Veeder-Root's Wireless System Offers Option for Challenging Tank Gauge Applications
TLS-RF Wireless system works with any TLS Tank Gauge.Simsbury,
CT USA - Novermber 11, 2005 - Each year, any number of fuel site
operators find themselves in a quandary - they want the
benefits of automatic tank gauging, but their site is not prepared with
conduit to support the installation of wiring and components for a
conventional ATG system. Digging up their site's forecourt and
installing conduit and wiring may not be an immediate option. Now there
is a solution for this dilemma: the TLS-RF Wireless tank gauging system
from Veeder-Root.
"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," explains
Richard Fricke, Director of Product Marketing at Veeder-Root. "There
are inherent limitations in any wireless communications. Veeder-Root
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 says, "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 reliable 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 carefully 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.
Fricke says, "The value of automated data
collection provided by Veeder-Root's tank monitoring products has been
proven time and again. 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."
For the North American market this product is
available in limited quantities now with a full release in February
2006. The European version of the wireless ATG product will start to be
introduced during the first quarter next year.
Veeder-Root
[www.veeder.com] is a leading global supplier of automatic tank gauging
and fuel management systems, including the Red JacketĀ® brand of
submersible pumps and pressurized line leak detectors. Veeder-Root and
Red Jacket brands are both market leaders with a tradition of
excellence in the petroleum industry. Veeder-Root is headquartered in
Simsbury, Connecticut.
Press Contact: Eva Chambers (860) 651-2879
Email: echambers@veeder.com