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72 Spring 2019 or explosion-proof environments. Monitoring the temperature of certain products may be necessary to ensure the equipment can handle extreme conditions. Also, the speed of measurement is a factor in specifi c applications such as frac fl uids and logging, with individual instruments such as transmitters capable of meeting faster response times. While gauges may vary depending on the product measured, the key takeaway is the same – optimal effi ciency, safety and cutting costs. Benefi ts include: Avoid run-outs and overfills. Improve dispatch to client sites. Visibility to tank level, pressure, temperature, etc. Predictive analysis and scheduling. Accountability to ensure safety protocols. Improved communication between distributors and customers. Consistency across all assets, regardless of above or underground tanks. A piece of the RTM puzzle It is important to understand how these tank level gauges fi t into the overall monitoring solution and how the data from the tank can be used. The device is feeding information from inside the tank over a cellular network into a cloud-based platform. Tank level data is dispersed in a variety of ways through the application, which can be accessed by both distributors and their customers. Security is of the utmost importance when it comes to remote tank monitoring solutions, so there are multiple safeguards in place by most providers that allow hierarchal access to the platform, among a host of other security parameters. Developers spend countless hours improving remote tank monitoring platforms as technology changes and new products are released. Most are built for the desktop user, while mobile products are designed to ease in-fi eld operations and supplement the desktop version. Designed to provide users with the best possible experience when viewing tank data, the information offers users the ability to see basic features such as battery status, levels, and cellular signal strength to more complex features like time stamp fi lls and threshold reporting. The hardware itself factors in many complex variables for measuring accuracy in the harshest environments and across a number of products. For instance, there are multivariable liquid level sensors that meet either regional or worldwide approvals for hazardous areas, yet they are easy to install and are extremely smart systems immune to faulty sensing elements or internal/external obstructions. These gauges are built using the highest calibre materials, but also provide digital capabilities proven to keep employees safe and the product moving. It can be said that the data from tank level gauges are some of the most critical data sets when it comes to remote tank monitoring because it can affect almost every aspect of the organisation. Safety aside, some users (dependent on the application) only require daily reporting but can check the status of their tank every minute for instant reporting, if necessary. This will affect the battery life, but most batteries offer a fi ve-year life with warranty, so unless the tanks are high-fi ll tanks, once a day is typically the standard. Some of the essential data points extracted into applications include: Tank location. Figure 1. Bulk tank farm. Figure 2. Lubricant storage. Figure 3. Oil and gas refinery.

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