What Functionality Do Your Operations Require?

Select a feature below to learn more. Click the icon to view screenshots.

Standard Edition (v7.1)

Get moving quickly and easily
Operate to international standards
Know your product inventory
View, modify and control
Integrate all tank gauges into a single system
Improve safety and prevent tank overfills
Standardized reporting
Connect to your facility's control or information systems

Professional Edition (v7.1)

Control your liquid assets
Designed for your operations
Extended integration possibilities
Create a FuelsManager network
Track product movements

Enterprise Edition (v7.0)

Integrate inventory across your enterprise
Enterprise-wide SCADA overview
Reporting services

Additional Options (v7.1)

Get moving quickly and easily...

Predefined tank templates, tabular and graphical tank groups

Real-time Operator Interface. FuelsManager Utilizes Microsoft's Windows 2000, XP or 2003 Server operating systems to provide real-time operational information to your operator on an intuitive, standard user interface. Your operators can view the status of a single tank or multiple tanks and are able to react quickly to changing conditions, alarms, or events within your facility.

Tank Details. FuelsManager includes several predefined Tank Detail display templates. Each template shows tank data both graphically and alphanumerically. Data shown includes level, volumes, flows, density and alarms. Tank transfers can also be tracked easily via the Tank Details display.

Tank Groups. Operators or system administrators can create and modify tank groups in real-time and choose which tanks and tank data are displayed in each group.

Static Tank Groups. The tanks included in static groups remain constant unless a tank is added, inserted or deleted manually by the operator. These are generally grouped by location. For example, tanks 6-10, which are located in the "Truck Rack Storage Area", are combined into a static group.

Dynamic Tank Groups. In this display, the operator defines a filter (or condition) that a tank must meet before it is included in the Tank Group, e.g. level greater than 10ft, or product equals Jet A. Having defined this filter, FuelsManager then automatically adds and deletes tanks from the Tank Group based on the filter conditions. As with the Static Tank Groups, the operator can still define what data is displayed in which column and can save the group with a user-defined name. Using the Dynamic Tank Group the operator could:

• Define a Tank Group for each product and have FuelsManager automatically add/delete a tank from a group when the product is changed.
• Define a Tank Group that shows only tanks where the flow is greater than zero, effectively creating a "moving tank" display.
• Combine conditions in a filter. For example, a Tank Group could be defined to show tanks with flow greater than zero and remaining transfer time less than 60 minutes. Operators would see a display containing moving tanks that are estimated to complete the transfer within the next hour (i.e. critical tanks).

Both Static and Dynamic Tank Groups support graphical and tabular views. The user can switch between the two views using a single hot key.

In the graphical view, the tank image automatically changes to reflect the tank shape defined in the FuelsManager database (i.e. vertical cylinder, sphere, horizontal). Additional data for a tank is available by either double-clicking on the tank to open the Tank Detail display or right-clicking and selecting "Process Data" from the pop-up menu. The graphical view displays a single (operator configurable) process variable per tank, along with a dynamically updating image of the tank contents . The display also indicates the tank mode and presence/direction of product movement (flow) into or out of the tank.

Total and Subtotal Rows. The operator is able to fix the position at which the Total Row will be displayed in a Tabular Tank Group. This feature allows the total row to remain visible when the operator scrolls past the allowable 20 tanks per page.
In addition, Static Tank Groups support sub-total rows. These can be used to build Static Tank Groups that provide subtotalization of user defined tanks. For example, consider, tanks 1-5 that contain gasoline and tanks 5-10 that contain crude. The operator could build a static Tank Group that included tanks 1-5 followed by a subtotal row, then tanks 5-10 followed by a subtotal row, then a space and a final total row. This Tank Group allows the operator to quickly see the total gasoline, total crude supply and overall site product totals on a single display.

Tank Calculator. The Tank Calculator is an invaluable tool for scheduling and planning, based on “what if” scenarios. You can perform calculations using current tank data without changing any tank values. For example, “What would the level be if 100,000 gallons was added?” or “What volume could be added to reach the high level limit?”

Trending. The operators can analyze activities using the tank trend feature. They can create real-time or historical trends using a single dialog box. Up to 4 types of data can be displayed per trend window. For example, the level, temperature, density and flow for a tank can all be shown on a single display during a product transfer. The data, process range, color and time scale can be selected per trend. Multiple trend windows can be opened simultaneously.

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Operate to international standards

Perform all calculations to industry standards, such as API, ATSM, IP, JIS, polynomial and others

Calculated Variables and Volume Calculations. Simply select the volume correction method that is suitable for your business operations. The following are some examples:

• Total observed volume
• Gross volume
• Net standard volume
• Mass
• Available volume/mass
• Remaining product volume/mass
• Vapor mass
• VCF
• Water volume
• Reference density
• Floating roof adjustment

Temperature Compensation FuelsManager compensates for variations in temperature using Volume Correction Factor (VCF) and Compensation for Tank Shell Temperature (CTSh).

Approvals. FuelsManager Oil & Gas and the 8130 Remote Terminal Unit are currently certified to meet NMi requirements for custody transfer applications. They are also certified for integration with the Honeywell Distributed Control System via the Process Management Serial Interface (A/HPM SI MODBUS FTA) and the Enhanced PLC Gateway (EPLCG-MODBUS).

Security. FuelsManager allows administrators to set user privileges across the system. The following are some examples of user privileges:

• Whether a user has add/edit/delete or copy privileges to a database.
• Which tanks are visible to which groups of users through user-defined tag categories
• Which alarms are indicated to which groups and users via user-defined alarm categories
• Who can display and create real-time graphics
• Which users can modify the database
• Which users can issue Operator commands
• Which users can acknowledge Alarms
• Which users can create Reports

User privileges can also be applied to a particular group of tanks, such as specifying that a group of users can modify the high-high and low-low alarm limits for tanks 1-10 but not tanks 11-20.

FuelsManager system auditing allows system configuration actions to be written to a Windows 2000/XP/2003 Server event log for future reference.

Networks are normally already protected against intrusion or are closed systems with no outside connections. Varec works with the facility’s IT department to configure the system according to the company standards. For most systems, Varec recommends the default security within a FuelsManager network configuration. This is the security level used by almost all customers, including the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD).

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Know your product inventory.

All measured and calculated storage tank parameters are displayed in the engineering units you specify

Units of Measure. Engineering units for all modules can be selected for various measuring applications:

• Density - 20 to choose from, including: degrees API, kilogram/cubic meter, kilogram/liter, pounds/gallon or grams/cubic centimeter
• Flow - Both volumetric and mass flow units can be supported in variations of units per second, minute, hour or day
• Length -Millimeter, meter, feet, inch, feet-inch-16th, feet-inch-8th
• Mass - From kilogram, metric tonnes, pounds and English short and long ton
• Pressure - Over 15 units, including: Pascals, pounds/square inch, kilograms/square centimeter, feet or inch water (H2O), bar and millibar
• Temperature - Degrees Centigrade, degrees Fahrenheit
• Volumes - Cubic centimeters, cubic inches and cubic feet, oil barrels, liquid barrels, US gallons, English gallons, liter and kiloliter
• Separate numeric data formatting (e.g. 2,000,000.00)

Variables defined in one set of engineering units may be displayed in alternate units in graphics, tank details, tank groups and reports.

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View, modify and configure

All parameters can be controlled online through the industry standard Windows® user interface.

Real-Time Configuration FuelsManager Oil & Gas allows complete configuration of all system parameters. Any custom changes that streamline your operations can be completed as your operators work, without the need to shut down or restart the system. FuelsManager stores all data for a facility in a central database. Groupings of related data in the database are defined as points. There are three types of points: tank, input/output* and triggered*. Each point contains separate items of data, such as tank radius or roof mass. These data items are called variables. To configure a facility, you define the points for your site and then enter or change variables (fields) in the dialog box for each point.

Database Points

Tank Points. A Tank Point is a collection of variables that defines a single tank in the FuelsManager database. Tank variables include over 40 predefined variables specifically designed for tank gauging applications. These variables include process data, engineering units, strap tables, volume correction methods, alarms and tank geometry. Each variable may be manually entered, measured (connected to field instrumentation) or calculated (where applicable). Example measured variables include:

• Level
• Product temperature
• Ambient temperature
• Observed density
• Standard density
• Water level
• Vapor temperature
• Vapor pressure

*Input/output points and triggerd points are only available with FuelsManager Oil & Gas Professional Edition; please see below.

Tank Characteristics. Supported geometries include cone roof tanks, horizontal cylinders (with flat ends), bullets and spheres (both standard and polynomial). Tanks can either be configured with fixed roof or floating roof and calculations can include or exclude the floating roof mass in the strapping (tank capacity) tables. Minimum and maximum working levels can be set and are used to calculate available product and remaining tank capacity. Tank capacity tables may be innage or outage (ullage) with unlimited strap entries per tank.

Product Definition Assigning a product to a tank in FuelsManager helps to prevent unintentional mixing of products. With one operation , all properties of a product are assigned to the tank. Product definitions are added, modified and deleted using the resources command in the FuelsManager Configuration application. They are saved in the Product Index and then assigned to tank points.

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Integrate all tank gauges into one system

Allows seamless communications to various manufacturers’ tank gauges via the 8130 RTU or TankGate interfaces

Tank Gauge Interfaces. When used with the 8130 RTU, FuelsManager can integrate over 50 different models of tank gauges from various manufacturers, including Varec, Enraf, GSI, L&J, MTS, SAAB, Whessoe and Endress+Hauser into a single system, including: float, radar, servo, hydrostatic, magnetostrictive and hybrid instruments. Your tank farm and terminal operators have easy access to all measured and calculated parameters, such as level, temperature, flow, density, tank profiling, gross and net standard volumes.

FuelsManager includes a highly optimized interface for connectivity to the 8130 Remote Terminal Unit (RTU) and 8300 series TankGate Interfaces (TGI). Both devices provide intelligent interface modules for connectivity to tank gauges, as well as digital, analog and pulse I/O capabilities. The interface between the 8130 RTU and FuelsManager can utilize two (2) communication ports on the 8130 RTU for redundant communications. The interface will also allow FuelsManager and ViewRTU configuration and diagnostics software to execute on the same communications link simultaneously.

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Improve safety and prevent tank overfills

Comprehensive real-time alarm and event management - Users are provided the relevant information needed to quickly react-to and resolve alarm and event conditions

Alarms and Events. Each window in the graphical user interface (GUI) contains an integrated alarm toolbar. The toolbar provides real-time visual and audible notification of alarms or events. This includes the alarm or event, date and time, acknowledgement status and priority. The toolbar also provides access to an active alarm summary and an alarm log file (historical) browser. Each alarm tool will help your operators effectively manage alarm situations. Some specific alarm types may only be available with the Professional Edition or when additional options are installed.

• Alarms logged to file for future reference
• Alarms can be keyed to user graphic
• 32 alarm groups supported
• Four alarm priorities supported, each with its own color and audible attributes
• Animation based on eight different alarm conditions
• User notified of alarms regardless of which display is active
• Alarm templates predefined for all tanks

Predefined tank-specific alarms include:

• Level
• Temperature
• Density
• Flow
• Pressure
• Unauthorized movement
• No flow
• Reverse flow
• Estimated time of arrival (ETA)
• Leak rate

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Standardized reporting

Print or save standard reports of your daily operations, including alarms, events, historical data and others.

Reports FuelsManager can display both real-time and historical report data. Standard reports can be previewed by the user and printed either on demand or periodically using the Standard Edition. User-configured reports can be previewed by the operator and printed either on demand or periodically using the Professional Edition. Custom Historical reports are created with Seagate Software Crystal Reports™ Professional Edition.

Report Templates

• Four (4) pre-defined real-time reports that can be edited by the built-in report editor
• Nine (9) pre-defined historical reports that can be edited by Seagate Software Crystal Reports™
• One (1) pre-defined leak detection report that can be edited by Seagate Software Crystal Reports™
• Four (4) pre-defined movement reports that can be edited by Seagate Software Crystal Reports™

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Connect to your facility's control or information systems

An OPC client/server interface allows seamless integration of data to and from OPC equipped systems.

OPC System Integration. OPC server support in FuelsManager provides:

• Collection of field data from remote I/O, PLC and other devices via Varec or 3rd party OPC servers
• Access to measured and calculated tank data via LAN
• An interface to host systems (DCS) that provide an OPC client
• Easy configuration using one dialog box

OPC Data Access FuelsManager implements the OPC Data Access specification used to move real-time data from PLCs, DCSs, and other control devices to HMIs and other display clients. FuelsManager currently supports the following OPC specifications: OPC Data Access v1.0 (OPC DA 1.0) and OPC Data Access v2.05a (OPC DA 2.05a). The OPC DA specification defines interfaces for both OPC clients and OPC servers. Typically, OPC clients are HMI or other data gathering/display programs, OPC client applications can browse OPC servers and allow the user to select which OPC tags the client will read. OPC servers typically provide communications to/from devices further down the system hierarchy. OPC servers encapsulate the specific details of talking to the device(s) and provide a well defined set of OPC tags that the client can connect to. FuelsManager can operate simultaneously as both an OPC client and OPC server. FuelsManager can be an OPC client and communicate with OPC server for tank gauges, PLCs and other remote I/O devices to gather data from the field. At the same time FuelsManager can be providing data to DCSs and other business systems via its OPC server interface.

As an industry and technology leader Varec is continually improving the core elements of the FuelsManager suite of software. This latest release of FuelsManager Oil & Gas version 7.1 builds upon open standards, such as OPC, Microsoft SQL and DCOM Security to streamline set-up and configuration, reduce customer maintenance and increase supportability.

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Control your liquid assets

SCADA functionality, such as pump and valve control, allows you to control and monitor your facility

SCADA. An entire tank farm can be monitored and controlled using Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) connected to tank farm instrumentation and control devices, such as flow meters, pumps and valves. Each area of your facility can be shown on a custom graphic display, providing your operators with complete control of pipeline receipts, hydrant system control, independent high-level alarm systems, Emergency Fuel Shut-Off (EFSO) and leak detection systems.

Input/Output Points. Input and output points are mapped to instrumentation and controls such as push buttons, meters, pumps and valves. The use of input and output points in addition to tank points, facilitates complete automation of a tank farm facility. Input points are used to receive data from generic field equipment, database calculations or manual input. Typically, these points are used to hold data for equipment that is not tank specific (i.e. pumps, values or motors). However, they can also be used to store tank information not covered by the FuelsManager tank point. Output points are used to transmit data from the database to field equipment. Typically, outputs are derived from an operator issuing commands, however, they can also be derived from an internal calculation process.

Triggered Points. Triggered points are used as an intermediary between other points. Triggered points are typically used to monitor database input from a gauge. Once the connected point changes, the triggered point sends the changed information to another point, such as an output point for an OPC server or a PLC.

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Designed for the way you operate

User configurable tank detail templates, displays and reports can be modified for your specific business operations

Custom Displays. Custom site displays or site overviews can easily be created using tank symbols or digital images within FuelsManager’s Draw utility. The Draw utility contains a graphical symbol library that can be used to create custom displays. Custom displays can be created or modified without exiting FuelsManager or restarting the system. Example custom displays include site overviews that provide an entry to the entire site, allowing the user to access a tank detail screen by clicking on a particular tank or a SCADA overview with floating graphic displays.

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Extended integration possibilities

Additional communications drivers are provided to allow direct connectivity to tank gauging devices, PLCs, DCS and other I/O systems.

Communications Modules. FuelsManager utilizes individual communications modules (Drivers) for open communications and seamless integration with external field devices in real-time. A module for each device or communication type is required for data exchange. The available PLC communication modules support pump and valve control and I/O capabilities. FuelsManager also supports host communications to DCS or MIS computer systems through specific device drivers or MODBUS communications. Communications can utilize standard RS-232, LAN or WAN connections.

Slave Modules.

• MODBUS® slave module
• MTU77 slave module
• Entis host

Master Modules.

• Master module 8130 RTU
• MODBUS® master for Varec devices
• MODBUS® master (generic, Sakura)
• Whessoe Bus
• Varec TSU
• Veeder Root PLC module (TLS 35x)
• Allen Bradley PLC (via RSLinx-RS232)
• Allen Bradley PLC (RSLinx-KT Card-DH+)
• AEG PLC
• Enraf CIU

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Create a FuelsManager network

Provide data to multiple FuelsManager Oil & Gas workstations

Client/Server System. Standard and Professional Editions can be combined in a single network. For example, a Standard Edition client is able to connect to a server running the Professional Edition. This allows the client to view all custom graphics, reports, input/output and triggered points configured on the server.

ODBC. FuelsManager real-time data is written to an ODBC compliant database on a user-defined periodic basis. This data is then available to other applications either locally or via a network.

Networking Techniques. Extensive network capabilities offer the opportunity to have real-time data at any connected location for administrative and accounting purposes. FuelsManager components interact via standard networking techniques, such as TCP/IP. The FuelsManager suite can integrate easily into existing site LANs & WANs or can exist on its own network infrastructure.

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Integrate inventory across your enterprise

Collect inventory data from multiple FuelsManager workstations and view via an intuitive web interface

Enterprise Server. FuelsManager Enterprise Edition utilizes the latest web-based Microsoft technology, such as .NET and SQL Reporting Services to deliver corporate-wide overviews of all FuelsManager 7.0 installations. When installed on a high-availability server PC with Microsoft Cluster Services, it provides maximum reliablility and access to your data. Each Standard or Professional Edition FuelsManager PC can be connected to the FuelsManager Enterprise Server located at the Company Headquarters. This allows individual departments, such as IT, logistics, maintenance or accounting, to access inventory data over the Internet/Intranet using a standard web browser.

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Enterprise-wide SCADA overview

View the current status of all pumps, valves and other control equipment for all connected FuelsManager systems via a simple web browser.

Web Graphics. FuelsManager's web-based user interface allows you to view a ‘snapshot’ of any connected facility’s operational data online, including any custom screens and SCADA Overviews.

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Reporting services

View, export and schedule reports for email delivery that centralize inventory data from across your entire corporation

Automated Reporting. FuelsManager Enterprise Edition enables remote users and customers to securely access data relevant to their respective business operations using a standard web browser. Each authorized user is able to view reports of their specific data from all FuelsManager Oil & Gas version 7.0 facilities. Reports can also be automatically exported by FuelsManager and delivered via email to designated users.

Integrate with Microsoft® Office. Quickly export data in Microsoft Excel or Adobe Acrobat PDF file formats. For example, export data to Microsoft Excel and use Excel’s features to aggregate data or create professional charts and graphs. Alternatively, a standard CSV file can be exported from FuelsManager and imported into other third-party systems.

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Track product movements*

Integrated movement system designed to track bulk product transfer to and from your facility or from tank to tank within your facility

Product Movements. View and track all product movements, totals and discrepancies on a daily basis, including tank-to-tank transfers, charges, shipments, receipts, yields (rundowns), water drains and blends.

Movement Summary. The movement summary provides the user with an easy-to-read tabular display of current product movements and a means to create and control new movements.

Movement History. The movement history allows the operator to view and track all product movements, totals and discrepancies on a daily basis. Operators can open multiple movement history windows and visually compare movement data from different days. FuelsManager records to the movement database at the following times:

• When a movement is completed or deleted
• If a movement is active at the system closeout time

Accounting. All movement data is written to an ODBC movement database, allowing other applications, such as yield accounting systems, to access and read the data. Accounting functions include:

• Calculation of totals on a daily basis - If a product movement continues for several days, a closeout record is written daily and a new record is opened
• Discrepancy calculations - If the source and destination for a movement have measurement devices, the difference between the source and destination is recorded
• Daily closeout time - The user can configure this for any single time during the day
• Manual ticket printing - Movement tickets can be printed as needed by selecting a movement from the movement history display

Reports and Tickets. The operator can use the standard reports and tickets that are supplied with the movement system or create custom reports and tickets using third-party reporting tools, such as Seagate Crystal Reports®. Movement tickets can also be configured to print automatically when a product movement is complete

Meters Nodes. A meter node is a location in a product movement instance where a reading from a physical meter is possible. The movement system supports rollover and re-settable meters. You can associate FuelsManager input and output database points with meter nodes and have the meter data automatically collected or manually entered to calculate:

• Gross and net volumes
• Mass
• Flow rates

*Note! The Product Movement System requires FuelsManager Oil & Gas Professional Edition to operate.

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Automate data output

Periodic or triggered logging of user specified data to CSV, HTML or XML data files

File Export. FuelsManager can create an output file ( CSV, HTML or XML files) of user specified information. This information can include any tank variables from all tank points in the FuelsManager database.

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Monitor for leak conditions

Integrated statistical analysis of historical data designed to detect possible leaks from underground storage tanks to EPA standards

Leak Detection. Using standard Windows® dialog boxes , your operators can automatically monitor level, temperature, water level and density, perform static or continuous analysis on their tanks, configure the system for automatic monthly reporting, archive all data and reports per EPA requirements and react to audible and visual alarms if a tank event occurs. The leak detection application supports three modes of leak analysis: (1) static, (2) continuous and (3) real-time.

• Static - Static leak detection analyzes the archive database to detect leaks for tanks that have been inactive for a test period during which the tank was taken out of operation.
• Continuous - The continuous leak method analyzes quiet times in the archive database for the selected tank. This analysis method does not require the tank to be taken out of service as long as there is enough quiet time during the test period to meet the test requirements.
• Real-time - The real-time leak method performs continuous analysis at a periodic interval and initiates an alarm if the leak rate exceeds a configurable limit or if there is not enough data to calculate a leak rate. When using this method, the application may be configured to print a leak report at the end of each month.

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Estimate tank emissions

Offline analysis of historical data provides throughput calculations to assist with EPA Title V permitting

Throughput Analysis. Automate product throughput analysis to reduce the amount of time and effort your operators require to estimate emissions. Information and calculations from the analysis can be displayed and exported as a CSV file for inclusion in your specfic emissions calculation application. If you use the US EPA TANKS application (version 4.09b), the throughput data can be exported directly into the TANKS database.

The throughput analysis is based on the following user selectable criteria:

• Time period over which the analysis should be run
• Tanks to be included in the analysis
• Engineering units in which the results will be displayed

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Share information more effectively

A web interface allows you to publish your facility’s operational information and reports to users throughout your organization

Web Graphics. A web-based user interface allows you to view a ‘snapshot’ of your specific facility’s operational data online, including any configured custom screens or SCADA Overviews.

Web Reports. Provide your remote users and customers secure access, via a stand web browser, to historical reports configured for your facility.

Integrate with Microsoft® Office. Quickly export data in various file formats. For example, export data to Microsoft Excel and use Excel’s features to aggregate data or create professional charts and graphs. Alternatively, a standard CSV file can be exported from FuelsManager and imported into other third-party systems.

*Note! This feature provides web-based access, as decribed, for a single facility. For multiple facilities and enterprise integration, please refer to the Enterprise Edition.

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