Remote Milk Storage Tank Level Monitoring
Milk storage tanks need reliable inventory information, but repeated manual checks can take time and may not provide a consistent record of filling and collection activity. Remote tank level monitoring gives authorised users access to reported measurements, trends and configured alerts from a computer or mobile device.
A complete system combines a sensor suitable for the tank and hygiene requirements, a monitoring gateway such as the LevelCon F200 and the LevelCon cloud platform.
What Remote Milk Tank Monitoring Can Provide
- Reported tank level or inventory information
- Configured alerts for high or low levels
- Historical trends showing filling and collection activity
- Remote access across one or multiple tanks
- Scheduled reports for operational review
The available information depends on the selected sensor, gateway configuration, reporting plan and tank setup.
Selecting a Sensor for a Milk Storage Tank
Food-processing and dairy applications require careful sensor selection. Any component that contacts the product must be suitable for the food-contact, cleaning and sanitation requirements of the installation.
A non-contact radar or ultrasonic sensor may be considered because it measures from above the liquid without being immersed in the milk. However, the tank geometry, internal fittings, agitators, foam, condensation, cleaning cycle and mounting position can affect the measurement.
The chosen sensor and installation method should be reviewed with the tank manufacturer, site engineers and relevant food-safety requirements. Remote level monitoring does not replace temperature controls, hygiene procedures, cleaning validation or other required dairy-quality systems.
Using the LevelCon F200
The LevelCon F200 is the current replacement for the discontinued StarPin. It is a remote monitoring gateway that collects readings from compatible sensors and sends reported data to the LevelCon platform.
The F200 supports common industrial interfaces including RS-485, RS-232, 4–20 mA, 0–5 V, I²C and pulse input. Compatibility must be confirmed for the specific milk-tank sensor and installation.
How the System Works
- A compatible sensor measures the distance to the milk surface or another approved level parameter.
- The F200 collects the measurement and transmits it through the configured cellular service.
- The LevelCon platform displays the reported level using the tank configuration.
- Authorised users review readings, trends, reports and configured alerts.
Questions to Answer Before Configuration
- Tank height, diameter, shape and capacity
- Milk-tank manufacturer and available sensor mounting points
- Internal agitators, pipes or other obstructions
- Expected foam and condensation
- Cleaning and sanitation procedures
- Required accuracy and reporting frequency
- Temperature and environmental conditions
- Cellular coverage at the installation site
- Integration, reporting or alert requirements
Why the Gateway Is Only Part of the Solution
Changing from StarPin to the F200 does not remove the need to validate the full monitoring system. The sensor, mounting, cable, gateway, tank calibration and portal configuration all contribute to the quality of the reported inventory information.
Discuss Your Milk Tank Monitoring Requirement
Metromatics can help review the tank dimensions, sensor options, F200 configuration and LevelCon platform requirements. Contact us with details of the tank and the information your team needs to monitor.