Modular electric actuation technology supplied by Auma that integrates with an existing control system has supported the automation of valves at a Taiwanese tank farm and played a key role in a modernisation programme. The Wu-ku tank farm plays a crucial role supplying the metropolitan region of the Taiwanese capital Taipeh with petroleum products. Tanks are filled via pipelines from the Keelung harbour for wider distribution from the farm. As an example, one pipeline carries kerosene to the local airport. A total of 32 actuators were replaced. Auma’s approach to actuation for the tank farm included a SIMA Master Station. Explosion proof actuators from the company’s range of actuator product options were connected to the station via a Modbus RTU loop. As a result, if the loop is interrupted at any point, the master station diverts the communication and treats the disrupted loop as two line structures while ensuring that communication to all actuators is maintained. Additionally, the SIMA facilitates rapid setting of actuator communication parameters and communication testing which ensures rapid commissioning.
