Fuel Bunkering Metering System(FBMS) | Electropneumatic S.A.

Why are Fuel Bunkering Metering Systems used?

The most common method for verification of the fuel quantity received a Vessel during the bunkering operation is the sounding measurement of the tank levels of Vessel and Barge before and after bunkering operation. This method has the disadvantages of time consuming, low accuracy and involves volume to mass calculation with an average temperature.

Moreover, the frothing / bubbling effect caused by compressed air blown through the Barge’s delivery hose causes the aerated bunkers when sounded will give the impression that the fuel is delivered as ordered. In fact after some time when the entrapped air in suspension settles out of the fuel the oil level drops and a short fall is discovered. In large bunker deliveries this could be considerable with huge financial implications. These are the main causes that can create a claim between the supplier and the buyer and in order to eliminate Ship Owners and Barge Operators install bunker fuel metering systems.

How our system works?

The Electropneumatic’ s Professional Fuel Bunkering Metering System (FBMS) is a trustworthy Marine Technology which complies with the International Organization of Legal Metrology (OIML) directions and is designed for installation both on barges and vessels. Our system operation based on Coriolis principle
for mass measurement and is supported by additional instrumentation to ensure accurate bunkering operation with trust worthy data. It is a Programmable Electronic System (PES) and is equipped with high performance units to cope with the real time algorithms for the direct mass measurement of the fuel and its quality. The combination of the high-performance hardware and its sophisticated software prompts out a transparent bunkering operation and accurate measurements which can be used in case of a dispute or a claim during bunkering.

System Layout

The Electropneumatic’s Professional Fuel Bunkering Metering System is built up with the following main units:

  • One or more Coriolis mass flow meters
  • Collecting and Processing Cabinet
  • HMI display

All the above units are built up with state-of-the-art components (CPU’s, I/O Modules, HMI, etc.) whichare constructed by Pioneer / well-known manufacturers, supplied with Marine Certificates (DNV, Lloyds Register, ABS, etc.) and they shall be in the market for the next years.

A typical arrangement of our Fuel Bunkering Metering System illustrated here below. Any configuration based on your needs, can be materialized by us.

fuel bunker

Why Choose Our FBM System?

Our Fuel Bunkering Measuring System (FBMS) is fully automated, pre-programmed and calibrated by our technicians. After on board installation it does not require any interference during operation. A manual input of the ordered quantity required in order to activate the system.

A4 BUNKERING Η

KEY FEATURES OF OUR FBMS:

  • It is well interconnected with all types and sizes (form DN 25 to DN 250) of Coriolis flow meters as long as communication is available.
  • Maximum error of 0.1% within FBMS system.
  • Direct and quick mass measurement without converting volume due to the Coriolis flow measuring principle.
  • All types of fuel (such as HFO, IFO, MGO) can be measured and automatically recognized through our system’s smart operation.
  • Optimal fueling process due to simultaneous monitoring of multiple parameters regarding flow.
  • Software data storage for as long as the user wishes.
  • User-friendly interface. The operational parameters are presented to the touchscreen panel in multiple selectable screens. All available information is given in a user-friendly way and is presented both in written form and in graphics.
  • System Security: Security arrangements are provided to prevent unintentional or unauthorized access to functions or alteration of configuration, programs or data by unauthorized personnel.
  • Self-Monitoring: The system includes a self-monitoring function, and any incorrect operation, abnormal condition or a fault (power failure or sensor failure etc.) is detected and alarmed at the touchscreen station.
  • Easy to install and integrate with existing onboard systems under the guidance of Electropneumatic’s technicians.
  • The Bunker Delivery Note (BDN) report indicatively includes the following information:
    • Bunker fuel quantity in Ton
    • Fuel density and temperature
    • Air index
    • Date / Bunkering Time / Location
  • Portable version of our system is also available for use in multiple vessels.
  • Web-System Overvew (Option): Monitoring the real time data which is remotely collected, displayed, stored and distributed automatically by the system and can be used for monitoring during bunkering operation.

Our FBMS is also a part of the Electropneumatic’s Professional Ship Viewer Platform (option) through which data can be sent to Headquarters, by installing two databases, one aboard the ship and one on shore with or without the need of cloud service.