Inventory Management System with completely
integrated software for operation via standard web
browser
Application
Tankvision is a dedicated tank inventory system which is operated by a standard web
browser and does not require proprietary software or licensing costs.
Tankvision is based on a distributed architecture on a Local Area Network (LAN). Due
to its modular structure it can be adjusted to any application. It is ideally suited for
small tank farms with only a couple of tanks, but also for large refineries with hundreds
of tanks.
Tankvision consists of the following components:
• Tankvision Tank Scanner NXA820
scans parameters from tank gauges and
performs tank calculations (option)
• Tankvision Data Concentrator NXA821
summarizes data from various Tank Scanners NXA820
• Tankvision Host Link NXA822
provides data to host systems (such as PLC or DCS) via Modbus
• Tankvision Gauge Link NXA20
connects the Tank Scanner with tank gauges/sensors with Enraf BPM or Emerson
TRL/2 interfaces
Your benefits
•License-free
• Approved for custody transfer applications according to NMI, PTB and others
• Global system engineering and service support
• A robust industrial operating system with embedded software ensures high stability
and availability.
• Modular design; easily adjustable to any application; can be upgraded as required
• Configuration, commissioning and operation via web browser; no proprietary
software required
• Access for up to 10 users per Tankvision component from any connected PC
• Common hardware platform for all components; no hard disc or fans to wear out
• Volume calculations and correction included according to international standards
(API/ASTM/IP tables) in Tank Scanner NXA820 (optional)
• Predefined or customized operator screens for typical operation of a tank farm
(optional)
• Includes OPC Data Access server (3.0) for Windows PC
Inventory controlBy using Tankvision to monitor the tank level and stored volume of valuable liquids remotely, owners
or operators of tank farms or terminals for petroleum products and chemicals (liquids) can visualize
the volume of the stored medium in real time. The data can be used to plan the inventory and
distribution. The data can also be used to manage tank farm operations like pumping or transferring
products.
Tankvision has its unique concept using network technology. Without using proprietary software, the
users can visualize and manage their valuable liquids stored in the tanks by a web browser.
Tankvision is a flexible and cost effective solution due to its scalable architecture. The application
coverage goes from small depots with only a few tanks up to refineries.
Choosing the "Interface only" option in Tank Scanner it becomes a fit-for-purpose interface unit to the
tank gauges for Tankvision Professional.
With the Gauge Link the Tank Scanner becomes a fit-for-purpose interface unit to the tank gauges
with Enraf BPM and Emerson TRL/2 Protocols.
Application areas• tank farms in refineries
• ship loading terminals
• marketing and distribution terminals
• pipeline terminals
• logistic terminals for tanks storing products like crude oils, refined white and black products,
chemicals, LPGs, fuels, biofuels, alcohols
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Function and system design
System designTank management visualization without proprietary software
Tankvision is the first tank management visualization system providing its functionality without the
need to have proprietary software installed and maintained on a PC. The main functionality is realized
by embedded web pages in the Tankvision components. Tankvision uses an industrial proven operating
system and provides high availability. Tankvision is not based on a PC platform and runs independent
of connected PCs. This eliminates the need to maintain a specialized PC with a Windows operating
system and necessary updates and hot fixes. Tankvision web pages can be accessed from a standard PC
with a web browser. Multiple users with different roles can simultaneously log in to each Tankvision
component. Additional users can be added as required. There are no multi-user licence fees.
Please check with Endress+Hauser for recommendations on PC, operating system and web browser.
Tank management visualization for tank gauges/sensors with Emerson TRL/2 or Enraf BPM
field protocols
Tankvision Tank Scanner is designed to interface with Modbus, Sakura V1 or Whessoe 550 field
protocols. This functionality is expanded by the Gauge Link for the Enraf BPM and the Emerson TRL/
2 field protocols.
Distributed architecture and scalability
Tankvision is based on a distributed architecture on a Local Area Network (LAN). Coordinated
components perform all inventory management tasks. The modular design makes it easy to enlarge
the system whenever required and to add further tank areas.
Thus, Tankvision is fully scalable and is ideally suited for applications of any size - from small tank
farms to large refineries.
Tankvision NXA20
Common hardware platform
The Tankvision components have dedicated tasks in a system, but have a common architecture, based
on a 32 Bit processor. The embedded tank management software uses a multi-threaded real time
operating system (RTOS), specifically designed for industrial applications. The hardware is designed
without wear-out components like hard discs or fans. This guarantees high reliability.
System configurationConfiguration of the Tank Scanner
Each Tankvision component has its own data base and a web server. The components are connected
and exchange data with time stamp and status information. Data is optionally encrypted and secured
by a CRC checksum.
The Tankvision components are configured with static IP addresses, which are reserved on a DHCP
network.
The configuration pages are embedded in the Tankvision components and allow configuration of
Tankvision via a connected web browser without configuration software. No Internet access is
necessary, as all pages are loaded from the Tankvision system itself.
Configuration of the connected Gauge Link to the Tank Scanner
Bus termination and biasing are controlled by software selectable settings in the Tankvision Gauge
Link. By default, these are enabled for point-to-point links or the devices in a multidrop network that
are at the outer "ends" of the cable. If the Tankvision Gauge Link is part of a multi-drop network and is
not the "end" device on the cable, the termination and biasing may be disabled.
Configuration of the connected tank gauges/sensors to the Gauge Link
The diagnostic / service port generally remains unconnected during normal operation of the
Tankvision Gauge Link. The port has a 9 way "D" type socket connector. A suitable cable with mating
plug will be required for local connection of a service laptop PC or similar. A "standard" serial port, a 9way fully wired plug – socket cable will be required. The cable should be wired pin-to-pin, i.e. 1-1, 22, 3-3, … 9-9. Proprietary cables will generally have all pins wired, though only pins 2, 3, 4, 5 and 7
are actually used. Cable length should not exceed 2 metres (6.6 ft).
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Tankvision NXA20
Features• Interfacing Honeywell Enraf BPM or Emerson TRL/2 field protocols.
• Asset management with the Honeywell Enraf or Emerson Saab gauge tools.
SecurityIT security
We only provide a warranty if the device is installed and used as described in the Operating
Instructions. The device is equipped with security mechanisms to protect it against any inadvertent
changes to the device settings.
IT security measures in line with operators' security standards and designed to provide additional
protection for the device and device data transfer must be implemented by the operators themselves.
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Wiring example for NXA820/
NXA820NXA820
NXA822
NXA820
1
7
3
4
5
6
2
89
7
10
11
12
12
10
13
14
14
821/822/20
Tankvision NXA20
Typical system configuration
NXA20_Wiring_example
1DCS/PLC (Distributed control system/Programmable logic controlled)
2Modbus
3Host Link NXA822
4Data Concentrator NXA821
5Switch
6Operator with Browser/SupplyCare Enterprise (Server)
7Tank Scanner NXA820
8Fieldbus protocol
9Modbus protocol
10Gauge Link NXA20
11ENRAF BPM protocol
12Tank gauges/sensors with Enraf BPM interface
13Emerson TRL/2 protocol
14Tank gauges/sensors with Emerson TRL/2 interface
Function of the components
Gauge Link NXA20• The Gauge Link NXA20 connects multiple tank gauges from up to 32 tanks (max. 15 when used in
combination with NXA820) via one field-loop. The Gauge Link NXA20 supports different field
protocols (Enraf BPM, Emerson TRL/2).
• The measured values are transmitted by the Modbus network to the Tank Scanner NXA820 which
will provide visualization on HTML pages.
• The Gauge Link NXA20 has to be used in combination with the Tank Scanner NXA820 to provide
visualization.
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Tankvision NXA20
Inputs and Outputs
Power supply NXA
Galvanic isolationThe following terminals are galvanically isolated from each other:
RS-232 connections
Fieldbus protocolsThe Gauge Link NXA20 is available with the following field protocols:
PropertySpecification
Supply voltage90 - 250 VAC (50/60Hz)
Power consumptionmax. 23 VA
Current consumptionmax. 100 mA at 230 VAC
FuseT 400 mA HBC 250V AC, 20 x 5 mm (0.79 x 0.2 in)
• Fieldbus interface (Enraf BPM or Emerson TRL/2 interface)
• Enraf BPM, max. 32 gauges (max. 15 when used in combination with NXA820)
• Emerson TRL/2, max. 32 gauges (max. 15 when used in combination with NXA820)
Environment
Mounting locationCabinet or protective housing
Ambient temperature–40 to +60 °C (–40 to +140 °F)
Storage temperature–40 to +85 °C (–40 to +185 °F)
Relative humiditymax. 90 % at +25 °C (non-condensing)
Ingress protectionIP20
Electromagnetic
compatibility (EMC)
InstallationTankvision Gauge Link NXA20 is designed to be installed in a cabinet, using a standard 35 mm DIN
EMC according to the requirements of the EN 61326-series and the NAMUR-recommendation EMC
(NE21). Details can be found in the Declaration of Conformity.
(top-hat) rail conforming to EN50022 (BS5584) (IEC 60715).
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Dimensions
43 (1.7)
35 (1.4)
104 (4.1)
91 (3.6)
140 (5.5)
mm (in)
Tankvision NXA20
Mechanical construction
GaugeLink_Dimensions
Dimensions in mm (inch)
MaterialsHousing
Polycarbonate
Colour: light grey
Front cover
Polyamide PA6
Colour: grey
Installation considerations
It is recommended to take the information contained in the Operating Instructions into
consideration when designing the system architecture (→ ä 10).
System requirements
of user PC
Shielding and GroundingWhen planning the shielding and grounding for a fieldbus system, there are three important points to
Check the latest information on hardware and software requirements.
Please contact your local Endress+Hauser Sales Center.
consider:
• Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)
• Explosion protection
•Safety of the personnel
To ensure the optimum electromagnetic compatibility of systems, it is important that the system
components and above all cables, which connect the components, are shielded and that no portion of
the system is unshielded. Ideally, the cable shields are connected to the normally metal housings of the
connected field devices. Since these are generally connected to the protective earth, the shield of the
bus cable is grounded many times. Keep the stripped and twisted lengths of cable shield to the
terminals as short as possible.
This approach, which provides the best electromagnetic compatibility and personnel safety, can be
used without restriction in systems with good potential equalization.
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Tankvision NXA20
NOTICE
In the case of systems without potential equalization, a power supply frequency (50/60 Hz) equalizing
current can flow between two grounding points which, in unfavourable cases, e.g. when it exceeds the
permissible shield current, may destroy the cable.
To suppress the low frequency equalizing currents on systems without potential equalization, it is
therefore recommended to connect the cable shield directly to the building ground (or protective earth)
at one end only and to use capacitive coupling to connect all other grounding points.
The NXA20 provides two grounding points for the shield, close to the fieldbus interface connector:
• The “)” terminal, which should already be connected directly to ground
• The “S” terminal (13), which provides capacitive connection to the “)” terminal
EMC requirements
The legal EMC requirements are fulfilled only when
‣ the cable shield is grounded on both sides!
Ordering information
Ordering informationDetailed ordering information is available from the following sources:
• In the Product Configurator on the Endress+Hauser website: www.endress.com → Select country →
Instruments → Select device → Product page function: Configure this product
• From your Endress+Hauser Sales Center: www.endress.com/worldwide
Product Configurator - the tool for individual product configuration
•Up-to-the-minute configuration data
•Depending on the device: Direct input of measuring point-specific information such as
measuring range or operating language
•Automatic verification of exclusion criteria
•Automatic creation of the order code and its breakdown in PDF or Excel output format
•Ability to order directly in the Endress+Hauser Online Shop
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Human interface
Operating conceptTankvision is operated by a standard web browser (e.g. Microsoft Internet Explorer).
The Tankvision components contain predefined operating pages. If required, they can be adjusted by
the user.
LanguagesThe operating pages are available in the following languages:
• English
Check with Endress+Hauser for the latest information on available languages.
Certificates and approvals
Metrological approvalsIn preparation
Supplementary documentation
Tankvision NXA20
Operating InstructionsBA01335G
Operating Instructions for NXA20
Describes installation, electrical connection and first setup.
Operating InstructionsBA01334G
Operating Instructions for NXA20
Describes the Modbus Map Protocol.
Operating InstructionsBA00340G
Operating Instructions for NXA820, NXA821 and NXA822
Describes installation, electrical connection and first setup.
Description of Instrument
Functions
Operating InstructionsBA01137G
BA00339G
Description of Instrument Functions for Tank Scanner NXA820, Data Concentrator NXA821 and Host
Link NXA822.
Contains a detailed description of all instrument functions.
Operating Instructions for Tankvision NXA820 OPC Server.
Describes installation, configuration and usage.
Registered trademarks
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