Product category:
Level and tank contents instrumentation
News Release from: Omniflex (UK) | Subject: Buncefield
Edited by the Processingtalk Editorial
Team on 24 March 2008
High level tank alarm monitoring for
fuel sites
Following the publication of the 'Buncefield' Incident report relating to fuel and oil storage sites, Omniflex have produced a remote high level tank alarm monitoring system for these applications
The system consists of Maxiflex remote terminal units (RTU) which are located around the facility, each capable of receiving analogue and digital alarm inputs then multiplexing this data over any network type (even two cores of an existing cable could be used to save on network cabling) to a control room for alarm logging and displaying on alarm annunciator displays A further Maxiflex RTU which accepts digital inputs for local alarms is based in the central control room
This article was originally published on Processingtalk on 4 Apr 2003 at 8.00am (UK)
Related stories
Annunciator spares for obsolete "Rochester UC30"
The Omni30 Annunciator has been designed as a replacement for the obsolete RIS UC30 series products, but is based upon the most advanced, field proven Omniflex Omni16C annunciator technology
Total radiological monitoring systems
BNFL and AEA have installed cost effective Omniflex radiological monitoring systems to collect data from their Harwell or Labimpex monitors for processing by plant SCADA systems
This RTU has a relay output module fitted which provides outputs to drive a horn and beacon and at the same time provides the means by which the integrity of the communications link, between the tank farm Maxiflex RTUs and the control room, is monitored.
The relay output module also provides an Alarm 'watchdog' output into a hard-wired IEC61508 SIL1 assessed Omni 16C alarm annunciator.
The control room Maxiflex RTU also provides a Modbus link into a SCADA / DCS system for further logging and display and to Omni-X LED Annunciator display panels via Omni16c Remote Alarm Logic units.
Further reading
Multiple temperature monitoring system
Omniflex has OmniWatch - a temperature monitoring system with a difference: sixteen temperatures can be monitored at once, from any 3 wire RTDs or thermocouples
Tank level monitoring using Hart data acquisition
Omniflex has released a Hart Network Interface Module (NIM) for its highly successful Maxiflex 1000 Series Data Acquisition System, allowing the connection of up to 30 Hart enabled devices
Programme-less front end i/o systems for HMIs
A new set of Maxiflex CPUs from Omniflex are programme-less, requiring no user programmes when used for any data acquisition or telemetry application: simply plug in, connect field wiring and power up
The ultimate test of any industrial product is in service, and the Maxiflex and IEC61508 SIL1 Omni 16C alarm annunciator system is relied upon by many major industries 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
These provide a very large installed base all over the world, and have proved over the years to be extremely reliable.
Some major benefits of using the Maxiflex RTU over other PLCs are:.
* Totally modular design.
* Single Channel architecture design.
* Very easy expansion.
* Totally open system architecture allowing other 3rd party systems to interface if required in the future.
* Total flexibility with communications from any type of network whether it is existing 2 cores of a copper cable (CONET up to 10kms without repeaters), fibre including the blown fibre networks, radio, PSTN, GSM, GPRS, Modbus, Ethernet etc.
* It can perform all Alarm Annunciator functionality.
* Totally distributed in design, enabling the Maxiflex units to be located anywhere on site and be inter-connected via any network back to SCADA / DCS systems.
The Maxiflex I/O system is extremely diverse in its use and is already being used for Data Acquisition, Control IEC61131-3, Alarm/Event monitoring, Alarm Annunciation, Sequence of event monitoring to 1milli-second resolution on digital inputs.
The system totally restores in the event of a power failure, the I/O can be unplugged and replaced without the need to remove the power from the node "Hot swap" is a standard feature.
* Any Maxiflex I/O node can be removed from the network without the loss of communication to other Maxiflex I/O nodes.
* All Analogue inputs are fully inter-channel isolated to 500vac rms and have input to logic isolation of 1500vac rms.
* The Maxiflex system is proven in use and has a 97 year MTBF based on figures of modules returned to factory.
* All equipment meets the EMC codes and practices .
* Complete diagnostics down to the I/O module level with complete self-testing.
For more information please contact Omniflex UK. Request a free brochure from Omniflex (UK) ...
• Omniflex (UK): contact details and other news
• Email this article to a colleague
• Register for the free Processingtalk email newsletter
• Processingtalk Home Page
Search the Pro-Talk network of sites
