
Installations Works in Lekki Free Trade Zone, Nigeria

Calibration Of Vertical Cylindrical Tanks By Electro-Optical


Reference Distance Ranging Method

record following distances to center; 1m, 1.5m, 2.5m, 4m, 6m 9m and every 3m thereafter to the center. This data
can be used to calculate the level at which the liquid first contacts with the underside of the roof position (A).
Position (B) is the liquid level at which the last support of the roof lifts free from tank bottom and is fully buoyant.
It is advisable to allow 50mm below position (A) and above position (B) in establishing the critical zone, since the
displaced volume of liquid is contingent upon an assumed specific gravity of liquid to be handled in the tank and
the shape of the roof and floor may change over time.
 Reference height determination; the overall height of the reference point on each dip-hatch (upper reference point),
if fitted, above the dip-point shall be measured using a dip tape and weight. This overall height, to the nearest
millimeter, shall be recorded in the calibration certificate and permanently marked on the tank adjacent to the dip-
hatch.

 The following data shall be determined and processed;


 The density and the working temperature of the liquid to be stored in the tank;
 Height of each course;
 Thickness of each course of plating;
 Safe filling height and maximum filling height;
 Deadwood;
 The tilt of tank as shown by the deviation from a vertical line.

 The vertical height difference between the datum-point and the dip-point, if any, shall be measured by normal
surveying methods and recorded. In use, each measured tank dip is referred to a dip-point; the position of the dip-
point may differ from the datum-point used for the purpose of tank calibration (e.g. on the intersection of the tank
shell and the tank bottom plate).
 If tank construction drawings are available, calibration measurement shall be compared with the corresponding
dimensions shown in the construction drawings. Any measurement which shows significant discrepancies shall be
checked. If the calibration and drawings measurements do not agree, the reasons for the discrepancy shall be
determined and calibration procedure repeated if necessary.

7. Calculation and Development of Capacity Tables


 Compute the internal radii of the tank by the procedures set below.
 The dimensional co-ordinates of each target point shall be converted to Cartesian using the following equations; X
= [D] [cos θ] [cos Φ], Y= [D] [sin θ] [sin Φ] & Z = [D] [sin Φ], Where;
D = measured slope distance
Θ = measured horizontal angle
Φ = measured vertical angle

 The calculation of the positions of the various target points at any one, horizontal level is simplified if the vertical
height co-ordinates, Z values, are all reduced to a common level. Care shall be exercised in this reduction to ensure
that the values of the Z co-ordinates are reduced to a common value which ensures that the adjusted positions of
the target points are on a plane which is normal to the vertical axis of symmetry of the tank. It should not be
assumed that the tank is truly vertical.

Page 7 of 8
Contract For Site Civil Construction And / or Mechanical
Installations Works in Lekki Free Trade Zone, Nigeria

Calibration Of Vertical Cylindrical Tanks By Electro-Optical


Reference Distance Ranging Method

 Alternations in the values of a Z co-ordinate will require a compensating alternation in the values of the X and Y
co-ordinates of that point. Such adjustments shall be carried out by established mathematical techniques.
 Reduction of the values of the X and Y co-ordinates to the internal radius at each level at which measurements
have been taken shall be carried out by established mathematical techniques.
 Once the internal radii are computed, the development of the capacity table shall be carried out applying the
following correction.
 For hydrostatic head effect;
 To the certified tank shell temperature;
 For deadwood (including the effect of coils where appropriate);
 For tilt.

Shell Measurement by Laser Method Bottom Calibration by Laser Method

8. Documentation
 Records shall be kept in relation to each tank when the calibration is completed and will be submitted to the client.
 If tank construction drawings are available, calibration measurement shall be compared with all of the
corresponding dimensions, shown in the construction drawings.
 Any measurements which show significant discrepancies shall be checked. If the calibration and drawing
measurements do not agree, then tank owner will be informed and the reasons for the discrepancy shall be
determined and calibration procedure repeated, if necessary.

The documentation will comprise of the following;


 The calibration procedure used;
 The calibration certificates for instrumentation used for the calibration, and
 One laminated copy of the calibration tables.

Further, copies of the technician’s handwritten calculations shall be filed in the appropriate job file, and held in the
record system for a period of seven years.

Page 8 of 8

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