The facility, operated by Chemitrade, the bulk solvents division of Ellis & Everard Ltd (E&E) was purpose built to handle BASF oxygenated solvents following a distribution deal agreed with E&E in early 2000.A significant expansion and upgrading of the Cadishead site, which was officially inaugurated in September, brought the seafed, multi-functional facility to world-class standards for a terminal of its kind.

Seven new storage tanks add a further 2,500 cubic metres capacity, bringing the total to 15,000 cubic metres in 50 tanks.

Other infrastructural improvements include new lines to the terminal jetty and tanker loading gantries, as well as new drum and IBC filling stations.

The new storage facilities use the latest technology, with advanced primary containment features such as radar telemetry to measure tank levels and high level alarms to prevent overfilling and overspill. The bunded area was extended.

VEGA instruments were chosen for the tank levels project, a critical part of the upgrade to improve the efficiency of the storage facility. They had been trailed successfully previously and had performed well.High frequency PULS40 series systems are used at this site, they benefit from narrower beam angle, higher accuracy, resolution and smaller antenna systems.

After carrying out a site survey, it was noticed that the vessel entries had differing sizes and varying fittings. This would normally require a selection of models with multiple, non-standard flanges; this would have a significant knock on effect for any spares holdings. As a result of this potential problem, VEGA utilised their high frequency radars with a threaded mounting boss in combination with interchangeable antenna’s, which enables not only the use of vessel entries down to 40mm, but also to allows flanges to be easily swapped too. Only one spare system is now needed.

Field, Office and Internet connectivity was neededbecause of the large number of tanks at the facility. VEGA have supplied their VEGAlog 571 system, a multi-point, expandable solution, allowing up to 15 sensors on one two core cable, this greatly reduces cabling cost and complexity. This also provides E&E with integrated information, interrogation and commissioning all in one system. The VEGAlog can support a webserver card, which can supply ready data and files to a networked computer system or the internet.

E&E also use VEGA Visual software, which takes a direct serial out put from the VEGAlog 571. VEGA Visual provides graphic readouts, communication to the computer network, trends, on screen and messaging alarms. These messaging alarms can be in the form of SMS text messaging, e-mail and Fax. This system can be used, for example, to notify when to resupply or if an overfill level is reached. This integrated solution provides stock information to a wide variety of people, ensuring efficient supply and stock control throughout the supply chain.

Self-Monitoring, Overfill Protection is the final back up for the system. VEGAswing high level switches are used on all tanks as ultimate high level protection.Wired on a completely separate system, these are vibrating fork type, featuring fail-safe, self-monitoring and remote self-test facilities. These switches actively monitor for corrosion, damage, build up and failure to ensure they are still able to operate in the unlikely event of an overfill. These systems conform to  SIL 2 under IEC 61508.

VEGA have commissioned the system and trained staff in house, on use of radar VEGAlog and VEGA Visual software and their maintenance, to provide them with control over their own timescales and budgets by being able to service and modify their own system.

To ensure environmental compliance, E&E worked with the Environment Agency and Health and Safety Executive. Implementation of Responsible Care operation and ISO 9002 criteria ensure that the terminal meets business standards.