Nedap AVI


Automatic loading control in explosive zones


autoloading.jpgThe Dutch Oil Refineries recently finished a revamp on the loading platforms, which is now hosted by a ‘state of the art’ automated control system. TRANSIT tags help to speed up the traffic and reduces the congestions around the refineries loading area. Of even more importance is a watertight tracking administration of distributed fuel products obliged by the Dutch government.

 

The system requirements

The oil companies needed a reliable identification, tracking and control system to ensure that only authorised trucks are weighed, correctly loaded and administrated in a track record. Controlling this with the manual operation of a regular card system would cause congestions in the traffic flow especially during peaking hours resulting in costly delays. Finally the system needed to operate reliable in the extremely difficult and rugged environment of the petrochemical industry. These requirements are covered by the TRANSIT vehicle identification system.

 

RFID controlled fuel flow

TRANSIT readers are located near the weighing scale, the entrances and the exit, the traffic bottlenecks of the fuel depot. All the trucks and containers are equipped with the all weather Heavy Duty Tag. This exterior mountable tag was developed and approved for operation in hazardous area and explosive zones. When the trucks enter the refinery premises they first are obliged to pass the weighing scale were the incoming weight is recorded. Then the trucks passes the refinery entrance were the drivers is directed to the appropriate loading bay. After verification of the drivers ID card, the driver can mount the filling equipment and start the loading process. Before leaving the refinery, the truck is weighed again, to verify the load with its actual weight. The host of the control system administrates the required transaction data like truck ID, fuel type, loaded, weight, time and date. At the exit the truck driver receives the required consignment forms and leaves the refinery premises, to supply the regional gas stations.

 

Convenient vehicle identification

Instead of opening a window or door to insert or swipe a badge, the reader system identifies the exterior mounted tag as the vehicle passes the reader at the entrance or exit of the refinery yard. No longer drivers need to search for ID cards or badges, stretch out to the reader, making navigation in the explosive environment safer, faster and easier. This long performance enables installation of the reader on the secured side of the yard beyond the reach of vandals.