Modernizing tank monitoring in oil and gas

In the oil and gas industry, reliable access to tank data is important for maintaining high operational standards. Temposonics provides measurement solutions for tank farms that store fuel, chemicals, and oil. Operators need to be able to see and maintain tank conditions easily during inspections and daily operations.

By integrating rugged HMI technology from Beijer Electronics, tank information can now be displayed locally while maintaining communication between field devices and the control system. This creates a more flexible and scalable monitoring system for tank farm applications.

Reliable display for tank monitoring in the field

Tank farms require constant level and condition monitoring, making operators working in the field rely on local displays installed near the tanks themselves for easy access.

Temposonics needed a way to display real-time tank information locally while maintaining communication between the level transmitters in the field and the central control system.

The Beijer Electronics X2 extreme 7” HMI provides a field display for tank information while maintaining communication between the transmitter and the control system through hardwired Ethernet.

"The key is being able to see the information right there in the field while maintaining communication between the HMI, the transmitter, and the control system," explained a Temposonics representative. "Operators can immediately see tank information without needing to return to the control room."

Modernizing an existing solution

Temposonics was looking to modernize an existing interface that struggled to integrate with level transmitters and lacked the flexibility required for tank monitoring applications. Because communication could not be customized, it made it more difficult to adapt to customer needs.

"The previous product was very standardized," the Temposonics team explained. "It didn’t integrate well with level transmitters and didn’t allow us to customize communication or how the system responded. We needed something more flexible."

By redesigning the solution around the Beijer Electronics X2 extreme 7” HMI, Temposonics was able to ensure uninterrupted communication between the field display, the transmitter, and the control system.

Rugged HMI solutions for harsh environments

Tank monitoring equipment in oil and gas environments need to withstand extreme outdoor conditions, including direct sunlight, weather exposure, temperatures, and more.
The Beijer Electronics X2 extreme 7” HMI provided Temposonics with the durability and connectivity they needed.

Key features include:
•    Dual communication ports that allow communication between field devices and control systems
•    Hazardous area certification (UL Class I Division 2) that supports installations in oil and gas environments
•    High IP protection rating that provides reliable operation in outdoor environments
•    UV-resistant display designed to withstand constant exposure to direct sunlight

"The displays are mounted outside, usually without any shade or protection. They’re exposed to sunlight, UV radiation, and weather conditions constantly, so the equipment has to be able to withstand the elements."

Approximately 300 units are currently being deployed in the field, replacing previous vendor installations.

Value created with Beijer Electronics

Integrating Beijer Electronics HMI technology helped Temposonics redesign its tank monitoring solution while maintaining a compact and cost-efficient format.

The flexibility of the communication ports improved integration with transmitters and control systems, providing safer and more efficient ways to display and communicate tank information live in the field.

"The dual communication ports were important for us," Temposonics noted. "They allow us to communicate between the transmitter and the control system while still providing the local display."

Another important advantage was the ability to maintain a 7-inch HMI format, helping keep the system competitively priced.

"Keeping the solution in a 7-inch package was important," the team explained. "If we had to move to a 10-inch or 12-inch platform, it would significantly increase the cost. With the Beijer solution, we were able to maintain the right price point."

These improvements allowed Temposonics to modernize its product offering while maintaining a practical solution for tank farm operators.

Looking ahead

Temposonics continues to focus on applications within the tank farm industry, where reliable field communication and rugged equipment are essential.

This solution will be presented at the International Liquid Terminals Association (ILTA) Conference in Houston during the second week of June, where Temposonics will demonstrate how modern HMI solutions can support tank monitoring and field operations.

As tank farms continue to modernize their operations, solutions that combine rugged hardware, reliable communication, and flexible integration will play an important role in improving safety, efficiency, and operational visibility.