SIMSBURY, Conn. -- Veeder-Root has developed an alternative to digging up a store's forecourt and installing conduit and wiring when its time to upgrade to automatic tank gauging (ATG): the TLS-RF Wireless tank-gauging system.
In situations where it is not practical to install tank-gauge wiring and conduit, the wireless system is a viable way to achieve communications between tank gauge components, said Richard Fricke, director of product marketing at Veeder-Root, Simsbury, Conn. There are inherent limitations in any wireless communications. Veeder-Root [image-nocss] recognized these conditions and designed the system and communications protocol to meet the demanding tank gauging requirements at retail petroleum stations.
According to Fricke, possible scenarios where the TLS-RF Wireless system could provide a sound tank-gauging option include sites where the customer wants to implement automated inventory and sump monitoring where the expense of wired ATG's was previously prohibitive. In addition, Richard Fricke said, we frequently have customers who want to retrofit their site with an ATG system, but it makes sense to delay installation of permanent wiring until they plan to dig up their tanks anyway for anticipated maintenance, repair or upgrades.
The TLS-RF Wireless system uses industrial-grade radios with license-free 900 Mhz and 869 Mhz frequency-hopping technology. Standard Mag Plus probes and Mag Sump sensors communicate with any existing TLS already capable of reading probes or sensors. Transmitters and battery housings located in the sump transmit directly to other system components without modifications to the sump or forecourt. The receiver and repeater are placed above ground and forward signals to the TLS-RF console interface box.
Initial sites with the Veeder-Root Wireless system were selected to represent a broad range of scenarios, from severe weather conditions to site layouts where configurations could cause data blockage. Test sites were surveyed daily and surveillance was in place on some sites to monitor how gaps might have been created when they did occur. Extensive data was collected and enhancements were made to release a best in class product.
The value of automated data collection provided by Veeder-Root's tank-monitoring products has been proven time and again. Fricke said. The TLS-RF Wireless system will allow operators to add ATG capability to sites that would otherwise have to wait for the timing to be right for a full-scale tank upgrade operation.
This product is available in limited quantities now with a full release in February 2006. Veeder-Root is a global supplier of automatic-tank-gauging and fuel-management systems.Members help make our journalism possible. Become a CSP member today and unlock exclusive benefits, including unlimited access to all of our content. Sign up here.