Emerson Reducing Oil Storage Terminal Emissions Through Digitalisation

The solenoid valves powered by a rack-and-pinion actuator in Emerson’s pre-engineered BettisTM VOC-PACTM Actuation Package feature Piezo technology for ultra-low power consumption.

Emerson’s AVENTICSTM Series AF2 Sensor continuously monitors air consumption in pneumatic systems and provides insights that can help terminal operators quickly detect and address leaks.

Mike Howells, Process Marketing Manager EMEA at Emerson

The European Union has ambitious emissions reduction goals. Naturally, these goals affect all industries, the oil terminal industry included. Efforts to reliably reduce energy consumption and emissions require clear visibility into operations powered by innovation and monitoring technologies.

By integrating connected technologies throughout terminals, businesses gain many advantages, including lower costs, greater reliability and lesser risk. One of the elements in the terminal to recently receive greater digital capability is the inspection hatch.

Almost half of all emissions in major oil basins are from storage tanks, and a primary way that emissions escape is through open inspection hatches. If inspection hatches are accidentally left unlatched, they may go undetected and release fugitive emissions. Remote inspection hatch monitoring helps terminals identify unsealed hatches quickly, significantly reducing emissions.

Minimising emissions through inspection hatch monitoring

Monitoring solutions help terminal operators to confidently know that a hatch is sealed. The latest technology can provide precise data that includes how long each hatch at a terminal is open and confirmation that it’s closed and securely sealed after access, which can allow for measurement of total site emissions.

Improving monitoring accuracy and device installation

While inspection hatch monitoring solutions have been available in the past, early designs had a few challenges, including false signaling and needing to cover broad ranges in the field. However, there are now advanced solutions that address these challenges. The latest monitoring technologies reliably sense an inspection hatch is properly latched and can be easily installed in the field on both new and existing inspection hatch models. Simple and effective installation allows producers to remotely monitor inspection hatch status without false trips, ensuring that emissions readings are accurate.

Identifying opportunities to reduce energy use

In addition to inspection hatches, there are other opportunities in oil terminals to reduce emissions. If left unchecked, pneumatic systems can use more energy than they need, resulting in excess consumption and higher carbon emissions. By optimising the energy consumption that pneumatic systems use, terminals can reduce emissions levels.

One way to optimise the energy use of pneumatic systems is by detecting and addressing compressed air leaks. Advanced air flow sensors can continuously monitor air consumption in pneumatic systems. Sensors provide visibility to help terminals reduce energy use as well as unplanned downtime.

Cutting emissions through reliable monitoring

As the process industry responds to climate neutrality, reliable monitoring is a critical step toward emissions reduction, as well as digital transformation. No matter where terminals are in their digital transformation journeys, it’s important to partner with an expert technology partner that offers a comprehensive portfolio of intelligent solutions. By implementing reliable monitoring systems, terminals have greater asset and system visibility, giving them the power to make informed decisions that can address and prevent emissions.

Author: Mike Howells, Process Marketing Manager EMEA at Emerson: Mike Howells is the marketing manager for process in Europe, the Middle East and Africa for Emerson. He has been with Emerson for 25 years and understands the importance of digitalisation and sustainability in the industry.