Liquid Fertiliser Tank Level Monitoring

Liquid fertiliser is often stored across farms, distribution depots and customer sites where manual tank checks are time-consuming. Remote level monitoring gives authorised users access to reported inventory data without requiring someone to visit and inspect every tank.

A complete system combines a suitable level sensor, a monitoring gateway such as the LevelCon F200 and the LevelCon cloud platform. The correct configuration depends on the fertiliser, tank design, measurement range, installation environment and communications coverage.

Why Monitor Liquid Fertiliser Remotely?

• Check reported tank levels from a computer or mobile device
• Receive configured low- or high-level alerts
• Review filling and consumption trends
• Plan replenishment using reported inventory data
• Reduce trips made solely to inspect tank level
• Monitor tanks distributed across multiple properties or customer sites

Remote monitoring supports operational decisions, but it does not replace required inspections, maintenance or site safety procedures.

Selecting a Liquid Fertiliser Level Sensor

No single sensor is suitable for every fertiliser tank. Sensor materials and seals must be compatible with the stored product, while the measurement technology must suit the tank geometry and operating conditions.

Non-contact radar or ultrasonic sensors

A non-contact sensor mounts above the liquid and measures the distance to its surface. This keeps the sensing element out of the product, which can be useful for corrosive or difficult liquids. Make sure to assesstTank obstructions, foam, vapour, condensation and the mounting position.

Hydrostatic pressure sensors

A submersible pressure sensor estimates liquid level from the pressure created by the liquid above it. This approach suits many tanks, but the wetted materials must be compatible with the fertiliser. It is also important to consider the liquid density when converting pressure into level or volume.

Other sensor arrangements

Existing gauges, compatible industrial instruments or wireless sensor nodes may also be suitable. Their output, power demand, accuracy and installation requirements must be checked before connection to a gateway.

Connecting the Sensor with the LevelCon F200

The LevelCon F200 replaces the discontinued StarPin. It collects readings from compatible sensors and sends the reported data to the LevelCon cloud platform through its configured cellular connection.

Supported interfaces include RS-485, RS-232, 4–20 mA, 0–5 V, I²C and pulse input. The exact sensor, cable and connector arrangement should be confirmed for the application.

How the Monitoring System Works

1. A compatible sensor measures the liquid level or distance to the product surface.
2. The F200 collects and transmits the reading at the configured reporting interval or event.
3. The LevelCon platform converts the measurement into a useful tank-level or inventory display based on the configured tank details.
4. Authorised users review current readings, historical trends, reports and configured alerts.

Information Needed to Configure the System

• Fertiliser type and chemical composition
• Tank material, shape, height and capacity
• Available sensor mounting points
• Required measurement range and accuracy
• Foam, vapour, agitation, build-up or internal obstructions
• Ambient and process temperature
• Hazardous-area or site certification requirements
• Cellular coverage and desired reporting frequency
• Whether the tank or trailer is stationary or mobile

Monitoring Mobile Fertiliser Tanks

For compatible mobile installations, the F200 can combine sensor measurements with motion-activated multi-GNSS location reporting. This may allow an organisation to view both the reported location of a tank or trailer and the inventory information collected from its sensor.

The required reporting behaviour, mounting, cellular coverage and sensor installation should be assessed for the vehicle or trailer rather than assumed from a stationary-tank configuration.

Discuss Your Fertiliser Monitoring Application

Metromatics can help select a compatible level sensor, configure the LevelCon F200 and connect the system to the LevelCon platform. Contact us with the fertiliser details, tank dimensions and monitoring requirements for an application-specific recommendation.