How Petroleum Product Storage Works
A plain walk-through of a storage cycle: nomination, receipt, storage, and dispatch at a petroleum terminal.
Nomination
A movement starts with a nomination: the customer tells the terminal what product, how much and when it will arrive, and by which mode. The terminal confirms a tank and a slot.
Receipt
When product arrives, it is sampled and measured. Samples confirm the product matches its specification before it goes into tank. Quantity is measured by tank gauging, meters or both, and the results become the custody transfer record.
Storage
While in tank, product is monitored for level and, where relevant, temperature and water. Heated products are kept within a working temperature range. Vapor controls such as floating roofs or vapor recovery reduce losses and emissions.
Dispatch
On release, product is pumped out to a vessel, pipeline, railcar or truck. It is measured and sampled again, and documentation is issued so the next party in the chain knows exactly what they received.