BM 100 overcomes inconsistent readings from a float system

Problem
Industrial Terminal Systems (ITS) of New Kensington, Pennsylvania, manufactures and stores ethylene glycol, antifreeze and airplane wing deicer. ITS had inconsistent tank level readings for many years. The impact of the misread level was great - a one inch variation in measurement would result in an error of roughly 2,000 - 4,000 thousand gallons of billable product. Another concern was the heavy fines imposed by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) for tank overflow. The company felt that if they could maintain an accuracy of 1/10 of an inch in a 60,000 gallon tank, they would have both problems solved.

Solution
KROHNE representative Mike Perone removed a float from the old system and installed a BM100 Reflex-Radar level gauge/interface detector. The unit worked right out of the box with an accuracy of within 1.5 mm. ITS is now able to supply and bill their clients accurately, as well as escape the threat of future fines from the DEP. ITS was so impressed that they purchased 7 more BM100s and have plans to add 20 more level systems on other tanks.

The total savings for the solution was $4,000 - $6,000 per tank/barge load. Total cost of the solution was the one-time cost of the BM100 unit plus conduit and wiring of around $4,000.

ITS customer, Jim Bodine, is reportedly, "Very happy, I can sleep better at night."

Key Words: Level, TDR, ethylene glycol, antifreezer, tank

AP0021