Managing liquid inventory across one or multiple tanks can be difficult when staff rely on manual dipping or visual checks. These methods take time, require site access and may produce inconsistent readings. Remote tanks can make the process even more challenging.
Wireless tank level monitoring provides regular access to reported inventory data without requiring someone to visit every tank.
How Does Wireless Tank Monitoring Work?
A complete remote tank monitoring system usually has three components:
- A sensor measures the tank level.
- A monitoring gateway collects and transmits the reading.
- An online portal displays the data and manages alerts.
The level sensor may use radar, ultrasonic, hydrostatic pressure, a float gauge or another measurement technology. The correct sensor depends on the tank, stored material, required range and operating environment.
Although these systems are commonly called wireless tank level sensors, the sensor itself may be wired to a cellular or satellite gateway. Alternatively, a wireless sensor node may send its measurements to a nearby gateway.
Improve Inventory Visibility
Remote monitoring gives authorised users access to current reported levels and historical data. As a result, inventory managers can check tanks from a computer or mobile device rather than relying on spreadsheets, phone calls or occasional manual readings.
When several tanks connect to the same monitoring platform, users gain a clearer view of inventory across multiple customers, depots or operating sites.
Plan Deliveries and Refills
Configurable alerts can notify users when a tank reaches a selected high or low level. This allows suppliers and operators to plan deliveries before the stored product runs out.
Historical usage information can also help identify consumption patterns. Consequently, businesses can improve refill planning, consolidate deliveries and prioritise tanks that require attention.
Reduce Manual Inspections
Remote tank monitoring can reduce the number of trips made solely to check inventory.
This is particularly useful for tanks located:
- On farms or remote properties
- At unattended industrial sites
- Across large distribution networks
- In difficult-to-access areas
- At customer premises
Fewer routine inspections can reduce travel time while allowing personnel to focus on deliveries, maintenance and other operational work.
Improve Site Safety
Manual tank checks may require personnel to climb ladders, work near traffic or approach hazardous materials. Remote monitoring reduces the need to access a tank solely to obtain a routine level reading.
However, remote monitoring does not replace required inspections, maintenance procedures or site safety controls.
Select the Right Tank-Level Sensor
No single sensor suits every tank. Before selecting a system, consider:
- The stored liquid or material
- Tank height, shape and construction
- Required accuracy and measurement range
- Internal obstructions or surface conditions
- Pressure and temperature
- Material compatibility
- Available mounting points
- Cellular or satellite coverage
- Power availability
- Hazardous-area requirements
For example, hydrostatic sensors suit many liquid applications, while radar and ultrasonic sensors provide non-contact measurement. LPG tanks may instead use a compatible dial or float-gauge sensor.
LevelCon Remote Tank Monitoring
LevelCon systems combine compatible sensors, remote monitoring gateways and the LevelCon Portal.
Depending on the application, Metromatics can configure a system using the LevelCon StarPin, F200 or another suitable gateway. Available configurations support mobile communication, LevelCon wireless sensor nodes and optional satellite communication.
Through the LevelCon Portal, authorised users can:
- View reported tank levels
- Review historical trends
- Monitor multiple tanks and locations
- Configure high- and low-level alerts
- Receive supported email and SMS notifications
- Generate reports
- Access compatible data through an API
The available features, reporting frequency and communications method depend on the selected equipment and service plan.
Typical Applications
Wireless tank level monitoring can support:
- Water and wastewater
- Fuel and lubricant storage
- Chemical tanks
- LPG and propane
- Liquid fertiliser and feed
- Agriculture and irrigation
- Generator fuel tanks
- Mobile tanks and tankers
- Industrial process tanks
Improve Your Tank Inventory Management
The right remote monitoring system can provide better inventory visibility, reduce routine site visits and help operators plan refills using reported tank data.
Contact Us
If you would like more information about these products or to know which is right for your application, please contact us, here.