If you have installed a tank for your heating oil for your home, business, or agricultural land, you need to make sure you have the correct tank gauge for your tank.
But how do you work out which tank gauge is best for you, and what does a tank gauge even do? Find our below answers to these questions.
What Is A Tank Gauge?
Tank gauging is the process of measuring the volume of a liquid stored in a big container. The tank gauge measures the amount of oil or fuel added and indicates how much more is needed. It also tells you when to top up your tankl.
Types Of Tank Gauges
Gauges are a good way to track how much fuel is in your oil storage tank.
There are mainly four kinds:
- Electronic- works with both single-skinned and bunded oil tanks
- Sight - suitable for single-skin tanks only
- Float- good for a wide range of liquids in single-skinned and bunded tanks.
- Hydrostatic- can hold a variety of liquids and can be single-skinned or double-walled.
Sight Gauges
Sight gauges are thin tubes that run parallel to the feed pipe from the bottom of the tank to the outside. The tube is transparent and extends up the tank's side; often, a float is placed inside.
It is common for gauges to feature a "pull to read" or push button at the base. The fuel can flow up the tube when the valve is opened. The fuel in the tube will naturally settle to the same level as the fuel inside the tank. This is due to gravity.
Float Gauges
Float gauges feature a float that responds to oil-level changes by rising and falling. The gauge is attached to the string at the tank's top and the float. Wrapping the string around the oil gauge's mechanism will cause the dial to rotate in response to changes in oil pressure.
Also known as a cat and mouse gauge or float gauge. They're cheap and simple to use.
These float gauges can be installed in the position of the tank's vent using a combi vent adaptor if the tank's vent is 2 inches in diameter. This replacement vent cap has a hole in the middle that can be used to accommodate a float gauge.
Hydrostatic Gauges
A hydrostatic gauge, which is more accurate and reliable, is frequently employed in industrial settings. They do not require electricity, so they are used regularly in environments that may be hazardous.
Pumping air into the gauge's probe requires a little hand mechanism that the user operates. The probe on this tank probe is attached to the end of a tube. The probe uses the air pressure inside to determine the fluid pressure at the current depth.
Next, the "% full of the tank" is displayed based on this evaluation. It is possible to install this type of gauge further from the tank, provided that a single, uninterrupted length of tubing is utilized to connect the gauge's probe.
Because hydrostatic gauges are typically not waterproof, they should be installed inside an IP-certified enclosure.
Electronic Gauges
Several electronic level gauges are available now, some of which are wireless and others that can be linked to your computer or mobile device.
The most popular type of electronic level gauge is the wireless one. These gauges are usually battery-powered and utilise radio waves to transmit information about the amount of liquid in the tank.
They are very convenient to use since you do not need to go near the tank to check its level. However, these gauges tend to be expensive.
Computer-linked level gauges are also quite popular. They consist of a sensor connected to a microprocessor that communicates wirelessly with a display unit. This type of gauge is commonly found in commercial applications where there is no access to power outlets.
It can be hard to figure out which of the many oil tank gauges to install on your storage tank is the best; this blog should help you make the right decision.
