Automated tank systems and methods for use in oil and gas extraction operation

A method of storing fluid from an oil well, the method comprising the steps:

• providing a plurality of storage tanks;
• providing a diversion tank;
• coupling a fill manifold to the plurality of storage tanks and to the diversion tank, the fill manifold having a first control valve controlling flow of the fluid to the plurality of storage tanks, the fill manifold having a second control valve controlling flow of the fluid to the diversion tank;
• coupling a sensor externally to at least one storage tank of the plurality of storage tanks without accessing a top of any storage tank of the plurality of storage tanks, the sensor being configured to determine a volume of the fluid within at least one storage tank of the plurality of storage tanks;
• associating a control system with the fill manifold and the sensor;
• and
• actuating the first and second control valves using the control system in response to at least one detection by the sensor to ensure that the storage tanks are not overfilled;
• wherein the first control valve is a butterfly valve;
• and
• the step of coupling said sensor to said at least one storage tank of the plurality of storage tanks without accessing said top of said any storage tank further requires the sensor to be mounted via the butterfly valve.