Emerson Process Management Raptor tank gauging system

The Raptor tank gauging system is based on open technology and is fully scalable. As a result it is easy to install exactly the devices needed today as well as adding or replacing units tomorrow.

The Raptor system includes new safety technologies to help protect plant assets, the environment and human lives. One example is the 2-in-1 functionality - with two independent gauges in one single enclosure - providing SIL 3 safety for overfill prevention. There are also a number of other dual redundant configurations available to suit individual tank safety requirements.

Raptor is built around a line of 0.5 mm precision radar level gauges, plus ultrastable temperature transmitters with 3- or 4-wire multiple spot sensors. The result is high precision in net volume calculations for custody transfer and inventory management.

Equipment such as pressure and water bottom measurement sensors can also be added as well as operator interface software.

Having access to reliable and accurate tank content information in real time is key to high plant efficiency, as the operators can handle even more tanks, fill the tanks higher and better utilise the storage capacity.

The bus-powered 2-wire Tankbus is based on self-configuring Foundation fieldbus technology, allowing easy start-up and integration of all system units. The tank units are intrinsically safe. Communication to the control room can be made using Modbus over most existing cabling, or using other fieldbus standards.

There are many tank farms with gauging based on older technology, even in fairly recent installations, leading to maintenance problems and low performance. Raptor can emulate gauges from other manufacturers. This means the users can add Raptor units to their existing system using the same cabling and control room infrastructure.

The Raptor system will include Emerson’s Smart Wireless functionality, which eliminates the need for long-distance signal wiring. This is especially valuable when no suitable ground cabling is available and it is necessary to cross roads, or when ground conditions make cabling expensive. Wireless communication can also be used as a redundant and independent communication path alongside traditional wired communication