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Sae 44
Sae 44
Sae 44
1 Scope
This procedure defines the responsibilities and requirements during installation and
verification of Radar Tank Gauging (RTG) systems used in royalty and custody transfer.
This procedure excludes RTG systems for, transfers from or to ships, truck loading and
truck unloading. RTG usage for transfers from or to ships shall be approved by the
Chairman, Custody Measurement Standards Committee.
2.1 Any conflicts between this procedure and other applicable Saudi Aramco
Engineering Standards (SAESs), Materials System Specifications (SAMSSs),
Standard Drawings (SASDs), or industry standards, codes, and forms shall be
resolved in writing by the Manager, Process & Control Systems Department of
Saudi Aramco, Dhahran.
2.2 Direct all requests to deviate from this procedure in writing in accordance with
SAEP-302 to the Manager, Process & Control Systems Department of Saudi
Aramco, Dhahran.
2.3 Direct all requests for interpretation of this procedure in writing to the Chairman,
Custody Measurement Standards Committee for resolution. The Chairman,
Custody Measurement Standards Committee shall be solely responsible for
determining whether a proposed request meets the requirements of this procedure.
3 References
The procedures covered by this document shall comply with the latest edition of the
references listed below, unless otherwise noted:
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Document Responsibility: Custody Measurement Standards Committee SAEP-28
Issue Date: 21 August 2014
Next Planned Update: 7 September 2016 Radar Tank Gauging System Verification Requirements
4.1 Definitions
Datum plate (Dip plate): A level metal plate located directly under the
reference gauge point to provide a fixed contact surface from which liquid depth
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Document Responsibility: Custody Measurement Standards Committee SAEP-28
Issue Date: 21 August 2014
Next Planned Update: 7 September 2016 Radar Tank Gauging System Verification Requirements
Error (of indication): The indication of an RTG minus a true value of the
corresponding input quantity.
External Floating Roof: A cover over an open top storage tank consisting of a
deck which rests upon the liquid being contained.
Initial Setting of RTG System: The initial setting of the RTG System is the
process by which the RTG level reading is set equal to the average tank liquid
level; determined by the manual reference level measurement (at a single level).
The initial setting also includes verification of the ATT sensors.
Rated operating conditions: The conditions of use, giving the range of values
of influence quantities for which the metrological characteristics are intended to
lie within the specified permissible errors.
Reference Gauging Point: A point clearly marked on the principal gauge hatch
located along the vertical axis ascending from the dip-ping datum point to
indicate the reference position to which ullage is measured.
Vendor: The party that supplies or sells integrated RTG systems, equipment, or
components.
4.2 Abbreviations
API American Petroleum Institute
ATT Automatic Tank Thermometer
CMU Custody Measurement Unit of Process and Control Systems
Department
FAT Factory Acceptance Test
MINPET Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources
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Document Responsibility: Custody Measurement Standards Committee SAEP-28
Issue Date: 21 August 2014
Next Planned Update: 7 September 2016 Radar Tank Gauging System Verification Requirements
5 Instructions
This procedure shall be used in conjunction with existing international standards, and is
not intended to replace the standards referenced in Section 3 of this document.
Prior to the installation of an RTG system onto the stilling well of an upright
cylindrical tank, the following pre-installation verifications are required:
5.2.1 The RTG level gauge and ATT shall be checked by the vendor for
conformity with the procedures in Appendix A - Factory Testing
Procedure for RTG Level Gauges and Automatic Tank Thermometers.
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Document Responsibility: Custody Measurement Standards Committee SAEP-28
Issue Date: 21 August 2014
Next Planned Update: 7 September 2016 Radar Tank Gauging System Verification Requirements
5.2.3 The vendor shall verify the rated operating conditions of the RTG
equipment. The rated operating conditions are determined by:
Minimum and maximum temperatures and densities of the liquid and
the medium above the liquid.
Minimum and maximum pressures.
Characteristics of the liquid and of the medium above the liquid.
Maximum and minimum level reading of the RTG.
Environmental conditions.
5.2.4 The vendor shall demonstrate the following information is available for
display on the indicator device:
The identification of the tank
Product identification for multiple tank systems
The level and/or volume of the product in the tank and /or available
room with an indicated resolution of 0.1 mm and 1 liter.
The date and time of the reading
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Document Responsibility: Custody Measurement Standards Committee SAEP-28
Issue Date: 21 August 2014
Next Planned Update: 7 September 2016 Radar Tank Gauging System Verification Requirements
Prior to installation of the RTG system on the tank the following tank evaluation
activities shall be performed:
5.3.2 The vendor must verify and record the tank reference datum points prior
to installation. These points include the tank bottom reference, upper
reference datum and tank reference height. This information will be
used to ensure the sensor level measurement correctly relates to the
capacity table.
5.3.3 The vendor must record the following measurements when the RTG
level sensor is mounted on the tank:
The distance between the horizontal levels of the tank upper
reference and the top face of the sensor mounting flange.
A manual measurement through the sensor mounting flange to the
tank datum plate to establish the sensor reference height.
5.3.4 If the sensor has a water detection capability then the vendor shall
perform the following physical checks to ensure water detection is
capable below the tank suction level:
The lowest repeatable level of water detection above the bottom of
the sensor.
The distance between the bottom of the tank suction pipe and the
tank bottom should be verified, plus the distance between the lower
end of the sensor and the tank bottom when the sensor is installed.
5.4 Installation, Setting and Initial Verification of the RTG system on the Tank
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Document Responsibility: Custody Measurement Standards Committee SAEP-28
Issue Date: 21 August 2014
Next Planned Update: 7 September 2016 Radar Tank Gauging System Verification Requirements
deposits such as rust, wax, and sediment on the inside of the shell and on
the datum plate which may affect determination of the reference height.
5.4.2 The Vendor shall confirm that the installed accuracy of the RTG system
is appropriate for the intended service. This is performed by comparing
the RTG level and temperature measurements against the manual
measurements as specified in Appendix D - Procedure for Initial Setting
of the RTG level by Manufacturer and Appendix E - Procedure for Initial
Setting of the Automatic Tank Thermometer (ATT).
5.4.3 With the tank full of liquid, each temperature sensor shall be verified using
a portable electronic thermometer (PET), in accordance with API Chapter
7.3 and Appendix E. The procedure for the use of the PET for manually
verifying the ATT sensors is included as Appendix C - Procedure for
Using an Electronic Thermometer in ATT Sensor Verification.
5.4.4 The Vendor shall confirm traceability and rated operating conditions of
the RTG system meets the requirements listed in SAES-Y-301.
5.4.5 The Vendor shall perform the installation initial verification of the RTG
system.
The final calibration shall be performed by a Saudi Aramco approved third party
contractor who shall verify the RTG reading at three random test levels in the
top, middle, and bottom third of the gauge travel as described in Appendix F -
Procedure for Third Party Verification of RTG Installations.
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Document Responsibility: Custody Measurement Standards Committee SAEP-28
Issue Date: 21 August 2014
Next Planned Update: 7 September 2016 Radar Tank Gauging System Verification Requirements
When the RTG level reading is being verified, the ATT shall be verified
quarterly according to API MPMS Chapter 7 and Appendix F - Procedure
for Third Party Verification of the RTG System.
5.7 CMU Approval of the RTG system for Royalty/Custody Transfer Service
CMU approval is required before a tank RTG level measurement can be used for
Custody/Royalty Transfer Measurement. The following documentation shall be
submitted by the Proponent to CMU to obtain this approval:
New certified tank capacity tables reflecting revised reference height.
RTG calibration documentation including field notes.
Initial and final test verification data for RTG Level and ATT measurement.
Subsequent RTG Level and ATT verification datasheets for 3 months.
Certification documentation for master gauge tape and portable electronic
thermometer.
6 Responsibilities
The Saudi Aramco organizations with tank verification responsibilities shall ensure
personnel become familiar with this SAEP.
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Document Responsibility: Custody Measurement Standards Committee SAEP-28
Issue Date: 21 August 2014
Next Planned Update: 7 September 2016 Radar Tank Gauging System Verification Requirements
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Document Responsibility: Custody Measurement Standards Committee SAEP-28
Issue Date: 21 August 2014
Next Planned Update: 7 September 2016 Radar Tank Gauging System Verification Requirements
international standards.
q) Witness the first subsequent verifications for the RTG system as performed
by a Third Party Inspector and ensure MINPET (for Royalty systems)
witnessing and approval on verification activities.
r) Ensure subsequent verifications shall occur monthly, unless otherwise
specified by operations. These verifications shall cover the oil level,
reference height, individual submerged temperature sensors and free water
in the presence of MINPET representative (for Royalty systems).
The certified RTG units shall then be re-sealed after verification.
s) Review the verification certificates for the allowable tolerances as stated in
GI-0405.001 for custody transfer tanks and GI-0405.007 for royalty transfer
tanks.
t) Consult with CMU for technical inquiries about the calibration and/or
documentation process cannot be resolved in-house.
u) Maintain complete records for the calibration and verification results of the
RTG system components.
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Document Responsibility: Custody Measurement Standards Committee SAEP-28
Issue Date: 21 August 2014
Next Planned Update: 7 September 2016 Radar Tank Gauging System Verification Requirements
6.3 Process and Control Systems Department (P&CSD)/ Custody Measurement Unit
(CMU) shall:
a) Review the draft FAT Procedure and provide comments within 10 working
days to SAPMT.
b) Approve the final FAT document.
c) Review the results from the RTG system pre-FAT.
d) Participate in the FAT including Field calibration and initial verification of
the RTG System.
e) Confirm exception items from FAT have been satisfactorily completed.
f) Approve the FAT report.
g) Review Vendor's draft SAT Procedure and provide comments within 10
working days to SAPMT.
h) Approve the final SAT Procedure.
i) Obtain the final SAT Procedure from SAPMT
j) If requested by SAPMT, assist the vendor with the development of RTG
and ATT installation procedure and drawings.
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Document Responsibility: Custody Measurement Standards Committee SAEP-28
Issue Date: 21 August 2014
Next Planned Update: 7 September 2016 Radar Tank Gauging System Verification Requirements
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Document Responsibility: Custody Measurement Standards Committee SAEP-28
Issue Date: 21 August 2014
Next Planned Update: 7 September 2016 Radar Tank Gauging System Verification Requirements
7 Activity Matrix
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Document Responsibility: Custody Measurement Standards Committee SAEP-28
Issue Date: 21 August 2014
Next Planned Update: 7 September 2016 Radar Tank Gauging System Verification Requirements
Revision Summary
7 September 2011 New Saudi Aramco Engineering Procedure.
3 September 2013 Editorial Revision to change the primary contact.
21 August 2014 Minor revision to make improvements to the technology; which will bring accurate
requirements within acceptable custody measurement requirements.
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Document Responsibility: Custody Measurement Standards Committee SAEP-28
Issue Date: 21 August 2014
Next Planned Update: 7 September 2016 Radar Tank Gauging System Verification Requirements
By Component
Resolution Activity Transmitter As a System
Sensor (Conversion
Electronics)
±0.2ºC ±0.15ºC ±0.25ºC
Factory Calibration (FAT)
(±0.4ºF) (±0.3ºF) (±0.5ºF)
±0.5ºC
0.1ºC (0.1ºF) Initial Field Verification (SAT) ±0.4ºC ±0.25°C
(±1ºF)
± 0.5ºC
Subsequent Verification ±0.4ºC ±0.25°C
(±1ºF)
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Document Responsibility: Custody Measurement Standards Committee SAEP-28
Issue Date: 21 August 2014
Next Planned Update: 7 September 2016 Radar Tank Gauging System Verification Requirements
1. The master gauge tape and bob shall conform to the specifications required for innage
gauging identified in API Chapter 3 Section 3.1A.7.1. Cut tapes are not acceptable for
this application.
2. Handling the RTG sending unit and the stilling well shall be done in a way as to ensure
that no damage occurs. When reinstalling the cone insert ensure that it is installed straight
and in-line with the sending unit, prior to screwing down the clamping nut. The RTG
level reading shall be verified to be the same as it was prior to removing the cone.
3. After safely grounding the tape, slowly lower the bob and tape into the tank, pausing
shortly after the bob breaks the liquid surface to allow the turbulence to settle. Stop when
the bob is within a short distance of the bottom as determined by the length unwound
from the reel in comparison to the reference gauge height of the tank.
4. Then, with the tape adjacent to the reference height gauge point, lower the tape slowly
until the tip of the bob just touches the datum plate.
5. Record the tape reading at the reference gauge point and note any variance from the
reference gauge height of the tank. The comparison of the reference gauge point tape
reading to tank reference gauge height is an indication that the gauge bob is suspended
in a vertical position while in contact with the datum plate or tank bottom.
6. When obtaining innage gauges, be sure the tape is lowered at the same reference gauge
point for both the opening and closing gauges.
7. Withdraw the tape from the tank until the liquid cut is observed. Read the tape scale at
the liquid cut and note this reading as the innage gauge.
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Document Responsibility: Custody Measurement Standards Committee SAEP-28
Issue Date: 21 August 2014
Next Planned Update: 7 September 2016 Radar Tank Gauging System Verification Requirements
Because it may not be possible to position the thermometer close to the temperature element
and because slight horizontal temperature stratification may exist, the measurement by the
thermometer may not agree completely. In general, for fluid temperatures close to ambient, if
the sensor of the PET can be placed within 1 m (3 ft) of the spot ATT sensor, calibration by a
Portable Electronic Thermometer (PET) is acceptable.
The following procedure is recommended for verifying individual sensor readings with an
electronic thermometer:
1. Verify the condition of the battery before and after each use.
2. Attach an electrical ground between the thermometer and the tank before opening the hatch.
3. Set the temperature range selector as appropriate.
4. Lower the sensing probe to the sensor’s level.
5. Raise and lower the probe 0.3 meters (1 foot) above and below the predetermined level to
allow rapid stabilization.
6. After temperature has stabilized, read and record the temperature at the measured depth.
7. Repeat steps 4, 5, and 6 at each level if multiple temperatures are required.
8. Determine the average temperature.
9. Report the average temperature to the nearest 0.1°C or 0.1°F.
10. After use, clean all parts of the thermometer assembly with a suitable solvent and dry it
with a cloth to prevent the formation of insulating film.
40 to 49 30 seconds 5 minutes
30 to 39 45 seconds 12 minutes
20 to 29 45 seconds 20 minutes
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Document Responsibility: Custody Measurement Standards Committee SAEP-28
Issue Date: 21 August 2014
Next Planned Update: 7 September 2016 Radar Tank Gauging System Verification Requirements
By Component
Resolution Activity Transmitter As a System
Sensor (Conversion
Electronics)
0.1ºC (0.1ºF) Subsequent Verification ±0.4ºC ±0.25ºC ± 0.5ºC (±1ºF)
The following procedure is recommended for comparing variable length ATT sensor readings
with an electronic thermometer:
1. Verify the condition of the electronic thermometer battery before and after each use.
2. Attach an electrical ground between the thermometer and the tank before opening the
hatch.
3. Set the temperature range selector as appropriate.
4. The tank should preferably be nearly full, with all temperature sensors submerged.
Take ten temperature readings evenly spaced, or every 0.7 m (2 ft), for tank levels less
than 7.7 m (22 ft) covering the entire liquid level.
5. Manually select each temperature sensor (either by a software or hardware switch).
Compare the average temperature calculated from the appropriate PET readings against the
average temperature measured by the temperature sensor selected and displayed by the
ATT display. Each of these should be verified to within the tolerance for initial field
verification as given in the table below:
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Document Responsibility: Custody Measurement Standards Committee SAEP-28
Issue Date: 21 August 2014
Next Planned Update: 7 September 2016 Radar Tank Gauging System Verification Requirements
By Component
Resolution Activity Transmitter As a System
Sensor (Conversion
Electronics)
0.1ºC (0.1ºF) Subsequent Verification ±0.4ºC ±0.25ºC ± 0.5ºC (±1ºF)
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Document Responsibility: Custody Measurement Standards Committee SAEP-28
Issue Date: 21 August 2014
Next Planned Update: 7 September 2016 Radar Tank Gauging System Verification Requirements
The following procedure is recommended for the initial setting of the RTG level device by the
manufacturer:
1. Initial setting shall be done when the tank is approximately half-full, and the RTG level
unit shall be set to the average of the manual readings, as described in the next step.
2. The level of the tank contents must be determined by reference manual measurements
from the same gauging access point (using the same measurement tape and weight) until
3 consecutive measurements agree within a range of 1 mm (1/16 inch) inch or
5 consecutive measurements within a range of 3 mm (1/8 inch).
3. The RTG Level reading shall be compared with the manual average readings in the Tank
Calibration Length field in order to obtain agreement between measurement and actual
level.
4. Tank Reference Height shall be checked in the software interface to ensure the system is
presenting the correct value. between RTG and manual measurement within 3 mm
(1/8 inch).
5. Tank reference height must be measured at the official gauging access position unit until
three consecutive measurements agree within the range of 1 mm (1/16 inch) or five
consecutive measurements agree within a range of 3 mm (1/8 inch). The allowable
tolerance between the measured and calibration reference height in 1/8 inch.
6. The level of the tank contents must be determined by reference manual measurements
from the same gauging access point (using the same measurement tape and weight) until
3 consecutive measurements agree within a range of 1 mm (1/16 inch) inch or
5 consecutive measurements within a range of 3 mm (1/8 inch).
7. When setting is made, the ATG reading shall coincide with the manually measured level.
8. Adjustment shall be performed once at the initial setting, and shall not be repeated unless
the tank conditions are altered.
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Document Responsibility: Custody Measurement Standards Committee SAEP-28
Issue Date: 21 August 2014
Next Planned Update: 7 September 2016 Radar Tank Gauging System Verification Requirements
1. During the initial setting of the ATT, a Portable Electronic Thermometer (PET) meeting
the requirements specified in Appendix C shall be used to collect temperature readings as
specific Resistance temperature Detectors (RTD) locations. The allowable tolerance
between each submerged RTD and PET reading is ±1.0ºF (±0.5ºC).
2. The thermometer may be considered to have reached stability if, with a moving probe, the
readout varies by no more than ±0.2ºF (±0.1ºC) for 30 seconds.
3. Before each use, the PET shall be spot checked by comparing it against a certified ASTM
glass stem thermometer. If the readings differ by more than ± 0.5ºF (±0.2ºC), the PET
shall be re-calibrated.
4. After using the PET in heavy oils, all parts of the thermometer shall be cleaned with a
suitable solvent and dried with a cloth to prevent formation of an insulating film.
5. The condition of the battery shall be checked before and after each use.
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Document Responsibility: Custody Measurement Standards Committee SAEP-28
Issue Date: 21 August 2014
Next Planned Update: 7 September 2016 Radar Tank Gauging System Verification Requirements
F.1 Third Party level calibration shall be performed per the instructions below:
1. The reference height shall be measured using a master gauge tape, which extends
all the way to the datum plate. The reference height shall be determined as the
average of 3 consecutive measurements agree within a range of 1 mm (1/16 inch)
inch or 5 consecutive measurements within a range of 4 mm (3/16 inch), in
accordance with the method detailed in API 3.1B.6.2.
2. The tank shall be filled with liquid to the top of the tank measurement range.
If the liquid used for this verification test is at a temperature other than ambient
(i.e., hot crude oil), the tank shall remain full for a minimum of 2 hours prior to
the test. This is to allow the stilling well to come to thermal equilibrium.
3. The tank level shall be drawn off at a rate that is similar to the actual loading rate,
when in service. When the level reaches 1/3 full or less the draw off will stop and
the tank will be allowed to set for ½ hour.
4. If the reference height changes by more than 2 mm (2/16 in) from official
reference height, from full to empty, the stilling well is unsuitable for
Custody/Royalty Transfer Measurement. Refer to API 3.1B.4.5 for possible
reasons that the reference height may be changing. The most common one is that
stilling well is too close to the sidewall of the tank and the tank is bulging.
5. The current reference height, measured above, will be verified against official
reference height prior to modification. This verification will be performed and
documented by an independent third party. If this verification is not performed,
re-strapping of the tank will be required prior to use. In the event the current
reference height is not the same as the official reference height, the suitability of
the tank for the installation of an RTG is questionable and requires CMU review
and approval.
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Document Responsibility: Custody Measurement Standards Committee SAEP-28
Issue Date: 21 August 2014
Next Planned Update: 7 September 2016 Radar Tank Gauging System Verification Requirements
Separate calibration checks of the temperature element and the temperature transmitter
are performed performed on a full tank level (all temperature sensors are submerged
below liquid level) as follows:
1. Temperature Element
The ATT system, excluding the temperature element, can be verified by using a
temperature calibrator (for example, precision resistors or a thermal calibrator) to
simulate temperature input a three or more temperatures covering the expected
tank operating temperatures. The ATT output or display should agree with the
calibrator within ± 0.25°C (0.5°F) at each temperature. The temperature calibrator
and precision resistors should be previously calibrated against a reference certified
by NIST.
This method should not be used in heated tanks where uneven heating by heating coils
is often encountered.
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Document Responsibility: Custody Measurement Standards Committee SAEP-28
Issue Date: 21 August 2014
Next Planned Update: 7 September 2016 Radar Tank Gauging System Verification Requirements
G.1 General
1. The allowable tolerance for level is 4 mm (3/16 inch) and for the temperature is
±0.5ºC (1.0ºF).
2. Only certified measurement tape and weight combination and certified portable
electronic thermometer shall be used during the verifications.
3. Each tank shall be verified at a single level for the liquid measurement once per
month.
4. The liquid level where the RTG level gauge is verified shall be randomly chosen
and shall be within the normal opening and closing gauges of the tank.
5. The ATT system shall be checked each quarter by comparison of PET and RTD
readings.
6. The RTG units shall be verified as follows: three times in the first month of
installation and once each month thereafter.
7. ATT verifications shall cover submerged temperature sensors, and free water
(if applicable).
Dedicated operations personnel shall perform the following actions for monthly field
level verifications:
1. Ensure the measurement equipment (identified in G.1) has current certifications
and is in good condition.
2. Ensure all appropriate paperwork is completed and filed as required by local
procedures. This required information includes recording the reference height that
is registered in the tank strapping table, recording the Distributed Control System
(DCS) reading of the oil level, individual submerged temperature sensor readings,
and free water.
3. Check that Data Acquisition Unit before climbing the tank and ensure both
readings (DCS & DAU) are the same.
4. The stenciled reference height on the side of the tank near the stairway and on (or
near) the gauging platform is (are) the same as the one recorded in the tanks
strapping table.
5. After climbing the tank to the gauging platform and standing upwind, ensure that
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Document Responsibility: Custody Measurement Standards Committee SAEP-28
Issue Date: 21 August 2014
Next Planned Update: 7 September 2016 Radar Tank Gauging System Verification Requirements
Dedicated operations personnel shall perform the following actions for quarterly
monthly field temperature verifications:
“ATT verifications can be performed either by API Chapter 7, Section 8.1.2.2 Initial
Field Verification, Component Method or As a System.”
1. By the Component Method, record each submerged temperature sensors reading
in accordance with the procedure specified in Appendix C - Procedure for using
an Electronic Thermometer in ATT Sensor Verification.
2. For the System Method, with the tank nearly full take taking ten temperature
readings evenly spaced covering the entire liquid level. The average temperature
reported the portable thermometer and the average reported by the ATT system
(System Test) or individual temperature element (Component Test) must be
within ±0.5ºC or 1ºF.
3. After verifying all the submerged temperature sensors, retain the RTG cone
(if applicable) to its place and ensure it is secured properly.
4. The RTG unit must be sealed if the results are within the allowable tolerance.
If the results are out of the allowable tolerance, the failed RTG unit shall be
reported to the General Supervisor for checking and re-calibration. CMU shall
also be notified of the failed system.
5. Confirm temperature reading with the control room.
6. If the System Test fails repeat with the Component Test to determine if a
temperature sensor has failed.
7. Report and file all applicable paperwork associated with the verification.
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