MFMs, which lay the foundation to digitalise bunkering operations, improve transparency and data sharing of measured marine fuel to relevant stakeholders, says Daryl Lim of Metcore International.
Artificial intelligence (AI) applications will enhance bunkering operations with its integration into existing mass flow meters (MFMs), said Daryl Lim, Quality Manager of Metcore International Pte Ltd on Tuesday (8th October 2024). Lim said by using the machine learning algorithms, AI could analyse a vast amount of metering data from the MFM to optimise and enhance efficiency of bunkering operations by minimising human intervention and reducing errors.
“AI is expected to play a huge role for the regulator to enforce the trade by identifying the unusual trending from the recorded metering profile,” he said during his presentation titled Digitally Enhancing Mass Flow Meter (MFM) Bunker Operations at the 23rd Singapore International Bunkering Conference (SIBCON).
Data Integrity of Integrated Platforms
Lim also stressed the importance of maintaining the integrity of the digital platforms used together with MFM systems to ensure accurate and trusted data. He explained before the digital automation starts, the MFM, the associated digital platform, including its hardware and software component, must be evaluated for their robustness in maintaining its activity in data transmission during its initial setup and also to fulfil the relevant standards requirement.
“Therefore, the digital platform in connection to the MFM system must be verified and validated by a conformity assessment body for its integrity before it is approved by the implementing authority,” Lim explained. He also emphasised the need for continued periodic validation of digital platforms even at its in-service operation.
“Conformity assessment will need to be conducted during periodic verification. Besides the usual zero verification and annual meter verification using the master meter, the digital platform must be periodically validated for its integrity,” he said. “This is particularly important so that the platform devices are assessed to be fit for bunkering field measurement, and that the data produced continues to be transparent and trusted.”
Photo credit: Manifold Times
Published: 21 October, 2024
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