New Robust Solution = Satisfied Customers for US Chemical

US Chemical Solutions

Founded in 2014, US Chemical Solutions is a chemical blending facility serving the oil fields and coal mines throughout Douglas, Wyoming, and the surrounding region. The company provides dust suppression fluids and glycerin, along with other chemicals required for the continuous operation of its energy-producing customers. US Chemical Solutions focuses on providing exceptional customer service, making them a leading distributor in the area.

Applications: Glycerin tank monitoring

Market: Specialty Chemicals

Challenge
US Chemical Solutions houses two large 40-ft-tall glycerin tanks, both having the capacity to hold 400,000 gallons of fluid. Previously, the staff would manually check the float gauge on each tank by climbing onto the tank to check fluid levels and used a strapping table to convert inches into gallons of fluid in each tank. This task was performed multiple times per week and took considerable time away from other projects. In addition, the primary use of the tanks occurs during the winter months when staff must deal with the elements of ice and snow, creating a safety hazard for the employees climbing the tanks.

Solution
Maintenance Manager, Ryan Gallegos realized the company needed to pursue tank monitoring options that would deliver a smooth flow of operation, provide a safety feature, and track on-hand inventory more accurately. In his search, Gallegos discovered TankScan at www.tankscan.com. After extensive research, the TankScan solution was chosen for of its many capabilities, ease of use, and web portal reporting features.

The TankScan TSM1000 uses a battery-powered sensor that screws into the top of the tanks and measures the fluid levels in the tank. The monitor sends the data to the web-based portal, which stores and alerts on the level reading. Alert emails and text messages are sent to the user on a low-level condition. Additionally, users can log into the portal from a laptop, PC, or mobile device and monitor tank levels from anywhere an internet connection is available.

“The installation of the monitors was easy after getting the measurements correct and installing the weight on the bottom of the TSM1000 Teflon-coated wire/sensor. The rest of the staff has loved the system as well, making inventory levels easier to read and report back to our customer.” said Gallegos

The monitors have improved scheduling for delivery trucks and allow inventory control to be at maximum efficiency. The glycerin product stored in both large tanks is used to pre-treat rail cars hauling coal from the mining facility. The glycerin acts as an inhibitor to prevent the coal rocks from freezing and sticking together in the railcar once dispensed. This is a high-volume product used during the winter months, and US Chemical Solutions delivers 2-3 tanker loads per day to the site. The company must ensure a steady supply of product to maintain production in the coal mines.

“The Tankscan monitors have made our operations easier to manage, and the monitors sitting on the large outside tanks worked and reported as needed every day throughout the subzero temps and winter months. If another company is considering the Tankscan monitor solution, hands down do it.” stated Gallegos.

Results
• Provides US Chemical Solutions with a more robust inventory control system, allowing better visibility to product on hand
• Monitors help save time, improve safety for staff by eliminating manual tank checks, and offer additional foresight into fuel usage, maintaining proper inventory levels
• Fool-proof alert system helps capture low fluid levels in tanks, preventing run-out and allowing on-time deliveries from US Chemical Solution suppliers; eliminating downtime in the oil fields and coal mines who are dependent upon chemical availability

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