Electricity + Control October 2018

PRESSURE + LEVEL MEASUREMENT + INSTRUMENTATION

Connecting level measurement tools in a wireless network is far more cost-effective than in wired technologies.

Adapt to changing business needs Business needs can change over time and com- panies may need to add or move containers at a site to keep up with new demands. Wireless net- works are versatile, scalable, and adapt easily to changing requirements. Containers can be moved as often as needed without altering the system or disconnecting the measuring device, which means containers can be monitored even while in transit. New nodes from new containers can be integrat- ed into the existing network, or a new network can be deployed to accommodate a new group of tanks without the time and labour commitments of altering a wired network. Conclusion Implementing a tank monitoring system that uti- lises ultrasonic sensors in a wireless network has many advantages. Wireless systems can be setup quickly, cost-effectively, and without large commit- ments of human labour or changes to infrastruc- ture. They can monitor many containers and can adapt to meet changing needs and scale to accom- modate new containers. Automated alerts can be setup to notify staff of potential issues, minimising the opportunities for emergency situations to de- velop. The data generated by these systems is more accurate and can be accessed from anywhere and at any time. This allows managers to make more informed decisions about their assets, how they are used, when they should be serviced, and what staff and resources are needed to service them.

tem like this can monitor many containers and can be set up in a fraction of the time and at a much lower cost than a wired network.

Improve efficiency with real-time monitoring and alerts

With connected devices, asset managers can eas- ily access tank level data in real time, improving efficiency and productivity. For example, with real time monitoring of remote containers, managers can strategically plan visits based on actual need instead of sending staff to a site based on fore- casted expectations of container levels. This saves time and costs while ensuring that tanks are full and processes are running smoothly. In addition, automated alerts can be setup to notify staff of potential issues, minimising the op- portunities for emergency situations to develop. Unexpected events can cause dramatic changes in tank fill levels. For example, a dry tank can have negative consequences for equipment depending on the content of the container, and processes may be brought to an unplanned halt. Meanwhile, over- fill are wasteful, can damage equipment, and may have environmental consequences. A real-time remote monitoring system can alert personnel via text or email if tank levels are outside of the estab- lished thresholds. This allows them to respond to these conditions before they become critical. In addition to real time alerts, tank level data can be logged and analysed to helpmanagersmakemore informed decisions about their assets, how they are used, when they should be serviced, and what staff and resources are needed to service them.

Electricity + Control

OCTOBER 2018

37