Compare Automatic and Manual Tank Gauging
TankLogix provides automatic tank gauging solutions that help producers monitor tank levels, reduce manual measurements, improve inventory visibility, and access real-time tank data. Compared with manual tank gauging, automatic tank gauging can improve accuracy, safety, reliability, and dispatch efficiency.
- Reduce or eliminate manual tank gauging
- Track tank levels through web-based data monitoring
- Use cellular and satellite communication for remote locations
- Monitor tanks with single- or dual-level high-precision magnetostrictive sensors
- Access flow and pressure readings for pumps, flow lines, and vessels
- Improve visibility into inventory, dispatching, leaks, and tank activity
For the main service overview, visit our oilfield tank monitoring systems page.
Manual Tank Gauging
Tank gauging is has been done many different ways, with varying degrees of accuracy. Currently most tank owners use one of two methods.
Method 1
Many tank owners use a tape or stick to manually gauge their tanks. This often requires a person, usually a truck driver, to climb on top of the tank, lower the tape or stick into the tank, verify the liquid level, climb back down, and record the measurement at the tank battery. This method is simple, but it is not always reliable.
Disadvantages
- Customized communication systems that send text message or email alerts
- Reduced carbon footprint including H₂S and other noxious gases
- Less billable miles through efficient dispatching of trucks
- Online data and monitoring and tank management
- Leak detection
- Eliminates manual tank gauging, reducing the risk of falling or breathing noxious gases.
Method 2
Many tank owners install a gauge that can be read from outside of the tank, and at eye level so anyone can see the tank level at any time. This method also requires the person to record the level information at the tank battery. This method is safer than using a stick or a tape, but also not very reliable.
Disadvantages
- Accuracy – The outside gauges can get stuck, broken, are are rarely re-calibrated.
- Reliability – The person could record the wrong number, misread the gauge, have difficult handwriting to read.
- Slow – The level information and data are slow getting back to the decision maker.
- Limited Data – No temperature readings, exact date and time, driver ID, truck ID, leak detection, high and low level alarms can be recorded accurately. Not to mention data can be falsified or missing. (skimming, theft, etc.)
Automatic Tank Gauging
TankLogix created their automatic tank gauging system to solve the problems that the other tank gauging methods cannot.
Advantages
- Accuracy — Monitor tank levels with accuracy up to 0.1 inch. Sensors have a two-year warranty and can be replaced or recalibrated.
- Reliability — Automate tank gauging to reduce human error and inconsistent manual readings.
- Speed — Send level information, temperature readings, date and time, driver ID, truck ID, leak data, and high- or low-level alarms to the web in real time.
- Transparency and security — Improve visibility into who accessed the tank, when activity occurred, and where product may be missing.
- Safety — Reduce the need for drivers or operators to climb tanks, approach hazardous areas, or manually collect readings.
- Dispatch efficiency — Use real-time tank data to help reduce unnecessary trips and improve truck scheduling.
To learn more about how remote monitoring improves dispatching, safety, and inventory control, review the tank monitoring benefits.
