Tank Level Research Articles

AGTM Optimization Technique for Multi-Model Fractional-Order Controls of Spherical Tanks

Spherical tanks are widely utilized in process industries due to their substantial storage capacity. These industries’ inherent challenges necessitate using highly efficient controllers to manage various process parameters, especially given their nonlinear behavior. This paper proposes the Approximate Generalized Time Moments (AGTM) optimization technique for designing the parameters of multi-model fractional-order controllers for regulating the output (liquid level) of a real-time nonlinear spherical tank. System identification for different regions of the nonlinear process is here innovatively conducted using a black-box model, which is determined to be nonlinear and approximated as a First Order Plus Dead Time (FOPDT) system over each region. Both model identification and controller design are performed in simulation and real-time using a National Instruments NI DAQmx 6211 Data Acquisition (DAQ) card (NI SYSTEMS INDIA PVT. LTD., Bangalore Karnataka, India) and MATLAB/SIMULINK software (MATLAB R2021a). The performance of the overall algorithm is evaluated through simulation and experimental testing, with several setpoints and load changes, and is compared to the performance of other algorithms tuned within the same framework. While traditional approaches, such as integer-order controllers or linear approximations, often struggle to provide consistent performance across the operating range of spherical tanks, it is originally shown how the combination of multi-model fractional-order controller design—AGTM optimization method—GA for expansion point selection and index minimization has benefits in specifically controlling a (difficult to be controlled) nonlinear process.

IoT Water Monitoring: Real-Time Tracking, Auto Turnoff and Alerts

This paper presents an IoT-based water level monitoring and automatic turn-off system that aims to solve the problem of inefficient water management in households, industries, and agricultural settings. It makes use of an ultrasonic sensor, a microcontroller, and a relay module to monitor the water levels in tanks and automatically controls the water pumps to prevent overflow and optimize water usage. The system transmits real-time data to a Blynk app, which allows users to monitor water levels, receive alerts, and even manually control the pump remotely. The system addresses many of the limitations of manual water management systems, promotes sustainable resource utilization, and has the potential for wider applications in different sectors

Minimum Night Flow Estimation in District Metered Areas

The residential minimum water demand characterisation is of fundamental importance for water distribution system management. During the minimum consumption, indeed, maximum pressures are on network pipes, and at the same time, tank levels rise. The water consumption analysis during the period of low demand and high pressure is thus of great interest for leakage estimation due to the increase in water loss with pressure. In order to contribute to the study of and forecast the daily minimum residential water demand, some probability distributions were tested by means of statistical inferences on a data set collected from different District Metering Areas (DMAs), showing that the stochastic minimum flow demand is defined by the Log-Normal (LN), Gumbel (Gu) and Log-Logistic (LL) distributions, as an extreme minimum value. With reference to the analysed DMAs, the parameters of such statistical distributions were estimated and the relationships are provided as a function only of the supplied users for different DMAs. The data were analysed with 1 h intervals of discretisation, with the aim of providing a useful guide to water utilities, which usually manage water distribution system data with such a resolution time. Indeed, once the minimum residential flow consumption at a 1 h interval was estimated as a function of the user number, by subtracting it to the inflow measured, it is possible to estimate the leakages rate at the DMA.

Mechanism of Wear-Out of Sounding Pipes in Ship Ballast Tanks

During the operation of ships in the global commercial fleet, measurements of the current ballast level in ballast tanks are taken under various cargo and ballast conditions. As a result of repeated measurements, the structure at the bottom of the sounding pipes is damaged. The main cause is the impact of the weight at the end of the measuring instruments on the bottom of the pipe. Once the bottom of the pipe is destroyed, the impact is transferred to the hull or double bottom of the ship. In some cases, if timely measures are not taken to limit this phenomenon, the watertight integrity of the ship's hull is compromised. The article examines a possible mechanism of wear of the measuring pipes during the ship's operation. Repairing this type of wear takes a significant part of the ship's repair time and is accompanied by many associated tasks, the cost of which exceeds that of the repair itself. Approximate estimates of the time required for this type of wear to occur have been made. Measures to reduce this adverse effect are proposed.

Neural Network-Based Descent Control for Landers with Sloshing and Mass Variation: A Cascade and Adaptive PID Strategy

Autonomous control of lunar landers is essential for successful space missions, where precision and efficiency are crucial. This study presents a novel control strategy that leverages proportional, integral, and derivative (PID) controllers to manage the altitude, attitude, and position of a lunar lander, considering time-varying mass and sloshing behavior. Additionally, neural network models are developed, to approximate the lander’s mass properties as they change during descent. The challenge lies in the significant mass variations due to fuel, oxidizer, and pressurant consumption, which affect the lander’s inertia and sloshing behavior and complicate control efforts. We have developed a control-oriented model incorporating these mass dynamics, employing multiple PID controllers to linearize the system and enhance control precision. Altitude is maintained by one PID controller, while two others adjust the thrust vector control (TVC) gimbal angles to manage pitch and roll, with a fourth controller governing yaw via a reaction control system (RCS). A cascade PD controller further manages position by feeding commands to the attitude controllers, ensuring the lander reaches its target location. The lander’s TVC mechanism, equipped with a spherical gimbal, provides thrust in the desired direction, with control angles α and β regulated by the PID controllers. To improve the model’s accuracy, we have introduced time delays caused by fluid dynamics and actuator response, modeled via computational fluid dynamics (CFD). Fluid sloshing effects are also simulated as external forces acting on the lander. The neural networks are trained using data derived from computer-aided design (CAD) simulations of the lander vehicle, specifically the inertia tensor and the center of mass (COM) based on the varying mass levels in the tanks. The trained neural networks (NNs) can then use lander tank levels and orientation to inform and accurately predict the lander’s COM and inertia tensor in real time during the mission. The implications of this research are significant for future lunar missions, offering enhanced safety and efficiency in vehicle descent and landing operations. Our approach allows for real-time estimation of the lander’s state and for precise execution of maneuvers, verified through complex numerical simulations of the descent, hover, and landing phases.

Improving Crude Oil Tank Inventory Stock Availability Through Compact Solution Method to Ensure National Fuel Supply Security at PT Kilang Pertamina International Unit VI Balongan

PT Pertamina International Refinery Unit VI Balongan plays a crucial role in maintaining national fuel oil (BBM) and special fuel (BBK) supply resilience. However, challenges such as declining crude oil storage capacity due to tank damage and limited space threaten the continuity of refinery operations and the stability of national energy supply. This study aims to address this issue by implementing the compact solution method to enhance crude oil stock availability and secure the national fuel supply. Using a quantitative approach with descriptive methods, the research collected data through observation, document review, and literature study. The data were analyzed qualitatively to assess the impact of the compact solution method. The results indicate a significant improvement in crude oil stock availability, which increased from 60.14% (using the off-stream repair method) to 72.9%. Additionally, the tank level was successfully increased to a maximum of 13,990 mm, adhering to API 650 or API 579 FFS Level 3 standards. This improvement extends the operational lifespan of the tank to 62 years, reducing maintenance costs and ensuring uninterrupted refinery operations. The findings highlight the effectiveness of the compact solution method in addressing crude oil tank capacity issues and securing national energy resilience. These results provide valuable insights for energy sector stakeholders in optimizing crude oil storage and refinery operations while minimizing repair costs and downtime.

Virtual tool of nonlinear model of interconnected tanks with PID control implementation using EJsS

This paper describes the development and implementation of a virtual tool (TANQUES EN SERIE PID) of a system of two interconnected tanks made in Easy Java/JavaScript Simulations (EJS,), a tool that seeks to motivate learning control concepts in engineering programs. The simulated model corresponds to the non-linear system of interconnected tanks, which presents graphically the behavior of tank levels on an open loop, this application allows varying physical input parameters of the process, as the cross section of the tanks, resistivity constants of the valves and the input flow of process. The system is also presented in closed loop, presenting the behavior when a PID controller is implemented to the process, controller and time constants can be modified to enter a disturbance to the model and by doing this we are verifying the time response and system reaction when subjected to a perturbation. The tool is verified comparing the results using Simulink and equilibrium equations.

Analysis of thermal and mechanical properties with inventory level of the molten salt storage tank in central receiver concentrating solar power plants

Molten salt thermal energy storage (TES) tanks ensure steady power output of concentrating solar power (CSP) plants; however, recent tank failures have highlighted the need for further analysis. Current studies primarily focus on analyzing the molten salt flow, heat transfer, and thermal efficiency. Additionally, research on the latest tank structures is limited and lacks newest experimental validation. This study measures temperature and molten salt inventory levels in the high-temperature tank at a 50 MW central receiver CSP plant, connected to the power grid in 2019. A multi-physics model was developed to evaluate thermal and mechanical properties of TES tanks by combining computational fluid dynamics and finite element modeling using real plant data. Heat loss, temperature, displacement, and stress distribution of the tank at different inventory levels were investigated. Results show that ambient air velocity near the tank roof reaches 2.14 m/s, much higher than 0.2 m/s near the wall. The temperatures of inventory fluid and tank are close, varying slightly at different levels due to thermal conduction and radiation. Because the heat loss strongly depends on temperature, the total tank loss remains nearly constant across inventory levels. Larger temperature gradients and thermal stresses are primarily localized along the tank floor edge and the air-salt interface. Notably, the maximum thermal stress at the tank edge is three times higher than that at the interface. The magnitude of total stress changes by less than 5 MPa with and without thermal load, indicating that high temperatures exert only a minor impact on tank stress. In contrast, thermal load significantly affects tank deformation, particularly at the roof edge, where values exceed 150 mm. Despite the large variation in molten salt levels, tank wall temperatures and displacements present a minor change, suggesting a weak correlation with inventory levels. The findings obtained in this study provide important insights on the TES tank that could be used to optimize tank design and operation strategies.

Smart Fuel Monitoring for Agricultural Fleet Operations Using Tilt Sensors and Cloud Data Processing

This paper presents a novel Internet of Things (IoT)-based fuel monitoring and tracking system designed to address limitations of traditional fuel gauges and enhance fleet management efficiency. The system leverages an accelerometer and Arduino microcontroller to measure fuel level by detecting tilt angles within the tank. This data, along with real-time location from GPS, is transmitted to a cloud platform for processing and visualization. A mobile application, "Tracer," empowers users with insights into fuel level, location on a map, and distance traveled. Graphical fuel consumption patterns further aid in optimization strategies. This solution offers real-time data for improved fuel efficiency, proactive route planning, and overall fleet management. The proposed system is successfully implemented IOT based technology. This sys in Ada fruit IO cloud issued to provide information about vehicle location, fuel level in tank and distance travelled by the vehicle.

Analysis of Water Dynamics at the Effluent Treatment Station of Cooperoque: Evaluation of Precipitation, Evaporation, and Infiltration of Effluent from a Milk Refrigeration Station

Purpose: The study aims to analyze water dynamics at the Cooperoque Effluent Treatment Station, focusing on the interactions between precipitation, evaporation, and effluent infiltration to enhance water resource management. Theoretical reference: The research references various studies and methodologies related to the quantification of evaporation from lakes and reservoirs, particularly in semi-arid regions, utilizing the Jensen-Haise Method for evaporation estimation. The research aligns with previous studies, such as Mallmann (2014), on water infiltration in soil management, emphasizing the importance of understanding water dynamics for sustainable resource management. Method: The study employs the Jensen-Haise Method to calculate evaporation rates, covering the period from January 2023 to October 2024. It examines the effects of precipitation, evaporation, and effluent infiltration on tank levels. Results and conclusion: The results reveal that tank levels are influenced by precipitation, evaporation, and effluent infiltration, with more significant declines during dry months and smaller reductions during periods of high precipitation. Evaporation rates, calculated using the Jensen-Haise Method, are higher in warmer months, contributing to lower tank levels, while these rates decrease in colder months. A notable anomaly occurred in May 2024 when effluent infiltration exceeded the volume of generated effluents and rainfall due to the activation of an irrigation system. Key findings indicate that lake levels drop more during dry months, with a significant negative water balance observed in May 2024 due to excessive infiltration during heavy rainfall. The study concludes that adaptive water management strategies are necessary to address climatic variations and improve the efficiency of the effluent treatment system. Implications of research: The research provides valuable insights for developing adaptive water management strategies to address climatic variations and improve the efficiency of effluent treatment systems. Continuous monitoring is emphasized as crucial for sustainable water resource management. Originality/value: The study highlights the complex interactions between precipitation, evaporation, and effluent dynamics, offering a foundation for improved water management practices and contributing to the preservation of regional water resources. The study contributes to the understanding of water dynamics at effluent treatment stations, offering practical insights for managing water resources effectively. It highlights the importance of adaptive strategies and continuous monitoring to maintain pond levels and optimize the treatment process.

Using IoT for Cistern and Water Tank Level Monitoring

This paper proposes an experimental design to publish online the measurements obtained from four sensors: one sensor inside a cistern measures the level of drinking water, another sensor in a water tank monitors its level, a third sensor measures water flow or pressure from the pipes, and a fourth sensor assesses water quality. Several tank filling and emptying tests were performed. Experimental results demonstrated that if the cistern perceived that there was no water in the tank, it turned on the water pump to fill the tank to 100% of its storage capacity; while this was happening, the water level in the cistern and tank, the flow of water from the piped water, and the quality of the water could be visualized on a dashboard. In short, this proposal monitors water levels and flows through the Internet of Things. Data collected by sensors are posted online and stored in a database.

An innovative approach to PID governor upgrade for reaching SFC regulation stability

Abstract Due to the growing number of renewable power sources in electrical grids, there is a need for expanding the number of generating units capable of providing power-frequency ancillary services. Hydropower is emerging as a viable provider of secondary frequency control (SFC) however, many units, esp. those with complex waterway systems, cannot achieve the stability requirements for SFC using conventional PID governors. In the paper, an innovative approach to a PID governor upgrade for a hydropower plant Alpaslan-2 in Turkey is presented. The modelling of the hydraulic system and turbine governor was implemented and tested in the computer software SIMSEN. An upgraded PID governor includes a wicket gate manoeuvring compensation loop, surge tank level oscillation compensation loop, and a feed forward loop. With the improved model, we achieved (in a simulation and on site) a load fluctuation inside the ±1% load range during small and large load reference changes. This allowed the Alpaslan-2 HPP to conform to the Turkish grid SFC and primary frequency control (PFC) requirements.

RANCANG BANGUN MODEL MONITORING UNDERGROUND TANK SPBU DENGAN MENGGUNAKAN SENSOR ULTRASONIK BERBASIS INTERNET OF THINGS (IOT)

The management of underground tanks at gas stations is a crucial aspect to ensure the availability and safety of fuel. However, conventional methods for monitoring fuel levels in tanks are often ineffective and prone to human error. To address this issue, this research designs and develops a model for an underground tank monitoring system using ultrasonic sensors Internet of Things (IoT) integrated technology. The ultrasonic sensors are used to measure the fuel level in the tank in real-time, and this data is then transmitted to an IoT platform for analysis and monitoring through a user interface that can be accessed remotely. This system is expected to enhance operational efficiency and safety in the management of underground tanks at gas stations and provide early warnings in the event of abnormal conditions, such as leaks or excessively low fuel levels. The implementation results demonstrate that this system can provide accurate and reliable information, enabling better decision-making in fuel stock management

Removal of nitrate and phosphate by aquatic plants during aquarium-based ornamental fish production

Abstract Objective The rising demand for ornamental fish and plants in aquariums is met through industrial production. However, higher production densities may negatively impact water quality (such as ammonia, nitrate, nitrite, and dissolved oxygen levels), thus impacting production. This can be mitigated by utilizing specific aquatic plants to promote sustainable ornamental fish production. This study aimed to determine how the water quality in ornamental fish tanks can be improved using two floating aquarium plant species: Najas grass Najas guadalupensis and Java moss Taxiphyllum barbieri. Methods The efficiency of nitrate and phosphate filtration by the two plant species was determined in aquariums containing Endler Guppies Poecilia wingei. The duration of the study was 4 weeks, and the water quality parameters were measured weekly. The growth rates of the two plants were measured at the beginning and end of the study period. Result Najas grass effectively maintained lower nitrate and phosphate levels while showing robust growth. By week 4, nitrate levels in control tanks rose to 33.75 and 35.00 mg/L in the two independent experiments, while nitrate in tanks with Najas grass only reached 8.75 and 11.50 mg/L. Phosphate levels in control tanks increased to 2.42 and 2.40 mg/L compared to 1.075 and 1.05 mg/L in tanks with Najas grass. In single-species tanks, Najas grass showed a 1.6-fold biomass increase, while Java moss showed a 1.2-fold increase. In tanks with both species, Najas grass biomass increased significantly, whereas Java moss biomass decreased. Conclusion The superior competitive ability of Najas grass (allelopathy and increased nutrient uptake) underlies the findings of this study and indicates that this species is a better option for maintaining low levels of nitrate and phosphate in aquarium water. This finding can contribute to creating a cleaner and healthier environment for fish species involved in industrial ornamental fish production and trade.

Coupled Tanks Level Control Based on Volume Balance Method

Abstract The laboratory bench “Coupled tanks” represents a model of real technological plans where the levels and flow rates of liquids must be controlled. Such training benches are very common and there is a very large number of publications related to their control. All publications work with a non-linear model based on the Bernoulli equation for ideal fluids, which is non-linear – the square root of the fluid height is present. This equation or system of equations is linearized and attempts are made to control such systems by means of linear models. This article shows that this approach is not correct and proposes a completely different one based on the volume balance method.

Stability Analysis Of Two-Position Control System In Interacting Tanks Using Describing Function Method

In a water storage unit consisting of 3 interacting tanks, in its operation there will be problems if manual control is used, because if manual control is not optimal, then when filling water in the three tanks it will cause water overflow, which results in a lot of water being wasted. Two-position control, or "on-off," is a control system that is suitable for use in regulating the water level in the storage unit tank. In a two-position control system, if the frequency of water up and down (Limit Cycle) is large, it will cause an increase in the number of "switching" and "on-off" operations of the switch and solenoid valve per minute, so that the system becomes unstable and will shorten the life of the component. The Describing Function (DF) method is an analysis method that can determine the Limit Cycle frequency based on the width of the water up and down range (hysteresis) of the two-position control system, with the aim of determining the hysteresis parameters that cause the system to be stable.

Energy coupling and surge wave superposition of upstream series double surge tanks of pumped storage power station

Pumped storage power station with surge tank is common, and surge wave superposition can cause more dangerous water levels. This paper aims to study the energy coupling and surge wave superposition of upstream series double surge tanks of pumped storage power station. Firstly, the simulation model of pumped storage power station based on method of characteristics is established. Combined operating conditions are illuminated. Then, surge wave control strategies coupling gravitational search algorithm, relative objective proximity and marginal analysis principle are designed. Coupling control domains are determined to perform surge wave superposition analyses under single objective and multi-objective. Finally, the energy coupling and conversion mechanisms are revealed. The results show that the coupling control domains of combined operating conditions with same initial operating condition are the same. Control domains for undamped and damped systems contain two and three sub control domains, respectively. Based on energy conversion mechanisms between discharges and water levels, the number of discharge superposition points of pipelines affects energy coupling strength by changing coupling oscillations of water levels in surge tanks, which is related to the pipeline parameters, surge tank parameters and system damping. Energy coupling affects surge wave superposition by changing the actual control water level.

De novo biosynthesis of β-Arbutin in Komagataella phaffii based on metabolic engineering strategies

Backgroundβ-Arbutin, found in the leaves of bearberry, stands out as one of the globally acknowledged eco-friendly whitening additives in recent years. However, the natural abundance of β-Arbutin is low, and the cost-effectiveness of using chemical synthesis or plant extraction methods is low, which cannot meet the requirements. While modifying the β-Arbutin synthesis pathway of existing strains is a viable option, it is hindered by the limited synthesis capacity of these strains, which hinders further development and application.ResultsIn this study, we established a biosynthetic pathway in Komagataella phaffii for β-Arbutin production with a titer of 1.58 g/L. Through diverse metabolic strategies, including fusion protein construction, enhancing shikimate pathway flux, and augmenting precursor supplies (PEP, E4P, and UDPG), we significantly increased β-Arbutin titer to 4.32 g/L. Further optimization of methanol concentration in shake flasks led to a titer of 6.32 g/L titer after 120 h of fermentation, representing a fourfold increase over the initial titer. In fed-batch fermentation, strain UA3-10 set a record with the highest production to date, reaching 128.6 g/L in a 5 L fermenter.ConclusionsThis is the highest yield in the fermentation tank level of using microbial cell factories for de novo synthesis of β-Arbutin. Applying combinatorial engineering strategies has significantly improved the β-Arbutin yield in K. phaffii and is a promising approach for synthesizing functional products using a microbial cell factory. This study not only advances low-cost fermentation-based production of β-Arbutin but also establishes K. phaffii as a promising chassis cell for synthesizing other aromatic amino acid metabolites.Graphical abstract

Establishing a Remote Area Network for an Automation System: A Case Study of Yeni Karpuzlu Drinking Water Automation

Yeni Karpuzlu is a town located in the Ipsala district of Edirne province. The drinking water needs of this town are supplied from a deep water well. Water is pumped from the deep well using a submersible pump and sent to a 500-m 3 capacity concrete water tank. Here, the water goes the town's water demand through natural flow. The water is then sent from the tank, which is located 30 meters above ground level, to the town. There is a distance of 800 meters between the well and the tank, and 6000 meters between the tank and the control center located in the town. A local network has been established using outdoor access points for communication between the industrial control devices located at these three points. Data from the instruments are collected at a speed of 300mbps. Additionally, it is sent to the video center via IP cameras for area security. All devices on this network communicate with each other and are controlled. This paper will discuss the operation of the automation system mentioned above. Operations include the pump operation based on tank levels, pressure control using an adjustable valve to maintain network pressure, and monitoring and control operations from the central unit.

Experiment-based feasibility study of LNG equipment-embedded fuel gas supply system for vessels

This study introduces and validates an innovative Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Equipment-Embedded Fuel Gas Supply System (LEEF) designed for small LNG-fueled vessels. These ships face significant challenges in implementing LNG Fuel Gas Supply Systems (FGSS) owing to limited space and stringent regulatory requirements to reduce Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions. The LEEF system addresses these challenges by replacing the external Pressure Build-up Unit (PBU) with an integrated in-tank Electric PBU (EPBU) and vaporizer, enhancing spatial efficiency and safety while reducing LNG leakage risks. The experimental results indicate that the Pressure Rise Rate (PRR) accelerates with higher tank levels and increases the EPBU power. The PRR doubled at higher liquid levels and improved by 30–44 % with increased EPBU power at a constant liquid level. The EPBU effectively maintained the tank pressure against flow variations, achieving pressure control with minimal power. A review of international regulations and codes confirms that the EPBU satisfies explosion-proof standards and ensures stable operation. The LEEF system demonstrated substantial potential for application in small LNG-fueled ships by combining improved spatial efficiency and enhanced safety. This study contributes to the development of the FGSS solution that is more compact and safer compared to conventional systems, encouraging sustainable marine propulsion.