Project
An international iron ore producer was recently looking to replace the aging flowmeter in a refueling station in its rail yard. The company operates more than 20 locomotives and close to 1000 cars to transport nearly 75,000 tonnes of iron ore concentrate along its 420 km private railway every day. On average, five full trains return from the mining site to the port every day. Accurate and efficient Diesel refueling of those trains is very critical to continuous processing and fulfillment of orders.
Solution
Endress+Hauser was contracted to provide a turnkey solution for diesel mass flow measurement and data transmission through a PROFIBUS network. The contract involved installation of two Coriolis flowmeters, a PROFIBUS network, electrical panel and wiring for the new fueling system, starting the system up and complete commissioning. The project provided a number of challenges: The new system had to be installed and functional within 10 weeks and no prolonged interruption of the logistics and production schedule was allowed. The new metering system should be built with the Proline Promass 80E Coriolis flowmeter. This device provides the accuracy demanded and – as Coriolis type meter – does not need temperature or pressure compensation. The project team prepared the new system to the job specifications on budget, meeting the “no-down-time” demands of the company.
Conclusion
After commissioning, the company reviewed the performance and execution of the new system and indicated they are satisfied with the instrumentation and the commissioning process. By installing the flowmeter in a PROFIBUS network, the device will work with any other “Profibus certified components” within the network in the future, regardless of manufacturer. Thus, the company now has a reliable state-of-the-art metering system in their refueling station, providing an accurate understanding of its diesel fuel inventory as they keep their locomotive stock rolling.
Source: Endress+Hauser