Terminal Automation Solution Archives

Overview of Terminal Automation Solutions

Terminal management often faces major challenges such as accurate measurement of loading/unloading volumes, ensuring the quality of blended finished fuels, and effectively monitoring tank inventory. Even small deviations directly impact operational efficiency and transparency in commercial transactions.

Understanding the operational challenges of a modern fuel depot, NK Engineering delivers a comprehensive Terminal Automation Solution (TAS) – from design and supply to installation – integrating two core pillars:

- Automated fuel loading/unloading and blending system (Gasoline Blending System, Truck Loading, Ship Loading & Off-loading)
- Automated fuel tank gauging system (Custody Transfer Tank Gauging System)

The entire system is built on Endress+Hauser’s high-accuracy measurement technology, ensuring explosion-proof safety and full certification for custody transfer in Vietnam. We are committed to accompanying businesses in creating an automated, transparent, and highly efficient fuel loading and unloading process.

Fuel Depot Management Solution

Outstanding Values and Benefits:

Investing in NK Engineering’s Terminal Automation Solution is not merely a technology upgrade but a strategic transformation that delivers measurable value immediately:

- Optimized Operational Efficiency: Full automation of the entire process from blending to tanker loading, reducing operation time, increasing sales capacity, and optimizing workforce utilization.
- Transparency & Loss Prevention: All measurement, blending, and inventory data are recorded automatically, enhancing the ability to promptly detect discrepancies, leaks, and minimize losses.
- Maximized Operating Cost Savings: Minimize labor costs and optimize blending formulas to reduce fuel source expenses.
- Enhanced Management & Decision-Making: Data is consolidated on a unified platform, providing real-time reports to managers for effective business planning, procurement, and timely, accurate decision-making.

1. Automated Fuel Loading, Unloading, and Blending System

This system precisely and automatically controls the entire fuel flow – from raw material intake and blending of finished products to loading onto tank trucks. Additionally, it is utilized to monitor ship loading and unloading operations at the jetty area.

Key Functional Capabilities of the System:

- Automated Truck Loading: Operates the loading station 24/7, optimizing manpower and enhancing productivity.
- Automated Fuel Blending: Automatically blends fuel ratios (RON95, E5, E10, etc.) according to pre-configured formulas with superior accuracy.
- Custody Transfer Measurement: Precisely determines fuel volumes during ship and tanker loading/unloading, enhancing transparency in commercial transactions.

Core System Components:

- Coriolis Flowmeter Promass F 300 – Endress+Hauser: Directly measures mass flow, density, and temperature with high accuracy (±0.05% error). This device has been approved by the Directorate for Standards, Metrology and Quality of Vietnam for custody transfer applications. Notably, the meter supports bidirectional measurement for both loading and unloading within a single unit, providing an optimal solution for monitoring transactions at the berth.
- Explosion-Proof Pressure and Temperature Sensors – Endress+Hauser: Ensure maximum safety under all operating conditions.
- Level Switch Sensors – Endress+Hauser: Provide effective overfill protection during tanker loading operations.
- Batch Controller – VEGA: Automatically calculates and precisely controls fuel blending quantities according to preset ratios.
- Loading Arm – Emco Wheaton: Integrated with a Vapour Recovery Return system to enhance safety and environmental protection in depot operations.

- Auxiliary Equipment: Includes metering control valves, shut-off valves, grounding systems, and more, delivering a comprehensive, stable, and safe automation solution.
- SCADA System and Monitoring Interface: Collects data and provides a visual display of the entire loading, unloading, and blending process, enabling operators to easily monitor operations and promptly detect any abnormalities.

Automated Blending and Truck Loading System Designed by NK Engineering

2. Automated Tank Gauging System

This system plays a key role in continuously monitoring real-time fuel volumes across the entire storage depot. NK Engineering’s comprehensive tank management solution is built not only on intelligent, high-precision measurement devices but also strictly complies with Government Decree 67/2020/ND-CP and aligns with Industry 4.0 trends, enabling enterprises to modernize operations safely and sustainably.

Key Functional Capabilities of the System:

- Real-Time Monitoring: Continuous tracking of level, temperature, density, and inventory volume of fuel and LPG in each tank.
- Intelligent Alerts: Automated warnings for high/low levels, leak detection, and other anomalies.
- Inventory Calculation and Automated Reporting: Minimizes manual stocktaking processes and delivers accurate inventory reports.
- Safety Assurance: Prevents tank overflows with integrated alarms and automatic equipment shutdown.

Core System Components:

- Specialized Level Measurement Devices by Endress+Hauser: Featuring two core technologies optimized for specific applications:

1. 1. Radar Level Meter Micropilot NMR8: Offers superior accuracy (±0.5 mm error), compliant with international standards OIML R85 and API 3.1B, and approved by the Directorate for Standards, Metrology and Quality of Vietnam for custody transfer applications.
  2. Proservo Level Meter NMS8: Utilizes electronic float (servo) technology, offering the highest accuracy on the market (±0.4 mm error) with global certification for custody transfer. This versatile device measures multiple parameters including level, density, interface (fuel-water), and bottom clearance. Key advantages include independence from guide pipe structure or physical properties of the medium, a calibration/setup time of up to 10 minutes per tank, and no need to empty the tank during installation.

- Multipoint Temperature Sensors: Accurately monitor temperature at up to 16 measurement points per tank, ensuring precise volume calculation.
- Tank Overfill Alarm Devices: Ensure safety during fuel loading and unloading operations.
- Data Acquisition Device (Tank Scanner): Acts as the central hub for collecting and processing data from all tank instruments, transmitting information to the control room via current communication standards. Comes integrated with management software based on a web server platform and API standard reference tables.
- Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) / Terminal Automation System: Enables remote monitoring, control, and management of the entire depot, fully automating the custody transfer process.
- Advanced Safety Standards: All equipment complies with SIL 2/3 (IEC 61508) safety standards for hazardous environments, integrating alarms, sirens, and automatic pump interlock capabilities to maximize fire and explosion prevention safety.

Automated Tank Gauging System for Terminals