Overfill protection for storage tanks in refineries

[rkrshnan]

API RP 2350 (3rd edition 2005) "Overfill Protection for Storage Tanks in Petroleum Facilities" specifies that high-high-level detector shall be independent of the automatic tank gauge system to provide greater reliability and to comply with the requirements of NFPA 30-2003, Section 4.6.1.1(2) and 4.6.1.1(3). Further there is a Note that State-of-the-art equipment with integrated (not independent) hardware can provide superior reliability for detecting high and high-high levels. NFPA 30-2003 Section 4.6.1.1(4) allows for the use of non-independent alternative systems, provided they are approved by the authority having jurisdiction.

What are the types and specifications of the '"State-of-the-art" level instruments with integrated hardware for tank gauging and overfill protection? Do radar type level instruments qualify for this? I will be thankful for clarification on these points. Thanks.

[Wenny Prasetya Dewi]

could you please sharing the book..
I interested for this topic, thank you

[PabloBS]

I think it should be addressed as a matter of reliability of the equipment more than a "state-of-the art" thing. I my case, I will never use integrated hardware for overspill applications, unless it had a SIL 2 or SIL 3 approved level. There's no guideline no follow in this subject, except your own criteria on how much you will loose if there's an overspill, or which dangers you can allow.

[rkrshnan]

Thanks PabloBS for the clarification.

[sri2cool4u]

Yes he Pablo is right. Safety protection systems like overfill protection is not a matter of being 'state of art' or not . . . it should be decided by reliability and integrity requirements of the process like Safety Integrity Level (SIL) of Safety Instrumented Functions .

I would also suggest you to read through the Bunchefield investigation reports to give u more insights on requirements of reliable overfill protection systems

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