Flux and Honeywell Enraf bring solution for upgrading obsolescent tank telemetry system

Fluxo was a pioneer in Brazil with the introduction of a radar tank telemetry system for inventory management and custody transfer. Over almost 30 years, it installed more than 3,000 radars in tank parks across the country. With the increasingly rapid progression of technological development, however, many of these equipment have become obsolete, such as the old REX and TRL/2 model radars. Maintaining this installed base has become a major challenge for our customers, whether due to lack of parts, the high cost of spare parts that are still available, or even the incompatibility with the new systems. Thus, with the end of mandatory support approaching, it is necessary to start planning the replacement of this installed base.

As the system's communication protocol is proprietary (TRL/2), many users believe they are tied to the manufacturer, which is no longer true. In the first half of 2017, Enraf launched a new communication card for its Flexline radar for communication on TRL/2 buses. With this novelty, it is possible to replace a defective REX or TRL/2 radar, reusing the entire existing infrastructure: temperature tape, pressure sensor and all installed cabling.

The first installations in Brazil started in June. The replacement consisted of replacing the flange and connecting the existing electrical cables to the new radar, with full use of the mechanical, electrical and communication infrastructure.

Unlike a conventional emulation solution, which would only allow data reading, Enraf's communication card allows two-way communication, making it possible to read data, as well as remote configuration and diagnosis through the existing bus.