Toptank is a unique tool for simulating tank terminal logistics. This generic model has been used in a wide variety of tank terminals to assess pipeline infrastructure and logistics.

Modelling

With the understanding of using the right KPI’s at the right moment, this simulation model is a powerful tool to enhance the performance of terminals and at the same time save investments and costs. The tool has been applied numerous times successfully (see portfolio).
Recently the tool is also available in the cloud. Without any license or programming skills, anyone with knowledge of tank terminals can model a terminal (manual). The input is given through tables on a website and the output is retrieved through tables and a clear dashboard. Even the animation can be adjusted and viewed via the site.
However, when starting to use the model, mistakes are easily introduced. Therefore we recommend to have us at least build a first "base case" of your terminal. A base case is a scenario of the terminal to which all other scenarios can be compared. Ideally this base case should represent a situation of the terminal that is verifiable. If it is an existing terminal, the base case should represent a year with a representative configuration of the terminal and of which all data (time stamps of modes of transport) is available. The base case will be validated with these historical data. With validation of a model we mean checking if the model represents reality sufficiently.
Some of the KPI's that may play a role in validation:

• Distribution of occupancy of product or MOT Type per berth/loading station
• Occupancy rate of equipment
• Absolute level and ratio of pump time and idle time per MOT type
• Waiting time per MOT type, per product, per berth or per tank

To be able to build a base case and validate it, we will require the following information:

• Process Flow Diagram (PFD) of the configuration of the terminal in the most representative period
• Historical data of MOT arrivals, preferably with all characteristics (dimensions, products, tanks) and as much different timesteps as available of the MOT’s process at the terminal
• Product dedication (or shared) of equipment, preferably with colours in the PFD
• Capacity per piece of equipment, preferably mentioned in the PFD
• Type of products per tank
• Historical management information on performance of the terminal (to verify and if available)

Modelling a tank terminal will take one week and validating it another week.