Tank level monitoring is a common wireless application used in upstream pumping, oil and gas, wastewater, agriculture and other industrial applications to eliminate run-outs and overflows while optimizing and ensuring the integrity of operations. While most tank level monitoring systems limit sensor choice, the SignalFire Remote Sensing System™ (SFRSS) integrates an open architecture mesh network that allows users to choose the preferred sensor type for an application as well as mix sensor types in the same network.
Depending on the conditions of the operating environment and tank content (water, chemicals, oil, etc.), the right sensing technology might be float, pressure sensor, ultrasonic sensor, piezo resistive sensor or air/guided wave radar. Instead of just bundling one or two technologies as most tank level monitoring systems, the SFRSS communicates and powers virtually any sensor with 4-20 mA, 1-5V, Modbus, Hart, digital IO and other analog and digital interfaces.
In a typical tank level monitoring application, SignalFire wireless “nodes” interface with a standard sensor, providing power for the sensor as well as connectivity to a “Gateway” located at a central location where data is concentrated. The SignalFire Remote Sensing System provides reliable transport of the data to the gateway via its wireless mesh system.
Because the SFRSS mesh network operates at lower frequencies, it can communicate at ranges of up to 3 miles between nodes and is significantly less sensitive to foliage, obstructions, and moisture when compared to traditional wireless networks.