Mixed inventory measurement system and method for tank metering

Abstract

Methods, systems, and apparatus for tank metering involve calculating a first mass of a product in a tank using data indicative of a first condition and calculating a second mass of the product in the tank using data indicative of a second condition, where the data indicative of the first condition is collected independently of the data indicative of the second condition, and reporting a tank quality of the product in the tank based on a comparison of the first quality and the second quality. In some embodiments, a first mass may be calculated based on data obtained from a mixed inventory measurement system (HIMS), and a second mass may be calculated based on data obtained from a liquid level metering system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments generally relate to liquid measurement systems. Embodiments also relate to sensors used in industrial processes to monitor liquids and other products stored in tanks, including level sensors, density sensors, temperature sensors, and pressure sensors. Embodiments also relate to the field of tank gauging. Background Art

[0002] Liquid level measurement systems and equipment play a vital role in industrial applications, especially when it comes to measuring the conditions (e.g., level, density, quality, etc.) of liquids (such as hydrocarbons) in storage tanks during various industrial processes. These systems and related equipment are important for a variety of reasons. For example, accurate liquid level measurement allows for better process optimization. By knowing the exact level of the liquid in the storage tank, the operator can ensure that the correct amount of material is present for efficient operation. This knowledge helps maintain proper inventory control, avoid overflow or depletion, and optimize productivity.

[0003] Furthermore, incorrect level measurement can lead to hazardous situations. If the liquid level exceeds the capacity of the tank, this can cause overflows, leaks or even explosions. On the other hand, running the process with insufficient liquid can lead to damage to equipment or risks to personnel. A reliable level measurement system helps prevent such accidents and protect the environment.

[0004] Liquid levels in industrial processes often correspond to valuable resources. Accurate level measurement enables efficient resource management by monitoring and controlling the amount of material being used. This helps to reduce waste, optimize production costs, and ensure the availability of materials when they are needed.

[0005] Level measurement serves as an important input variable for process control systems. By continuously monitoring the level, these systems can automatically regulate the flow of liquids, maintain the desired level, and trigger appropriate actions, such as opening / closing valves or starting pumps. This ensures consistent operation and reduces the need for manual intervention.

[0006] In certain processes, maintaining a specific liquid level can be critical to ensuring product quality. For example, in the chemical or pharmaceutical industries, precise ingredient levels are necessary to achieve the desired formulation. Accurate level measurement helps maintain batch consistency, product quality, and compliance with regulatory requirements.

[0007] Level measurement systems provide valuable data for maintenance and troubleshooting purposes. By monitoring levels over time, operators can detect anomalies, identify potential equipment failures, and proactively schedule maintenance activities. This helps minimize downtime, increase equipment life, and optimize maintenance costs.

[0008] In many industrial applications, tanks and processes may be located in remote or hazardous areas. Level measurement devices equipped with advanced communication technology allow remote monitoring and control. Operators can access real-time data, make informed decisions, and respond quickly to any problems, thereby improving overall efficiency and safety.

[0009] Therefore, level measurement systems and equipment are crucial in industrial applications, including measuring the level of liquids such as hydrocarbons in storage tanks. They contribute to process optimization, safety, resource management, process control, quality assurance, maintenance and remote monitoring. Accurate level measurement ensures efficient and safe operations, minimizes risks, and supports the overall productivity and profitability of industrial processes. Summary of the invention

[0010] The following summary of the invention is provided to facilitate understanding of some features of the embodiments disclosed in the present invention, and is not intended to be a complete description. A comprehensive understanding of the various aspects of the embodiments disclosed herein can be obtained by taking the specification, claims, drawings and abstract as a whole.

[0011]

[0011] Accordingly, one aspect of an embodiment is to provide improved liquid measurement methods and systems.

[0012] Another aspect of the embodiments is to provide improved tank gauging methods and systems.

[0013] Yet another aspect of the embodiments is to provide a hybrid tank gauging solution.

[0014] The above aspects and other objectives can now be achieved as described herein. In one embodiment, a method for tank gauging may involve calculating a first mass of a product in a tank using data indicative of a first condition and calculating a second mass of the product in the tank using data indicative of a second condition, wherein the data indicative of the first condition is collected independently of the data indicative of the second condition; and reporting a tank mass of the product in the tank based on a comparison of the first mass and the second mass.

[0015] In one embodiment, reporting the tank quality of the product in the tank based on the comparison of the first quality and the second quality may further involve reporting the tank quality when the result of the comparison is within an uncertainty between the required first quality and the second quality.

[0016] An embodiment may also involve reporting a troubleshooting issue when the result of the comparison is not within an uncertainty between the required first quality and the second quality.

[0017] In one embodiment, the data indicative of the first condition of the product in the tank may include pressure data.

[0018] In one embodiment, the data indicative of the first condition of the product in the tank may include a hydrostatic pressure.

[0019] In one embodiment, the data indicative of the first condition of the product in the tank may include a level of the product in the tank.

[0020] In one embodiment, the data indicative of the first condition of the product in the tank may include density and / or temperature.

[0021] An embodiment may also involve: measuring a first condition in the tank using a first sensor, and providing data indicative of the first condition from the first sensor; and measuring a second condition in the tank using a second sensor independent of the first sensor, wherein the second sensor provides data indicative of the second condition.

[0022] In one embodiment, the first sensor may be a fluid static pressure sensor.

[0023] In one embodiment, the second sensor may comprise a level sensor for measuring the level of product in the tank.

[0024] In one embodiment, the first mass may be calculated based on data obtained from a hybrid inventory measurement system (HIMS), and the second mass may be calculated based on data obtained from a level gauging system. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The accompanying drawings further illustrate the embodiments and together with the detailed description serve to explain the principles of the embodiments, wherein like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the several views and the accompanying drawings are incorporated into and form a part of the specification.

[0026] Figure 1 A flow chart illustrating operations according to an embodiment showing logical operational steps for implementing a tank gauging method;

[0027] Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of a tank gauging system suitable for use in accordance with an embodiment; and

[0028] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a tank gauging system that can be implemented according to an alternative embodiment is shown.

[0029] The same or similar parts or elements in the drawings may be denoted by the same reference numerals. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] The specific values ​​and configurations discussed in these non-limiting examples may vary, and are cited merely to illustrate one or more embodiments, and are not intended to limit the scope thereof.

[0031] The subject matter will now be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the subject matter and show specific exemplary embodiments by way of example. However, the subject matter can be embodied in a variety of different forms, and therefore the subject matter covered or claimed is intended to be construed as not limited to any exemplary embodiment listed herein; the exemplary embodiments are provided for illustration only. Likewise, the subject matter intended to be claimed or covered has an appropriately broad scope. Among other things, the subject matter may be embodied as a method, device, component, or system. Thus, the embodiments may, for example, take the form of hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof. Therefore, the following specific embodiments are not intended to be construed as having a limiting meaning.

[0032] Throughout the specification and claims, in addition to the meanings explicitly stated, terms may have slightly different meanings suggested or implied by the context. Likewise, phrases such as "in an embodiment" or "in one embodiment" or "in an exemplary embodiment" and variations thereof as used herein may or may not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, and phrases "in another embodiment" or "in another exemplary embodiment" and variations thereof as used herein may or may not necessarily refer to different embodiments. For example, the claimed subject matter is intended to include, in whole or in part, a combination of the exemplary embodiments.

[0033] Generally speaking, the term can be understood at least in part from the usage in the context. For example, terms such as "and", "or" or "and / or" as used herein may include multiple meanings that may depend at least in part on the context in which such terms are used. Generally speaking, if "or" is used in an association list, such as A, B or C, it is intended to represent A, B and C used in an inclusive sense here, and A, B or C used in an exclusive sense here. In addition, the term "one or more" as used herein depends at least in part on the context and can be used to describe any feature, structure or characteristic in a singular sense, or can be used to describe a combination of features, structures or characteristics in a plural sense. Similarly, terms such as "one", "a kind of" or "the" also depend at least in part on the context and can be understood to convey singular usage or express plural usage. In addition, the term "at least one" can refer to "one or more". For example, "at least one widget" can refer to "one or more widgets".

[0034] Additionally, the term "based on" should be understood as not necessarily intended to convey an exclusive set of factors, but rather may depend, at least in part, on the context, allowing for the presence of additional factors that are not necessarily explicitly described again.

[0035] Figure 1 A flow chart showing the logical operating steps of a method 100 for tank gauging is shown in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 The tank gauging operations shown in the various boxes in FIG. 1 may be performed with respect to a tank such as in Figure 2 The process is performed with the tank 200 shown in FIG. 1 and discussed in more detail below.

[0036] like Figure 1 As shown in block 102 in FIG. 1 , steps or operations may be performed for product pressure measurement using, for example, one or more differential pressure sensors. Additionally, as depicted at block 104, steps or operations may be performed for product level measurement. The operations may be performed using, for example, a servo device or an automatic tank gauge (ATG). A non-limiting example of a servo device is a 954 SmartServo FlexLine device from Honeywell International Inc. A non-limiting example of an ATG is a 990 SmartRadar FlexLine product from Honeywell International Inc.

[0037] As shown at block 106, a step or operation may be performed to determine the density. This operation may be performed by laboratory analysis and may be reported relative to a reference temperature. As shown at block 108, a step or operation may be performed to measure the temperature of the product. This operation may be performed, for example, using a temperature sensing device / system, such as, for example, the VITO temperature product available from Honeywell International Inc.

[0038] As depicted at block 102, the determined pressure measurement data may be used for a mass calculation as shown at block 110, which involves the calculation of the mass in the tank. The mass calculation shown at block 110 may also involve data obtained from a tank table, as shown at block 112. A tank table is a data file from or related to a tank calibration. Note that the tank table may also be used for a total observed volume (TOV) calculation, as shown at block 114. That is, the operations depicted at block 114 may involve a TOV calculation, including calculating the observed volume in the tank.

[0039] The operations depicted at block 114 may also be combined with the use of data generated by the operations shown at block 104, involving product level measurement data (e.g., the level of liquid in the tank). Thus, the TOV calculation performed as shown at block 114 may involve using a tank table with the product level measurement data for use in the TOV calculation. The results from the operations performed at block 114 may then be used with the mass calculation operations indicated at block 116 (i.e., calculating the mass in the tank). That is, the operations shown at block 116 also involve calculating the mass in the tank.

[0040] The density measurement data obtained from the density operation depicted at box 106 and the temperature measurement data obtained from the temperature measurement data shown at box 108 can be used for CTL calculations, as shown at box 118. The CTL calculations depicted at box 118 involve calculating the actual density from the reference density. These CTL calculations are also combined with data obtained from the product selection operation, as shown at box 120. The operations indicated at box 120 can be implemented by settings made in the system (e.g., a tank gauging system). It is noted that the results of the CTL calculations can be used as part of the mass calculation operation depicted at box 116.

[0041] In the context of tank gauging, CTL calculation refers to the calculation of the Corrected Tank Level (CTL). Corrected Tank Level is an important parameter used to determine the exact volume of liquid contained within a storage tank, accounting for changes in temperature, pressure and other factors that can affect the measured level.

[0042] Tank gauging systems such as Figure 2 The tank gauging system 200 shown generally relies on instruments such as level sensors, temperature sensors, and pressure sensors to monitor and measure the liquid level of the tank. However, these measurements may be affected by environmental conditions (such as temperature changes), which may cause the liquid volume to expand or contract.

[0043] In order to accurately calculate the volume of liquid, the measured tank level needs to be corrected or adjusted based on factors such as temperature and pressure. This is where the CTL calculation comes in. The CTL calculation takes into account the specific characteristics of the stored liquid, including its coefficient of thermal expansion and compressibility, to compensate for changes in temperature and pressure.

[0044] The formula used for CTL calculation can vary depending on the specific tank gauging system and the parameters being considered. Typically, it involves applying a correction factor to the measured tank level based on the current temperature and pressure conditions. By adjusting the measured level with the appropriate correction factor, CTL provides an accurate representation of the volume of liquid within the tank, accounting for the effects of temperature and pressure changes.

[0045] CTL calculations are important in industries where liquid volumes must be accurately measured, such as oil and gas, chemical manufacturing, and storage terminals. Accurate volume calculations are important for inventory management, custody transfer operations, and regulatory compliance. By accounting for temperature and pressure effects, as well as other parameters, the CTL calculations depicted at box 118 can help ensure accurate and reliable tank gauge measurements and improve overall operational efficiency.

[0046] The results of the quality calculations performed as shown in boxes 110 and boxes 116 can be compared as shown in decision box 122. That is, the operation shown at box 122 can involve a comparison of two independent measurement principles and a test as to whether the two numbers are within the required uncertainty of each other. If the answer is "no", then as depicted at box 124, steps or operations can be implemented to report a troubleshooting problem. For example, a report can be generated that the system is far out of range accuracy, or, for example, manual input may have been entered incorrectly. However, if the answer is "yes" with respect to decision box 122, then as shown in box 126, steps or operations can be performed to report the quality of the tank.

[0047] Figure 1 The method shown combines aspects of both a hybrid inventory measurement system (HIMS) and a level metering system. For example, the pressure measurement operation using pressure measurement operations via one or more "smart" pressure transmitters (including but not limited to differential pressure sensors associated with such smart pressure transmitters) relative to the pressure measurement operation shown at box 102 and the tank meter operation depicted at box 112, together with the TOV calculation described herein relative to box 114, are aspects of a hybrid level system such as a HIMS. It is noted that the HIMS can be used to measure liquid level with the aid of any automatic tank gauging (ATG) equipment, and / or to measure volume as well as density via pressure sensors. However, the HIMS can utilize a level measurement device and a "smart" pressure transmitter and temperature measurement device, which can allow for very accurate calculations of volume. Figure 1 The method shown in may also include using level gauging systems and techniques, such as shown at block 104 and discussed herein.

[0048] Figure 1 The method 100 shown is operable to have the advantages of a combination of a hydrostatic level gauging system and a level gauging system. For a level measurement system, density and product temperature may be required separately. The HIMS system may automatically measure the level. However, in most cases, the HIMS system may not measure, for example, the position of a pressure sensor. However, a level system such as the one described above may be used to measure the level of the product. Figure 1 The level system described in block 104 may measure to the bottom of the tank.

[0049] Thus, this combined system measures all the data needed for the mass calculations shown in boxes 110 and 116, and can measure to the bottom of the tank. In addition, data from two independent systems, such as Figure 1 This improves reliability. Figure 1 As shown, the two independent systems are generally divided between the pressure measurement operation depicted at block 102 and the product level measurement operation, density measurement operation and temperature measurement operation as shown at blocks 104, 106 and 108, respectively.

[0050] Figure 22 shows a schematic diagram of a tank gauging system 200 that may be suitable for use in accordance with an embodiment. It should be understood that Figure 2 The tank gauging system 200 shown in is representative of one possible tank gauging system that may be used to implement one or more embodiments. Other types of tank gauging systems and components may be implemented in the context of different / alternative embodiments.

[0051] The tank gauging system 200 may be used to measure conditions (e.g., level, density, etc.) in a tank 202 having a product 214 therein. The tank 202 is not necessarily part of the actual tank gauging system 200, but is illustrated herein for exemplary purposes only and to show one possible embodiment. The tank gauging system 200 may include one or more sensors, such as, for example, a first pressure sensor 210, a second pressure sensor 208, and a third pressure sensor 206. The tank gauging system 200 may also include a level sensing device 204 and a still tube 205 that may extend downwardly into the product 214 contained in the tank 202. It should be understood that the use of a still tube such as still tube 205 is not a requirement of an embodiment. The use of still tube 205 is mentioned here for illustrative purposes only. Other tank gauging systems may be implemented without the use of a still tube.

[0052] Figure 2 The level sensing device 204 shown in can be, for example, a servo device or an automatic tank gauge (ATG), such as described above.One or more of the pressure sensors 210, 208, and 206 can be, for example, a differential pressure sensor, also such as discussed above.

[0053] Non-limiting examples of pressure sensors 210, 208, and / or 206 include the STD800 available from Honeywell International. Series of differential pressure sensors. Examples of these differential pressure sensors, including pressure transmitters, are discussed in the non-limiting reference entitled “SMARTLINE PRESSURE TRANSMITTERS Modular, Accurate and Robust for the Lowest Cost of Ownership,” 2023, Honeywell International, Inc., which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0054] exist Figure 2In the illustrated exemplary tank gauging system 200, the exemplary still tube 205 may be implemented as a vertical pipe or tube that may extend upward from the bottom of the tank 202 to a certain height within the tank 202. The purpose of the exemplary still tube 205 is to provide an accurate measurement of the liquid level (e.g., the level of the product 214) within the tank 202.

[0055] The exemplary still tube 205 may be designed in a manner that dampens / reduces any disturbance or turbulence caused by the movement or flow of liquid within the tank 202. By extending the still tube 205 to a certain height, it is ensured that the liquid / product entering the still tube 205 is calm and not affected by any surface agitation or sloshing.

[0056] Having stable and consistent readings is critical when measuring the level of liquid in a storage tank 202. Without a static tube 205, the level measurement may be affected by factors such as wave motion, splashing, or foam formation on the liquid surface. These factors can introduce inaccuracies and inconsistencies in the readings, making it difficult to obtain reliable data.

[0057] Still tube 205 may create a still zone or well within tank 202. It allows the liquid within the tube to settle, giving an accurate representation of the liquid level in tank 202. It effectively isolates the column of liquid within the tube from disturbances in the rest of tank 202, providing a stable reference point for measuring the liquid level.

[0058] The tank gauging system 200 may utilize various methods to accurately measure liquid level, such as a float and belt system, ultrasonic sensor, or radar level transmitter, etc. Regardless of the measurement technology used, incorporating a static tube 205 ensures that the readings obtained are consistent and reliable by minimizing the effects of surface disturbances.

[0059] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of a tank gauging system 300 that can be implemented according to an embodiment is shown. Note that the tank gauging system 300 can be implemented according to Figure 1 Perform the operations shown. Figure 3 includes many of the same operations. However, Figure 3 It is shown in the context of a system that can be configured to include one or more measurement / systems such as a pressure measurement system 302, a product level measurement system 304, a density measurement system 306, and a temperature measurement system 308. For the sake of brevity, each operation shown at each other block will not be described again (i.e., for details of these operations, see Figure 1 ).

[0060] The pressure measurement system 302 can perform the Figure 1 The product level measurement system 300 may perform the operations described in block 102 of this document. Figure 1 The density measurement system 306 may perform the operations described in block 104 of this document. Figure 1 In addition, the temperature measurement system 308 may perform the operations discussed in this document regarding block 106. Figure 1 The operations discussed in block 108 of FIG.

[0061] Data obtained from multiple sensors (i.e., pressure measurement sensor 302, product level measurement system 304, density measurement system 306, temperature measurement system 308) can be combined to improve accuracy and provide a more complete data set. For tank gauging, the quality of the tank inventory is relevant. Therefore, the use of the tank meter operation is shown at box 312. Therefore, the level measurement system may require separate temperature and density data obtained from the temperature measurement system 308 and the density measurement system 306, respectively. Density data is usually measured manually and requires laboratory analysis. But the level measurement system can measure from top to bottom.

[0062] Systems based on fluid static pressure can measure directly and do not require separate temperature and density measurements. In addition, a second pressure sensor or level gauge can be combined with the main pressure sensor to also provide data related to density and level. The disadvantage is that the fluid static measurement system cannot measure below the height of the main pressure sensor. However, the level system discussed in this article can solve this disadvantage. Therefore, the HIMS system can provide the observed density to the level system. Therefore, the level system no longer needs a reference density and temperature. Using the data from the HIMS system, the level system can measure the entire content of the tank from the top to the bottom.

[0063] Additionally, due to the two different measurement methods discussed herein, the consistency between the two systems can be monitored and an alarm can be generated if the deviation between the two systems becomes too large. This increases reliability.

[0064] Based on the foregoing, it can be understood that many embodiments, including preferred embodiments and alternative embodiments, are disclosed herein. For example, in one embodiment, a method for tank gauging may involve: calculating a first mass of a product in a tank using data indicating a first condition and calculating a second mass of the product in the tank using data indicating a second condition, wherein the data indicating the first condition is collected independently of the data indicating the second condition; and reporting a tank mass of the product in the tank based on a comparison of the first mass and the second mass.

[0065] In one embodiment, the step or operation of reporting the tank quality of the product in the tank based on the comparison of the first quality and the second quality may further involve reporting the tank quality when the result of the comparison is within an uncertainty between the required first quality and the second quality.

[0066] An embodiment may also involve reporting a troubleshooting issue when a result of the comparison is not within an uncertainty between the required first quality and the second quality.

[0067] In one embodiment, the data indicative of the first condition of the product in the tank may include pressure (ie, pressure data).

[0068] In one embodiment, the data indicative of the first condition of the product in the tank may include hydrostatic pressure data.

[0069] In one embodiment, the data indicative of the first condition of the product in the tank includes data indicative of a level of the product in the tank.

[0070] In one embodiment, the data indicative of the first condition of the product in the tank may include one or more of density and temperature.

[0071] An embodiment may also involve: measuring a first condition in the tank using a first sensor, and providing data indicative of the first condition from the first sensor; and measuring a second condition in the tank using a second sensor independent of the first sensor, wherein the second sensor provides data indicative of the second condition.

[0072] In one embodiment, the first sensor may include a fluid static pressure sensor.

[0073] In one embodiment, the second sensor may comprise a level sensor for measuring the level of product in the tank.

[0074] In one embodiment, the first mass may be calculated based on data obtained from a hybrid inventory measurement system (HIMS), and the second mass may be calculated based on data obtained from a level gauging system.

[0075] In one embodiment, a system for tank gauging may include at least one processor; and a non-transitory computer usable medium containing computer program code, the computer usable medium being capable of communicating with the at least one processor. The computer program code may include instructions executable by the at least one processor and configured to: calculate a first mass of a product in a tank using data indicating a first condition and calculate a second mass of the product in the tank using data indicating a second condition, wherein the data indicating the first condition is collected independently of the data indicating the second condition; and report a tank mass of the product in the tank based on a comparison of the first mass and the second mass.

[0076] In one embodiment, the instructions for reporting a tank quality of the product in the tank based on a comparison of the first quality and the second quality may be further configured to report the tank quality when a result of the comparison is within an uncertainty between a required first quality and the second quality.

[0077] In one embodiment, the instructions for reporting a tank quality of a product in the tank based on a comparison of the first quality to the second quality may further include instructions configured to report a service issue when a result of the comparison is not within an uncertainty between a required first quality and second quality.

[0078] In one embodiment, the data indicative of the first condition of the product in the tank may include one or more of: pressure, level of the product in the tank, density, and temperature.

[0079] In one embodiment, the instructions may also be configured to: measure a first condition in the tank using a first sensor, and provide data indicative of the first condition from the first sensor; and measure a second condition in the tank using a second sensor independent of the first sensor, wherein the second sensor provides data indicative of the second condition.

[0080] In one embodiment, the first mass may be calculated based on data obtained from a hybrid inventory measurement system (HIMS), and the second mass may be calculated based on data obtained from a level gauging system.

[0081] In one embodiment, a tank gauging device may include: a plurality of sensors that measure at least one of a first condition and a second condition, wherein a first mass of a product in the tank is calculated using data indicative of the first condition, and a second mass of the product in the tank is calculated using data indicative of the second condition, and wherein the data indicative of the first condition is collected independently of the data indicative of the second condition, and wherein a tank mass of the product in the tank is reported based on a comparison of the first mass to the second mass.

[0082] In one embodiment, the tank mass may be reported when the result of the comparison is within the uncertainty between the required first mass and the second mass.

[0083] In one embodiment, a troubleshooting issue may be reported when the result of the comparison is not within the uncertainty between the required first quality and the second quality.

[0084] It will be appreciated that the variations disclosed above and other features and functions or their alternatives may be advantageously combined into many other different systems or applications. It will also be appreciated that various currently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations or improvements may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art, which are also intended to be covered by the following claims.

Claims

1. A method for tank gauging, comprising: calculating a first mass of a product in a tank using data indicative of a first condition and calculating a second mass of the product in the tank using data indicative of a second condition, wherein the data indicative of the first condition is collected independently of the data indicative of the second condition; as well as A tank mass of the product in the tank is reported based on a comparison of the first mass and the second mass.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein reporting the tank quality of the product in the tank based on the comparison of the first quality and the second quality further comprises: The tank mass is reported when a result of the comparison is within an uncertainty between the required first mass and the second mass. 3 . The method of claim 1 , further comprising reporting a service issue when a result of the comparing is not within an uncertainty between a required first quality and a required second quality.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the data indicative of a first condition of the product in the storage tank comprises pressure.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the data indicative of a first condition of the product in the storage tank comprises a hydrostatic pressure.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the data indicative of a first condition of the product in the tank comprises a level of the product in the tank.

7. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: measuring the first condition in the storage tank with a first sensor, and providing data indicative of the first condition from the first sensor; The second condition in the tank is measured using a second sensor independent of the first sensor, wherein the second sensor provides data indicative of the second condition.

8. A system for tank gauging, comprising: at least one processor; and a non-transitory computer usable medium containing computer program code, the computer usable medium being capable of communicating with the at least one processor, the computer program code comprising instructions executable by the at least one processor and configured to: calculating a first mass of a product in a tank using data indicative of a first condition and calculating a second mass of the product in the tank using data indicative of a second condition, wherein said data indicative of said first condition is collected independently of said data indicative of said second condition; as well as A tank mass of the product in the tank is reported based on a comparison of the first mass and the second mass.

9. A tank gauging device, comprising: a plurality of sensors measuring at least one of a first condition and a second condition, wherein a first mass of the product in the tank is calculated using data indicative of the first condition, and a second mass of the product in the tank is calculated using data indicative of the second condition, and wherein the data indicative of the first condition is collected independently of the data indicative of the second condition, and wherein a tank quality of the product in the tank is reported based on a comparison of the first quality to the second quality.

10. The tank gauging device of claim 8, wherein the tank mass is reported when a result of the comparison is within an uncertainty between the required first mass and the second mass.

Images