American Petroleum Institute

Manual of Petroleum Measurement Standards Chapter 2 - Tank Calibration - Section 8A - Calibration of Tanks on Ships and Oceangoing Barges - First Edition
 N MPMS 2.8A

Annotation

This standard describes three methods for determining the total and incremental volumes of liquids in tanks on ships, oceangoing barges, and integrated tug barge units that have integral hull tanks. The three methods are:

a. Liquid calibration.

b. Calibration by linear measurement.

c. Calibration from vessel drawings.

Paragraphs 2.8A.5 through 2.8A. 7 describe procedures and equipment for obtaining the field measurement data and suggestions for the orderly and complete recordmg of fIeld data. Paragraphs 2.8A.8 through 2.8A.10 include procedures for calculating the total and incremental tank capacities from field data and suggestions for the presentation of capacity tables. An example of a typical form for such calculations is presented in Appendix A. Terms specific to the maritime industry are defined in Appendix B.

For vessels having independent tanks, refer to other sections of Chapter 2 for a similar discussion of horizontal, spherical, upright, and other mobile tanks. For smaller coastal and inland waterway barges, refer to Chapter 2, Section 7.

This standard addresses liquid calibration procedures pertaining to ships. For details relating to metering systems, installation, meter proving requirements, and other guidelines relating to liquid calibration, refer to API Standard 2555.

The capacity tables should be computed so that volume is given at standard conditions, that is, at 60°F (15°C). Appropriate liquid and tape temperature corrections to 60°F (15°C) shall be applied. API Standard 2543 and Chapter 17 should be consulted for temperature determination in the marine environment.