CARY, NC -- MTS Systems has been working with OleumTech to provide customers with a solution that allows the customer to monitor tank levels via the Web. MTS Sensors provides the tank measurements, and the OleumTech wireless monitors transmit the data back to the control room, where a Modbus controller with Ethernet output passes the data onto the Web. In the end, the customer is able to open a Web page and pull up the latest measurement at anytime.
"The benefits for the customer from this solution are tremendous. The customer saves money on conduit, cable, and has the added convenience of allowing anyone the ability to check tank levels from anywhere," said Lee Aiken, MTS Product Marketing Manager. "MTS and OleumTech are very excited about the success customers are having with this solution, and we are working together to create additional solutions."
MTS Sensors uses its Level Plus model MG liquid-level transmitter to measure the level in storage tanks. The tank level is transmitted via Modbus to the OleumTech LevelMate Monitor that sends the measurement to the control room, where the OleumTech DataHub is located. The output from the DataHub is connected to a Fieldbus controller that places the information on the Internet. The customer can open the Web site and poll the unit to find out the last collected measurement. The user can customize the update time of the radios and the Web interface.
The intended application for the current model MG transmitter and LevelMate Monitor solution is when the tank has line power from a local source but does not have communication lines back to the control room. MTS has found several locations where the control room is located hundreds of yards away from the tanks and the expense of running conduit the full length has inhibited the use of automatic tank gauging. However, there is no need for battery-powered gauges and/or radios because power is located throughout the facility. The solution provided by MTS and OleumTech allows customers to reap the benefits of automatic tank gauging without having to endure the costs of running conduit.
Customers choose the model MG transmitters due to its ability to provide 3 in 1 measurement of the product level, interface level, and temperature, along with offering volume outputs from 100 point strap tables. The model MG has built a reputation of high accuracy, reliability, and simple installation and field replacement. Every gauge is built custom to the application and is available in lengths from 508 mm (20 in.) to 18,288 mm (720 in.). The model MG can operate on either 12 or 24 VDC power via its 4-wire Modbus connection.
About MTS Sensors
MTS Sensors, a division of MTS Systems Corp., is the global leader in the development and production of magnetostrictive linear-position and liquid-level sensors. Based on MTS' patented Temposonics technology, the Sensors Division is continually developing new ways to apply magnetostrictive sensing technology to solve critical applications in a variety of markets worldwide. With facilities in the U.S., Germany and Japan, MTS Sensors Division is an ISO 9001 certified supplier committed to providing innovative sensing solutions that deliver customers with reliable, cost effective sensing devices.