Emergency generators keep construction sites, data centers, warehouses, government facilities, cell towers, and more operational during severe weather and other power interruptions. These huge generators are fueled by diesel stored in nearby fuel tanks. Managers use several different means to monitor the level of fuel. Automation Products Group, Inc. (APG) and our industrial measurement instruments are perfect for situations such as these, monitoring fuel levels efficiently and ensuring uninterrupted operation.
Continuous Float Level Transmitters
APG has two lines of float level transmitters that are highly effective in tanks: the MPX series, which contain explosion-proof housing, and the MPI series, which have intrinsically safe wiring. These magnetostrictive float level transmitters come in a rigid stem and a flexible stem to cover a variety of applications. Our MPX-E float level transmitter, along with the MPXI-F float level transmitter , are the best fit for diesel fuel generators. We also offer a special Buna-N float, designed specifically for measuring the diesel-water interface.
Measurement Accuracy
Accurate measurement in fuel tanks is crucial. Since the diesel fuel tanks in this application power emergency generators, they must have a good fuel supply if an emergency strikes. Nothing would be worse than a sudden power outage and the generator stalling because it doesn’t have enough fuel in its tank. Users need to know how much diesel is inside each fuel tank so that they can be refilled if needed.
Since fuel tanks used for generators vary in construction, origin, and size, measurement accuracy is a particularly important factor. APG’s float level transmitters use slide fittings, which allow the float level transmitter to move up and down to better match the depth of the fuel tank. Using this fitting lets our customers standardize several different probe lengths to suit their own needs, rather than customize each order.
Submersible Pressure Transmitters
We offer two different submersibles for this application: the PT-500 and the PT-503. These submersible pressure transmitters are a great choice for measurement in tanks, with their small size and durable housing. The PT-503 pressure transmitter has PVDF housing, allowing it to reside directly in the diesel fuel itself without any measurement problems that other materials have. The PT-500 pressure transmitter has a 316L stainless steel body, making it equally durable in diesel fuel.
How to View the Results from Your Sensors
Once the fuel level is known, passing the information along is the next critical step. Communicating the fuel level back to the generator owner or the fuel supplier can be handled in a few different ways. Many of our customers have opted for remote communications via the Internet, due to its low cost, ease of use, and sheer effectiveness.
Internet connection provides users with real-time monitoring and the ability to manage fuel levels effortlessly from anywhere. By using Settler, an industrial-grade remote monitoring device, APG sensors can connect to the Internet. The data is received through APG’s secure web portal, Explorer, which can be accessed 24/7 anywhere an Internet connection is available. Explorer can also send user-defined alerts via email or SMS text message to notify relevant personnel. This flexibility applies to both float level transmitters and pressure transmitters, meaning that users no longer need to go on-site to check the fuel levels in their diesel tanks.
Similar applications for float level transmitters and pressure transmitters involve the managing critical liquid inventory in remote locations. Oil, yellow grease, fertilizer, water, and fuel are all examples of liquid inventory that’s commonly spread across entire regions. Our sensors, combined with Settler and Explorer, provide a low-cost, highly effective solution to an otherwise labor-intensive and costly task.
Want to learn more about our MPX line of float level transmitters or our PT-500 pressure transmitter? Reach out to our Sales Team today!
WRITTEN BY
Sami T.
Sami Thompson is APG’s Marketing Technical Writer and has been with the company since 2022. With a master’s degree in English from Utah State University and a 40-page thesis publication under her belt, Sami has a demonstrated strong writing background. In her free time, Sami enjoys reading and birdwatching.