After years of hovering around $60/bbl, oil prices are once again soaring above $100 per barrel. For terminal facility managers across the U.S., that means every barrel of storage tank throughput is critical right now. Some are responding with major capital projects, but there are opportunities to maximize revenue from existing storage infrastructure, too. But time is of the essence: The current oil supply shock has created a market environment where each barrel of additional throughput translates directly into immediate profit potential.
With assistance from the seasoned team at Aura Engineering, you can optimize your current throughput capacity to meet today’s surging demand. Here is what we recommend:
Seizing a Unique Opportunity
Disruptions to global oil supply chains have pushed the price of crude to highs that haven’t been seen in a long time, driving domestic demand for storage capacity. That means storage terminals that can increase their throughput capabilities quickly could be positioned to capture substantial revenue premiums. Any optimization also supports domestic energy security efforts as a nice bonus!
Nevertheless, maximizing your storage tank throughput is going to require more than just pushing existing systems harder. Smart facility managers are implementing strategic engineering upgrades that deliver immediate capacity improvements while improving safety and compliance standards. That’s where we come in!
Quick Wins for Immediate Throughput Gains
The fastest path to meaningful increases in storage tank throughput often means optimizing your existing pump systems and control configurations. Many terminals operate well below their theoretical capacity due to outdated control logic, inefficient pump sequencing, or suboptimal piping configurations. In simple terms, faster pipes mean more throughput.
Aura Engineering’s decades of experience with storage terminal optimization teach us that facilities can typically achieve 15%–25% throughput improvements through targeted control system upgrades and pump optimization strategies. These modifications often require minimal downtime while delivering some immediate operational benefits.
Variable frequency drives (VFDs) represent another high-impact upgrade for boosting throughput. By enabling precise pump speed control, VFDs allow operators to optimize flow rates based on real-time conditions while reducing energy consumption and equipment wear.
Strategic Infrastructure Upgrades for Storage Terminals
Some terminals need more help than others to meet the moment, of course. If your capacity needs a BIG boost, we recommend some strategic infrastructure upgrades. Loading arm upgrades, piping modifications, and enhanced vapor recovery systems can unlock significant additional capacity and improve operational efficiency.
Modern loading systems designed by the seasoned engineers at Aura can dramatically reduce product transfer times while enhancing safety protocols. Our expertise in terminal infrastructure allows us to zero in on specific upgrades that will deliver the biggest throughput gains for your facility’s unique configuration. But the opportunities don’t end there!
Oftentimes, electrical system upgrades can also offer substantial throughput improvements. Enhanced motor control systems, improved power distribution, and upgraded instrumentation enable facilities to operate closer to design capacity while maintaining reliability and safety standards.
Automation Solutions for Immediate Results
Advanced automation represents one of the most effective strategies for boosting storage tank throughput. Automated tank switching, optimized loading sequences, and intelligent batch management systems can significantly reduce cycle times while minimizing operator workload.
Terminal automation systems like these enable continuous, reactive optimization that adapts to changes in demand and product specifications. These systems don’t just boost efficiency; they provide the operational flexibility required to capitalize on spot market opportunities.
Real-time monitoring and control capabilities allow operators to identify and resolve throughput bottlenecks immediately, preventing costly delays during peak demand periods. This operational visibility becomes particularly valuable when oil prices create premium opportunities for rapid product movement.
Regulatory Compliance in High-Throughput Operations
There are other concerns with these upgrades beyond simply increasing storage tank throughput, naturally. Regulatory compliance requirements represent potential risk, particularly for vapor control systems and environmental monitoring.
Aura Engineering’s comprehensive experience with terminal regulations ensures that our projects are compliant from the initial design phase. This day-one approach prevents costly retrofits and operational delays that could wipe out any additional profit opportunities.
Safety systems must also be bolstered to handle any increase in throughput. We recommend upgrades to your emergency shutdown capabilities and comprehensive alarm management systems to prevent any unnecessary risks.
Expert Engineering for Today’s Market
The current market environment is primed to reward facilities that respond quickly to changing demand patterns. Aura Engineering’s 30 years of terminal engineering experience make our team your best choice to quickly assess your facility capabilities and recommend specific upgrades that deliver immediate throughput improvements. Our understanding of both technical requirements and market dynamics ensures that recommended solutions align with current business objectives.
Oil prices above $100 per barrel may not last forever, but the facilities that act quickly to optimize their storage tank throughput will be best positioned to capture disproportionate value during this exceptional market period. Don’t let throughput limitations prevent your terminal from capitalizing on unprecedented opportunities.
Contact Aura Engineering today to discuss rapid throughput optimization strategies for your storage terminal. Our team can quickly identify your facility’s improvement potential and recommend solutions that deliver immediate results.