Setting up a remote tank level monitoring system goes beyond selecting the ideal sensor technology. Often, additional support equipment is required to ensure a comprehensive system.
Over the years, APG has helped many customers find the right tank level monitoring solution, as well as providing expertise on the supporting infrastructure. Here are a few important questions to ensure each remote tank monitoring solution is complete.
Where are the tanks?
The distribution of your tanks is crucial, as it directly influences the route from sensors to the Internet connection. Are your tanks clustered in one area, or are they scattered across various locations? The more sensors that can be on one Internet connection, the more the customer will save on data costs.
When tanks are located together, multiple sensors can share a single internet connection. APG’s Tank Cloud is specifically designed to facilitate the configuration efficiently. It uses Modbus protocol to form a network of client sensors reporting to one server sensor or device. The server device transmits the reading through one Internet connection. This strategy reduces both equipment and data management expenses.
Tanks that are more spread out means each sensor will require individual network connection. Tank Cloud sensors work fine in this scenario as well.
What power supply options are available?
The type of power infrastructure at your tanks’ location is key. If the tanks are at a location where power supply is adequate, then there’s no need to worry about this. Just remember to ensure to supply the equipment with the proper voltage.
In other cases, the tanks may be in a location where there’s no power grid. Consider using batteries or even solar panels to provide the sensor and communications equipment with the required power.
What are the communication options?
If the tanks are installed in a location with an existing infrastructure with Internet connectivity, then everything is good to go. The Ethernet connect can be used to network to either a direct landline connection or to a wireless gateway.
For tanks in areas where a traditional landline isn’t available, consider alternative technologies. Many places have cellular coverage, even in some remote areas. Purchasing an Ethernet-to-Cellular modem may solve the problem. If a cellular network is unavailable, use radio or satellite technologies. Tank Cloud sensors can integrate with any Internet connection by plugging in an Ethernet cable.
How to access the data?
Finally, how to access the data is the final step.
One option is leveraging the online services being offered by the sensor’s provider. For example, Tank Cloud allows users to access their data from any device with Internet connectivity via their website, levelandflow.com.
For users who prefer to keep their data offline and within their local network, several alternative options are available. Tank Cloud sensors come with internal network sites that can be accessed on a LAN. Basic readings and sensor adjustments are available here. It can also tie it into a Modbus PLC or display to access the readings.
If a display is enough, APG’s MND (Modbus Network Display) is a simple yet powerful tool for cycling through the sensor readings. It can even act as the power source for a single sensor.
Feel free to reach out to our experts at APG. Our Sales Team will be happy to answer any questions you may have about Tank Cloud or setting up a remote monitoring solution to your problem.
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