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 decide to use a tape or a stick to gauge their tanks. This requires a person (usually the truck driver) to climb on top of the tank and drop one end of the tape down to the tank and then check the liquid levels twice to verify the measurement. At which point the person climbs down the tank and records the measurement at the tank battery and leaves it in the mailbox, or takes the sheet in with their load. This method is simple, but not very 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 - Accurate up to .1". Sensors have a 2-year warranty, and can be easily replaced or recalibrated.
• Reliability - Automates tank gauging to eliminate human error.
• Fast - The level information, temperature readings, exact date and time, driver ID, truck ID, leak information, high and low level alarms are all sent instantly to the web to provide real-time data.
• Transparency and Security - This information can increase tank security by providing the who, what, when, and where when valuable condensate, oil, and gasoline come up missing. TankLogix can even install security cameras to snap pictures or stream video straight to the web.
• Eliminates safety risk - The driver doesn't have to get close to the tanks, climb on top of a tank etc. This nearly eliminates the possibility of a slip and fall accident as well as many other accidents that are possible while manually gauging a tank.