UK fuel distributor adds Atex-rated ball valves for tank overfill protection
7 Dec 2009
London - Flow and level measuring company Severn Instruments has a contract with one of the UK’s largest fuel distributors to install its tank overfill protection alarm system (TOPAS) system in depots right across the UK.
The TOPAS system is critical to safe and efficient operation at fuel depots, as fuel spillages are potentially hazardous and cost around £1,000 per litre to clean up. The system employs Burkert’s 8804 ATEX-rated electrically actuated ball valves for the safe shut off of heating oil and diesel fuels at the depots.
“The tanks at the depots where we are fitting our TOPAS system range from 50,000-litres up to-1,000,000 litres,” said John Roberts, owner of Severn Instruments. “With such large volumes, the depot operators have to be very careful of overfilling of tanks during deliveries. This is where our TOPAS system comes in.”
After checking in, drivers delivering fuel to the depot connect their hose to the appropriate tank; this could be Kerosene (heating oil) or white or red diesel. The driver then presses a button on a central control panel to test the tank alarm system. Normally this is set at 97% of volume, 2% above the normal gauging level of 95%.
If the alarm sounds, then the gauging system is operative and the filling cycle begins. However, if for any reason the filling exceeds the 95% level, the alarm system blasts and signals the Burkert 8804 valves to close in a timed sequence of less than 30-seconds – this to give time to switch the pump off – preventing any fuel spilling over the top of the tank.
“When we won this contact we knew that we needed a highly reliable, IP67 rated, ATEX shut-off valve that would operate seamlessly with our TOPAS system. Burkert’s 8804 valve ticked all of these boxes; we were also recommended to use Burkert on the project,” said Roberts.
The Type 8804 design as used by Severn Instruments is suitable for use with aggressive media, such as fuel oils and diesel, and for operation in arduous conditions, thanks to an IP67 ingress rating. The ATEX-rated valve integrates a small electrical rotary actuator with adjustable limit switches and a manual override, a visual indicator into a single compact, and robust assembly that is easy to install in restricted spaces.
