3D Laser Scanning Tank Measurement Vs. E.O.D.R. Tank Measurement

Laser Scanning 3D Tank Measurement: Welcome To The Future? BUT NOT YET & WHY!

In today’s demanding calibration and measurement industry, role players and service providers are continually expected to provide safer, more reliable, faster, more efficient, more accurate and obviously more cost effective means of performing these required tasks. As a result the 3D laser scanning tank calibration solution has entered the market promising to meet the aforementioned demands and exceeding them. As the market leader in E.O.D.R. tank measurement (calibration & settlement solutions), here at SCMS Africa, we have been extensively investigating this apparent new means of laser scanning measurement as we fully recognize that we need to keep current with today’s technological advances, which will enable us to directly supply customers with only the most accurate measurement solutions.

With all the hype around 3D tank laser scanning measurement solutions and having identified that this 3D solution can be an invaluable asset to our core business, we have come to the conclusion that unfortunately the present solution is not quite there yet, as our own internal calibration and measurement calculations and methodologies surpass the capabilities of this solution.

Here Are Some Thoughts / Comparison’s To Consider:

• For vertical, horizontal and spherical storage tank calibration we conform to the highest attainable ISO & API standards.– No international standards currently exist for the tank calibration utilizing a 3D scanner (and accompanying software).
• For vertical storage tank settlement we are able to measure, calculate and analyze shell roundness (OOR), shell verticality (OOV), differential settlement (OOP), floor and edge settlement.

– Not all of the aforementioned settlement criteria can be measured, calculated and analysed with the measurement             method.

• For vertical storage tank calibration, we are able to measure and quantify the IFR / IFB critical zone displacement zone and volume.

– Per our extensive investigation into the accompanying 3D software, no relevance is made to the critical zone                         volume displacement.

• For vertical storage tank calibration, we are able to measure and quantify the deadwood displacement volume.

– Per our extensive investigation into the accompanying 3D software, no relevance is made to the deadwood volume             displacement.

• For horizontal storage tank calibration, we are able to fully calibrate the tank whilst in or out-of-service regardless of the head / end shape.

– Per our extensive investigation into the 3D measurement method and accompanying software, it is unable to                       calculate the tank calibration table.

Do not despair though as the future prospects and capabilities of the 3D laser scanning technology should surpass the E.O.D.R. technique; in which case we would have done our due diligence to ensure SCMS Africa and its customers continue to only receive the best of what the market has to offer. Until such time it is in neither ours or our invaluable customers best interests, to take a measurement solution to market based on hype and on a supposedly “comprehensive measurement solution” which we currently deem non-validated.

As we are in regular & close correspondence with multiple relevant technological service providers, assisting them with the current short falls, it won’t take too long until we are performing 3D tank calibrations on a terminal / depot near you, provided it meets both ours and our customers highest standards. We will keep you posted on this as we progress in this regard.

For further information and or enquiries contact SCMS Africa here or call +27 (0) 31 765 3119