Essential Level Measurement for Crude Oil Storage Tanks: Precision That Prevents Loss

Crude Oil Storage Tank Level Measurement: Why Accuracy Matters

Crude oil storage tanks are a vital part of the global energy infrastructure, serving not only as buffer storage for petroleum products but also playing a key role in the separation process of gas, oil, and water. These tanks, whether fixed-roof, floating-roof, or part of FPSO (Floating Production Storage and Offloading) systems, require highly accurate and reliable level measurement technologies to ensure safety, maximize capacity usage, and maintain operational efficiency.

Accurate level measurement in a crude oil storage tank is essential. From preventing overfills and detecting leaks to optimizing pump control and managing custody transfer, the ability to measure both continuous level and point level in real time is critical. That’s why more operators are turning to high-frequency radar level transmitters and Jiwei’s Vibrating Fork Level Switches for liquids.

Radar Level Transmitters: Reliable Non-Contact Measurement for Crude Oil Storage Tanks

Advanced 80 GHz radar level transmitters, like Jiwei’s JWRada-33, provide non-contact continuous measurement even in the harshest conditions. These sensors offer exceptional performance in crude oil tanks, with their narrow beam angle, high signal-to-noise ratio, and minimal dead zone. This makes them ideal for environments with heavy vapors, condensation, and temperature fluctuations.

The radar signal is unaffected by pressure, density, or gas layering, enabling stable measurements even when the tank contains multiphase media like oil, water, and gas. This ensures that the actual liquid level is always tracked in real time, regardless of internal conditions.

Vibrating Fork Level Switches for Liquids: Trusted Point-Level Detection for Crude Oil Storage Tanks

In addition to continuous measurement, point-level detection is critical for high-high or low-low alarm settings, pump control, and overflow protection. Jiwei’s Vibrating Fork Level Switch for liquids offers a robust, plug-and-play solution for such needs. These switches operate reliably in crude oil, emulsions, and interfaces with water or sludge layers.

Thanks to their intrinsic safety certifications, corrosion-resistant design, and absence of moving parts, they are well-suited for hazardous environments typical of petroleum storage. Their compact structure and vibration-based detection mechanism ensure accurate switching regardless of foam, agitation, or coating.

Key Benefits of Jiwei Solutions in Crude Oil Storage Tanks

The combination of radar and vibrating fork level technologies ensures both continuous monitoring and point-level protection, resulting in improved operational control and risk reduction. With Jiwei’s instruments, operators can achieve:

• Reliable, real-time level measurement unaffected by vapor or gas interference
• Optimized use of tank capacity without overfill risk
• Improved process safety with redundant level detection
• Reduced maintenance through non-contact and wear-free design
• Remote monitoring and diagnostics via Bluetooth-enabled smart configuration tools

These benefits not only enhance plant efficiency but also contribute to long-term asset integrity and safety compliance, especially in zones requiring Ex certifications.

Why Both Technologies Are Better Together

Relying solely on one method can leave critical gaps. A radar level transmitter ensures real-time volume tracking, but if communication fails or software glitches, physical backup is necessary. Vibrating fork level switches provide that fail-safe layer—triggering alarms or stopping pumps regardless of system status.

Jiwei’s radar and fork switch solutions are engineered to:

• Enhance operational uptime
• Maximize tank volume without overfill
• Improve compliance with environmental and safety regulations
• Reduce manual monitoring and intervention
• Integrate with DCS/PLC systems via 4–20mA, RS-485, or relay outputs

Together, they deliver smart, dual-layer protection: radar for precision, forks for safety.

Conclusion

A crude oil storage tank isn’t just a steel container—it holds millions in product and millions more in liability. With increasingly strict safety and environmental standards, relying on outdated or imprecise level measurement methods is no longer an option.

Jiwei’s vibrating fork level switch for liquids and 80GHz radar level transmitters give plant operators confidence, compliance, and complete control. With intrinsic safety, remote setup, and robust design, they deliver peace of mind in the world’s most demanding applications.

Protect your tank. Protect your business. Choose Jiwei.