Six key things to consider when selecting a water level logger

When selecting a water level logger for your application it is best to consider a number of factors. Our guide should help you to choose the most appropriate water level logger. We need to ensure that it works efficiently, requires little maintenance and provides the best accuracy for your application.

What will my water depth be?

When you select a water level logger one of the first things you will need to know is the water level at your monitoring location(s). To determine this a knowledge of the potential change in level at each location will need to be known. For example if you have 100m of water in a borehole, but the change will only be 5m, you do not need a 100m range water level logger. A 10m range model would be sufficient in this example. If the variation in level would be greater, for example 80m, then a large range water level logger would be required.

What accuracy do I need?

After determining the range of the water level logger the next thing for you to consider is the accuracy. The lower the range of the water level logger the greater the accuracy. For example if you were to look at the 9m Rugged Troll 100, this would have an accuracy of +/-9mm. However in comparison the 76m version would have an accuracy of +/-76mm. If you were monitoring a surface water application we would highly recommend using a model with a lower level range. This is because these applications typically have lower levels so would provide the best possible accuracy.

Will the water be potential saline / acidic?

The potential salinity and acidity of the water are very important to consider. If your application is likely to be acidic or saline you would need to consider certain materials for your water level logger. For highly saline or acidic applications a titanium bodied product would be recommended. This has a ceramic pressure sensor to ensure the unit is not corroded or damaged. All these materials offer high levels of resistance ideal for these applications. In the case of a clean water application stainless steel or titanium products can be used.

Is the area been monitored likely to flood?

Determining if the location is likely to flood is crucial. This can be the difference between having a system which works accurately and a system becoming damaged. In applications which could be prone to flooding we recommend that you use an absolute (non-vented) water level logger.  With a vented system you will have a breather tube, with a desiccant connected to the top of the sensor cable. If this desiccant and breather were to become submerged there is potential for water ingress into the water level logger. This has great potential to damage the sensor. As absolute water level loggers are completely sealed there is no risk of water ingress via a vent tube. This makes it ideal for potential flood application.

Do I need a Vented or Absolute logger?

It may be the case that the points above have highlighted key aspects of your applications and  confirmed the model you need. If not, then an overview of the key advantages and disadvantages of a vented and absolute water logger should help.

If you are looking for the highest level of accuracy then the vented option would be recommended. In most cases this will also be more accurate than an absolute system. An example of this is shallow applications, as the vented tube directly transmits barometric data to the water level logger pressure transducer. With an absolute sensor you would need to consider both the inaccuracies of the water level logger and the barometric logger. However, in deep monitoring applications or those with a greater level variation it may be advantageous to use an absolute sensor. This is because as the measurement of individual barometric data alongside level data allows you to determine the barometric efficiency.

What budget do I have?

Cost is another factor, typically absolute water level loggers are lower in cost, especially when monitoring with multiple sensors in one location, as a single barometric logger can be used to compensate multiple water level loggers. You may find the costs could be comparable to monitoring a single point, however this would be determined by your cable lengths. As well as purchase cost, the maintenance of absolute water level loggers is a lot less as there is not desiccant or breather tube to protect from water ingress.

If you require any further information or have any questions or queries please feel free or contact a member of our sales team – 01280817304 / mail@bellenviro.co.uk

Please visit our website for more information on water level loggers

The Importance of Water Quality Monitoring in Aquaculture

Bell Environmental understand that ensuring good water quality is essential when reviewing the Aquaculture Industry. It determines the health, quality and growth of aquatic wildlife and management will look to monitor some key water quality parameters to ensure these valuable assets are of the best quality. The key parameters of interest are dissolved oxygen, pH, temperature, conductivity, ammonia and nitrates.

Correct monitoring of these will allow an Aquaculture business to be sustainable, with the benefit of being compliant with both industry and government regulations. By using water quality instrumentation, management will be able to keep a close eye on the water quality, its relation to feeding habits and therefore optimum growth conditions.

What solutions are available at Bell Environmental?

Ponsel Digisens sensor

  1. Digisens water quality probes

    Our Aqualabo Digisens water quality probes can provide readings for pH, Conductivity, Dissolved Oxygen and Turbidity. All our sensors use a Modbus protocol which means the sensor can be integrated directly into a local PLC / control system that can accept this form of communication.

  2. Point Colour remote data collection

    Our remote data systems allow you to collect data from directly from the sensors, without the need for a display. Data from the sensors can be provided to a web based platform via GSM/GPRS.

  3. Ethernet Data Collection

    Our Ethernet based data collection systems provide data directly from your sensors in the field to a web based portal. These units are typically mains powered and provide a good solution if wireless connectivity is not required.

  4. Test Kits for Aquatic Farming / Fish Farming.

  5. Odeon Photopod

    The Photopod simply connects onto our Ponsel Odeon handheld water quality meter and allows for the measurement of over 50 additional parameters such as ammonia and nitrates.

  6. S200 stationary display

    The S200 stationary display provides a local readout for all of our Ponsel Digisens sensors. The device also allows for calibration and provides external outputs for integration into a local data management system or telemetry device.

  7. Module 4001

    If utilising more than one Digisens sensor, the Module 4001 can be used to connect up to 5 sensors, providing a central location where power can be provided and calibration undertaken.

  8. Spectrophotometer for laboratory water quality analysis.

What are the advantages of these systems?

Remote Data Recording

Our remote data logging systems ensure that you can receive and view data wherever a web browser is available, whether this is on a PC, tablet or smart phone. These systems provide you with a remote view of the water quality conditions and mean you can monitor and be reactive to sudden changes. Our systems also allow for the configuration of alarms either via SMS or email. This can mean if a particular condition is met by one of the sensors then an email or SMS would be sent to a pre-defined mobile number or email address, for example an alarm can be set on the device if the pH exceeds 9.

Smart Sensors

All of Bell Environmental’s Digisens sensors utilise on-board smart processing, and can work with both our handheld Odeon device and our S200 displays. The sensors can also work as a standalone product allowing for integration into third party systems and data loggers. This means that the systems can save you money, as you can either look to utilise existing equipment or you can reduce the number of instruments required. As an example if you had a third party compatible data control system on site, and were looking to monitor pH and dissolved oxygen, a traditional system would require you to have a sensor and a display at each location. With the Digisens range you can simply connect the sensors directly to the control system, saving you money.

Real Values in Real Time

Bell Environmental’s Digisens sensors will provide quick / responsive readings, which are highly accurate and reliable, to ensure your process is performing correctly. The sensors can also be calibrated locally using the Odeon display, or using the local S200 display. Procedures for this are simple to follow and allow systems to be calibrated and returned back to operation quickly.

For further information on our Ponsel and Aqualabo monitoring systems please call us on 01280 817304 or e-mail our sales team directly at mail@bellenviro.co.uk.

Please visit our website https://www.bellenviro.co.uk/water-quality-monitoring/ for more information.

Five reasons why the Ponsel Odeon could be the water quality meter for you!

One meter, multiple sensor options

Odeon meters utilise a RS-485 communication. This technology means the meter can accept any of the digital sensor from the Ponsel DIGISENS range and provide instantaneous readings, along with the ability to data log this information. Sensor Options include – pH, ORP, Conductivity, Dissolved Oxygen, Turbidity, TSS and Sludge Level

Four readings at once

The Odeon meter is available in two different model types, a single channel and a model called Open X, which allows for up to two sensors to be connected. As an option however we can also provide a Y cable which allows the user to connect up to 4 sensor to a single Odeon device. All powered directly from the Odeon handheld meter, with data logging available

On-board sensor calibration

All Odeon digital sensors carry their calibration information on the sensor. This means that the sensor can be interchanged between Odeon devices, without the need to worry about recalibration. The sensor will also keep a record of when this calibration was undertaken.

Truly flexible design

While the Odeon has primarily been designed for use as a handheld meter, the device also offers the ability for short term autonomous operation. For example with two sensors connected, reading every one minute the meter can left for up to ten days of data collection in the field. We also offer a special extended battery pack deployment kit which allows the meter to be enclosed in a  waterproof case and includes an additional battery. This allows for data collection autonomously for up to 1 month.

photometer option

The Odeon can accept all of the Digisens sensors offered by Ponsel, the meter also has the option to accept a device called the Photopod. This allows you to connect up to 50 additional parameters, making the Odeon great for both field work and further testing when used in a laboratory environment.

For more Information on the Ponsel Odeon meter please contact mail@bellenviro.co.uk or call 01280 817304

Choosing a Dissolved Oxygen Sensor

What is Dissolved oxygen?

Dissolved oxygen is a reference for the amount of free oxygen found in water. Dissolved oxygen is a very important parameter when looking at water quality as it can have a large influence on the organisms living in a body of water. Typically, dissolved oxygen provides a good indication of the condition of water, therefore understanding these levels can help a good deal when looking to improve or maintain good water quality.

Dissolved Oxygen Sensor

How does dissolved oxygen enter the water?

The dissolved oxygen enters the water through the surrounding air, or as a result of plant life via photosynthesis. Air carrying oxygen can enter across the water surface, or can be introduced by processes such as aeration (occurring naturally or via man made solutions). Dissolved oxygen can also be introduced as a waste product from the process of photosynthesis from plant life such as algae, sea weed and other aquatic plants.

How can I measure dissolved oxygen

For the measurement of dissolved oxygen you will typically require a sensor and in most cases a meter or controller to interpret the information provided by the sensor. A dissolved oxygen sensor commonly comprises one of the following technologies –

♦ Clark electrode
♦ Optical dissolved oxygen sensor

Deciding which sensor is best will depend on the budget you have available and the time you have to undertake maintenance and calibration. In recent time’s optical dissolved oxygen sensors have been favoured over the traditional Clark electrode technology. The main reason for this change is due to the low maintenance / low drift characteristics of the optical sensor. This makes the sensor ideal for use on long term applications and those where reducing costs associated with maintenance is key. Optical dissolved oxygen sensors have no dependence on flow, therefore they are also ideal for applications where “still” water is present. A Clark electrode in comparison will require maintenance to ensure it provides accurate and reliable data, as the filling solution within the sensors can dry out over time. They are also dependent on flow to perform correctly, so will require some form of stirring or flow depending on the application.

Aquaread AquaPlus portable Optical DO / EC Meter Package

What type of dissolved oxygen meters are available and which is best for me?

Typically dissolved oxygen meters are found in 3 products types –

♦ Sensor only, with an analogue or digital output
♦ Sensor with handheld display / data logger
♦ Sensor with a permanent controller

Your selection will be decided by your application. If for example you already have an existing SCADA or data collection system you may decide that you can integrate a dissolved oxygen sensor into your system directly. This will of course mean that to perform calibration on the sensor you will most likely need a handheld device or PC software with communication cable. If however you would like a permanent display for readings / data logging or calibration then a permanent controller may be your best option. If a portable meter is needed for spot measurement or for carrying out short term monitoring or deployments, then use with a battery powered display or data logger may be the best option available to you.

To ensure you select the appropriate device for your application please feel free to contact us mail@bellenviro.co.uk or call our technical sales team 01280 817304

Climatological Monitoring used to boost crop yield

Qbic series range of all-weather battery powered data-loggers are charged by integrated solar panels

Qbic 4 or 8 Channel Data Logger, Web Portal Access and Built-in Solar Charger

This family of data loggers offer a great degree of versatility and allows for the connection of a wide variety of sensors with differing signal outputs, including digital, analogue and SDI12. Installation in the field is quick and simple, especially using the models with pre-wired push/pull connectors. Data Visualisation and download is available from any internet connected browser, or via smartphone connection using the free to download apps

Vineyard Application: The Concejo Cellar is located in village of Valoria de la Buena in Valladolid

Introduction:The grapevine’s scientific name is Vitis vinifera,  usually having a very long life span as much several centuries. It has a large root system that takes many years to fully develop, therefore it is a crop that can not easily be renewed, so the need to keep it healthy during the winter months or in extreme dry weather makes these woody plants quite demanding.

 

The vine is especially sensitive in its early years and care must be taken to control all external elements for proper growth and development.The vine is characterised by large oxygen harvesting leaves which combine with water and nutrients absorbed from the ground, molecules of acids, sugars, etc to provide the conditions for grape production whilst conditioning their particular flavour.

Edaphoclimatic Requirements

Temperature In winter, the lowest temperatures that can be tolerated are down to -20 °C. There would be serious damage at this temperature including the death of buds in the shoots of that year, which is more likely to happen in young and vigorous vines. Heavy frost damage below -2 °C after sprouting causes severe damage to the crop limiting bud development and reducing yield. Due to the high value of established vines, artificial fogging and expensive temperature controlled irrigation are used fight again the frost damage. Temperatures that are too high (30-34 °C), especially if accompanied by dry, moisture-wicking wind, are temperatures that scorch leaves and destroy fruit clusters

Precipitation

The water management of any crop depends on many factors such as temperature, rainfall, humidity etc.The grapevine has a powerful root system that runs deeply in the soil and requires relatively little water. Rainfall of between 350 and 600 millimetres per year is adequate for good wine production quality, so the contribution of water through irrigation should be used sparingly as a measure of “stress reduction.” Water stress causes a reduction in growth of the vine, both in vegetative terms (root, trunk, branch and leaves) and reproductive capabilities  (berries and clusters), which translates into a decrease in crop harvest.

The grapevine is not a traditional crop because in some situations a water deficit is actually necessary, for example during the late stages of the berry life cycle, limiting the water intake will increase the appearance of sugars in the grape therefore ensuring higher quality during the final ripening process.

This particular Vineyard has a drip irrigation system, which offers the benefits of minimising the expense and amount of water and energy used, reducing the occurrence of disease by incorporating controlled amounts of pesticides and fungicides and saving manpower.

Ground Conditions

The grapevine is adaptable to a lot of types of soil. In general, grapevines grow best in well-drained, slightly acidic soil that is neither deficient in nutrients nor overly rich.

» Level of pH :: Grapevines do best when grown in soil with a pH level of 5.0 to 6.0. …
» Macronutrients :: Grapevines need nitrogen and potassium in order to thrive. …
» Trace Minerals are essential. …
» Texture :: Grapevines need plenty of loose, well-drained soil below ground for root development.

The pH of the soil is of fundamental importance for the choice of the root-stock, if this is not adequate then it causes Chlorosis in the plant and the continuous use of correctors will be required to combat this.

In Spain, this kind of cultivation counts for more than 1 million hectares, which makes it the country with the largest cultivated area of ​​vines in the world.Area ClimatologyValoría la Buena is a village in the central area of ​​Castilla y León in the district of Valladolid. The historical weather data is:

In the image above we can see that the rainfall is 443 mm as mentioned previously, precipitation must be between 350 and 600 mm which allows us to to confirm that except for especially dry years, this will meet the requirements of the crop with respect to total volume. If we look at its distribution however, we can observe that the rainfall is greater in the Spring months (April, May and June) and Autumn (October, November and December).

The highest water needs for the crop are during the Spring and early Summer period. This last period should be supported with irrigation because the needs are still high and the rainfall very limited or nonexistent.Regarding the local soil we can interpret the below data provided by Itacyl.

We can see that the soil characteristics are, clay loam with a good amount of organic matter around 2%, regarding pH these are basic soils that will produce wines with lower acidity.

Qampo Qbic Data-logger Solution

After an initial study of the vineyard layout, soil type, irrigation system and the climatology of the area, it was decided to install a Qampo Suelo+ station, which has the following characteristics:

» Continuous monitoring of temperature and ambient humidity:
» Pluviometry
» Irrigation monitoring:  irrigation cycle time and metered water volume
» Monitoring of soil moisture and temperature at 3 depths using Sentek Drill and drop sensors
» Frost Detection Sensors
» Leaf wetting sensors
» Solar radiation
» GPRS wireless communications
» Datalogger Qbic 8C-GPRS (Pulse Input, 4-20mA input, SD12 Input etc)
» Secure access to the Qampo “cloud based” display platform

Installation:

The installation of the Qampo Suelo+ station is made easy thanks to its installation kit. The Qbic 8C-GPRS datalogger features an integrated solar panel, so no power cables are required for installation. It has external quick-connect IP67 connectors. The rain gauge and temperature sensor are attached on the pole where the Qbic is also fixed. All of this is done by means of supports and anchors that are part of this installation kit.

For the irrigation monitoring, volumetric water meters 15 mm (DN15- DN100 available)  are installed, making use of some adaptors for different pipe types.The sensor chosen for the measurement of soil humidity and temperature is the Australian manufacturer Sentek, specifically using a tube sensor of the Drill and Drop family length 30 cm. Which has 3 sensors for the measurement of soil temperature and water content of the soil, each separated by 10 cm depth. One of the great advantages of this type of sensors is its simple installation, which uses a battery powered drill, a soil bit 30 cm in length, and a level tool to make the drill perpendicular during use. Once the hole is made, you simply insert the tube sensor and connect it to the Qbic datalogger.

The complete installation of the station takes about 45 minutes. Once completed, you turn on the Qbic datalogger with its switch which then automatically starts to transmit data to the cloud based platform for instant viewing and analysis or later historical comparison and download….. with the option of programmable SMS / email alarm conditions.

Operation:

Once the Qbic station is installed and connected to the Qampo web platform the data collected from the vineyard vine rows and surroundings, including irrigation system data, soil conditions
and other gathered environmental, data we can begin to form an accurate overview of local growing conditions and obtain an initial recommendation of irrigation based on the calculation of ETo (Evapotranspiration), also based on the climatological data of the area and the state of development of the crop. This first recommendation of irrigation is compared with the farmer’s irrigation data to improve decision making.Once the irrigation routine is applied through the Qampo platform, it is possible to monitor the data of the soil moisture sensors in real-time, and thus adjust the irrigation cycle dynamics to the exact needs of the crop.

As we have already mentioned, each station incorporates a rain gauge through which we can exactly monitor the amount of rainfall that has occurred over time, in order to synchronise the need for additional irrigation to the local weather. The sensors for measuring temperature and humidity enable us to know the crops exposure to temperature fluctuations, which enables us to make decisions in advance, and also to maintain a record of the the localised climate condition during the development of the crop for future comparison.

In addition to the sensors discussed above,  there have been two more types incorporated into the system following initial installation

  • Frost detector: this sensor imitates a leaf and monitors the temperature drop in real-time, so it sends an alert by sms or email if the probability of frost is high. There is also the possibility that the device automatically switches an electro-valve or relay to activate any anti-freeze system used in the Vineyard
  • Leaf wetting: To spray or not to spray? Now you know.

Benefits of Qampo:

The Qampo Qbic Suelo+ 8C station offers important advantages and opportunities to the farmer:

  • Knowing when and how much to irrigate, taking into account the local conditions, and the time of the development of the crop. All of this will be extremely helpful to the farmer.
  • Having a record of both irrigation and rainfall throughout the campaign. To know exactly how many cubic meters per hectare have been watered in the monitored period and how this has been distributed over the months, weeks or days. To know how much it has rained every month, every week or every day. All of this will be available at any time to the farmer.
  • Knowing the exact weather conditions of the plot and to be able to analyse them in a historical way. To extract data, such as the hours of cold and heat to be able to make decisions in advance or improvements in the next growing / planting phase.
  • Having all the information accessible in a practical and simple way on your PC, Tablet or Smartphone
  • the possibility to set alerts from data of all measured parameters
  • Preventing frost damage risks in real-time
  • Predicting the appearance of different diseases in the vineyard
  • Having historical data to improve future decision making

See Qampo Qbic products on our site here >>

Basic Theory of Pressure Transducers

A pressure transducer is a device which converts an applied pressure into a measurable electrical signal which is linear and proportional to the applied pressure.

Standard Pressure Units

Within industry there are three major pressure datum’s that you will need to understand for your given application; absolute, differential, and gauge pressure. Each area of the world uses a different unit of measure depending mostly on regionality as well as the magnitude of the measurement. The most common units of measure are Pounds Per Square Inch (PSI) and Bar (B) for higher pressure ranges and Inches of Water Column (“WC) and Pascal (Pa) for lower pressure ranges (for a list of common units and conversions please go to our Conversion Tool).

When the unit of measure and the pressure datum are combined it gives the user a more complete description of what is going on or what is needed in the application. The pressure datum is typically depicted as a suffix to the unit of measure.

Absolute pressure is measured relative to a perfect vacuum. A common unit of measure is pounds per square inch absolute (PSIA).

Differential pressure is the difference in pressure between two points of measurement (measured relative to a reference pressure). This is commonly measured in units of pounds per square inch differential (PSID).

Gauge pressure is measured relative to current atmospheric pressure Common measurement units are pounds per square inch gauge (PSIG – also PSIC for compound or PSIV – Vacuum are also commonly used gauge measurements)

IMP Industrial Pressure Transmitter

IMP Industrial Pressure Transmitter

Understanding the difference between gauge and absolute pressure is critical for most applications. Remember that gauge pressure is measured relative to current atmospheric pressure (subject to change with changes in the barometric pressure) and that absolute pressure is measured relative to a perfect vacuum. Thus, your application will determine which of these approaches is required.

Also, within the pressure datum known as “gauge pressure” there are three main categories:

Vented to Atmosphere (PSIG)

Sealed (PSIS)

Vacuum (PSIV)

By design, pressure transducers are available to measure gage, absolute or sealed pressure. The most common reference is atmospheric pressure and the units are designated at PSIG. In this case the measuring device is referred to as a Gage Pressure Transducer.

Gage Pressure Transducer – PSIG

Measures pressure referenced to local atmospheric pressure and is vented to the atmosphere. When the pressure port is exposed to the atmosphere, the transducer will indicate 0 PSIG. This occurs because the pressure on both sides of the diaphragm is the same and there is no net output.

Venting is accomplished by means of a small diameter hole located near the transducer’s electrical termination – connector or cable. The vent hole contains a porous, stainless steel disk designed to filter out harmful airborne particles from entering the transducer. Depending on accuracy class, PSIG transducers above certain pressure levels may in fact be sealed. This can be done because the possible measurement errors due to sealing will stay within the accuracy specification of the transducer.

Absolute Pressure Transducer – PSIA

Measures pressure referenced to an absolute vacuum, hermetically sealed at 0 PSIA. When the pressure port is exposed to the atmosphere, the transducer will indicate atmospheric pressure; approximately 14.7 PSIA. This occurs because there is a vacuum on one side of the diaphragm and atmospheric pressure on the other. The net output represents the difference, which is atmospheric pressure.

Depending on accuracy class, PSIA transducers above certain pressure levels may not have an absolute vacuum reference. They can be sealed with atmospheric pressure because the possible measurement errors will stay within the accuracy specification of the transducer.

Sealed Pressure Transducer – PSIS

Measures pressure referenced to the prevailing atmospheric pressure hermetically sealed within the transducer. When the pressure port is exposed to the atmosphere, the transducer will indicate approximately 0 PSIS. This occurs because there is a fixed atmospheric pressure on one side of the diaphragm and the ambient atmospheric pressure on the other side. If they are the same the net output is 0 PSIS. If they are not the same, then the net output will be a reading other than 0 PSIS.

Depending on accuracy class, and design considerations, PSIS transducers below certain pressure levels are not available. Internal pressure changes due to temperature will produce measurement errors that will exceed the accuracy specification of the transducer. If a sealed transducer is required at low pressure levels, then the PSIA version should be used.

Heron 4-20ma vented Pressure Transmitter (0-10m)

Heron 4-20ma vented Pressure Transmitter

Practical Applications

Absolute Measurements

Absolute measurements are generally used in applications where you need a repeatable reference pressure; i.e. in an experiment or in a barometric application. For example if you are looking to replicate a test that was originally completed by a colleague in a different geolocation, you may want to use an absolute sensor to minimize variables in your test. Other applications include weather stations, altimeter calibration equipment, and semiconductor fabs and many more. However, if you want to measure or control a pressure that is based on current conditions a gauge sensor may be best.

Gauge Measurements

Generally, if you want to measure or control a pressure that is influenced by changes in atmospheric pressure. This style sensor is used in any application where you want to overcome the atmospheric conditions to produce a task or pull a vacuum to accomplish another type of task. The applications for gauge pressure sensors are quite vast. Some examples are pump discharge pressure, fire hose discharge pressure, tank level, steam pressure in a commercial boiler and many more.

Differential Pressure Sensors

Remember that Differential pressure is the difference in pressure between two points of measurement. You can measure very low to high pressures in all kinds of different media including liquids, gases, water, refrigerants and air. Thus, if you want to measure the difference in pressure across a filter (see below), you could use a differential pressure transducer to tell you when it was time to change the filter so you can maintain the Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) of your building. Differential applications can be quite varied, some examples are supply and return pressure in a chiller, air flow stations, leak detection systems, pressurised tank level, hospital isolation or protection rooms, and many more.

See our range of pressure sensors here >>

Note: This information was collated from web resources located within the public domain. No liability for the accuracy of this text nor it’s use for any reason whatsoever is accepted by Bell Flow Systems Ltd

Tank Cloud, remote tank level monitoring from APG

 

 

 

Tank Cloud is perfect for a single remote tank, or an entire tank farm. We’ve got it covered, no matter what the situation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our Tank Cloud master level sensors connect directly to the Internet for single tank applications. They also use Modbus to connect up to 10 slave sensors for tank farm applications.

Modbus is simply a communication protocol that the sensors use to pass data to the master sensors and then to the Internet for your viewing pleasure. It also makes wiring as inexpensive as it possibly can be, reducing the amount of cable needed and simplifying the wiring for easy installation.

Tank Cloud sensors can be daisy chained together for fast and inexpensive wiring. There are also a few other features designed to save you time and money – like Power Over Ethernet, that can power up to 6 sensors with the right Ethernet switch.

The sensors can be programmed remotely – so once the sensors are on the tanks, powered up, and connected you can walk away and do the rest from your office.

Features:

Adding Tank Cloud to your tanks will save you money in two critical ways:

♦ You’ll stop wasting time on the expensive task of checking remote tank levels. Enjoy tank level data at your fingertips.

♦  You’ll instantly know about expected and unexpected events. Receive an instant alert of tank empties and refills, including theft.

Stop wasting your time on level checking. This pulls your productive personnel off–task, and often costs you a lot of time and fuel to get on location. If you manage your own remote tanks, this is a major sticking point – causing a bottleneck to productivity, risk of injury, and is rarely executed with exactness.

If you collect from or refill remote tanks, you can improve your customer service dramatically, optimise collection and delivery routes, and (once optimised) service more customers with the same trucks. Relying on algorithms, or other forecasting techniques, to guess when the tank needs attention, is essentially rolling the dice.

Not only can you log-in to our secure servers at any time to see your tank level data, but you can leverage two critical tools to give your tank managers the critical information they need at exactly the right time.

Stay In The Know With Remote Tank Level Alarms

Remote monitoring is much more powerful when the right people can be notified of tank conditions at the right time. Tank Cloud’s remote tank level alarms do exactly this.

Send key personnel an automatic text message or email when tanks meet your pre-defined level condition. Give them the tool they need to respond appropriately to the routine tasks of servicing tanks, the emergency of a pending overfill, or to theft.

Tank Cloud sensors have a few different types of alarms. Local alarms can be initiated by sensor trip points and are completely user defined. Remote alarms are configured at our secure data portal at levelandflow.com.

Remote alarms will notify you when a tank is ready to be serviced – either picked up or refilled. They can even alert you to potentially unauthorised access events, such as theft. Creative uses of remote and local alarms include the initiating of a surveillance camera when tank contents are removed rapidly.

Perhaps the best part about our remote tank level alarms is that they’re completely user defined – meaning you can set them up to tell you about any tank level condition. Tank Cloud gives you the flexibility and control to set up alarms that match how you do business.

Crunch The Numbers With Tank Level Data Logging

Adding data logging to your Tank Cloud remote tank level monitoring will give you the information you need to make important long-term decisions.

Specifically, data logging will help you with the following:

♦  Tell you how and when your resources are used

♦  Give you production/usage trends

♦  Provide a record of your collections and deliveries

Understanding how your resources are used, and specifically when, is invaluable as you grow your business and plan for the busy seasons of the year. It’s one thing to have experience in your industry; it’s another to have the numbers in front of you. Optimising your business is a lot easier when you have the data to back up your decisions.

It also helps to monitor trends of production and/or usage. For inventory managers, this tool tells your purchasing department when and how much to buy. For distributors, this gives you greater insight into demand, and helps you offer amazing customer service. For collection services, this helps you understand your customer’s production rates and allows you to plan ahead.

Our data logging service will keep up to three years of data on a per sensor basis. This gives you the flexibility to pick and choose which tanks need data logging the most, and scale the solution to your exact needs. You can export the data into your favourite spreadsheet format for number crunching fun!

Applications:

Digital pressure gauges are an important part of any process that uses pressurised vessels or lines. They serve a vital safety tools to control pressure, and they help you keep your equipment running smoothly. When used right, pressure gauges are one of the most valuable instruments you can have.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tank Cloud is an awesome solution for the right applications. It excels for most people who need to monitor tank levels in remotely located tanks. Our sensors work very well for most types of liquids, even many harsh chemicals, and our line up of sensors is continually growing.

In the past, we have had great success with a few types of applications:

♦  Tank Collection Services – Any business who is charged with emptying tanks throughout a region when they fill up.

♦  Bulk Liquid Distributors – Any distributor who transports bulk liquids and wants to help customers manage their liquids. Often a valuable service that generates revenue.

♦  Inventory Managers – Any business that manages its own bulk liquid inventory with dispersed tanks – either regionally dispersed, or in facilities spread throughout the nation or world.

Tank Collection Services

A great example of a tank collection service is used oil recycling companies. These businesses visit either restaurants or auto shops (depending on the oil in question) and remove the used oil for recycling. Often, the collection service buys the oil from the establishment and then resells it to re–refineries.

Instead of guessing when their customer’s tanks are ready for service, and often getting burned by either a lower–than–expected tank level or random theft events, these businesses are able to actively plan their routes and optimize their collections with Tank Cloud.

One national oil recycler has virtually eliminated waste and increased productivity and profitability. Our customer is now able to take on more customers with their existing assets – maximizing their ROI on their fleet investments. In addition, with the higher accuracy of Tank Cloud sensors, they can provide an accurate account of oil collected to their many customers – giving them the peace of mind that they’re getting a good deal from the collector.

Similarly, Oil & Gas companies that collect crude oil, condensate, and wastewater from distant production tanks benefit from knowing ahead of time the exact level of the tank.

Bulk Liquid Distributors

The distribution of bulk liquids depends on clear communication and a bit of forecasting. Many distributor customers have a difficult time with both communicating inventory and forecasting future need. Tank Cloud helps in both instances with real time tank level information, alarms, and data logging.

One of our customers distributes agricultural chemicals to dairies throughout the West country. Miscommunication between the dairy farmer and the distributor often resulted in over–ordering and unhappy customers.

So our customer stepped in to help dairy farmers better manage their inventory needs and provide just–in–time deliveries. The service was a new source of revenue for the company, and helped distributors and customers work together.

Inventory Managers

If you’ve ever tried to keep track of tank levels in different locations, you’ll understand how difficult it can be – especially as we ask fewer employees to take on more responsibility.

This was the case forthe Department of Transportation. Employees found that managing their inventory of liquid de-icer was a constant challenge. Remote tanks were placed strategically to maximise statewide coverage. However, without sensors and manpower truck drivers were left estimating inventory levels.

Orders were commonly too late or too big. When too much was delivered, the council was responsible for the entire order.

Tank Cloud sensors give the state employees the information they need to stay on top of the inventory and save taxpayer’s money for more important uses.

Another customer in the industrial laundry and uniform wanted to know their chemical inventory levels in a few hundred locations nationwide. In addition, they wanted to improve safety by keeping employees and chemical distributor reps off of the tanks. Tank Cloud was the perfect solution to address both inventory tracking and safety concerns.

The Bottom Line

Our customers are optimizing their business, saving money, and generating new revenue everyday by using Tank Cloud to get a handle on their remote tanks. The fact of the matter is, if you manage remote tanks, you’re losing money every day you wait.

APG level monitoring products are available from Bell Flow Systems Ltd in the UK
contact us at sales@bellenviro.co.uk

15 Good Reasons for Choosing our Flow-Monitors

15 Good Reasons for Choosing our Flow-Monitors

  1. The units can be mounted in any orientation, unlike rotameters
  2. No glass to break, just a rugged plastic window
  3. Dirty water, oils and coloured liquids no problem
  4. The units are among few available that incorporate a 15 amp switch
  5. Wide choice of switches available – 3, 4 and 6 wire switches, Flameproof / Explosion Proof.
  6. More than one switch can be installed for multiple flow rate switching points.
  7. Switching Points can easily adjusted in the field
  8. Non contact 4-20 mA position encoder option
  9. Standard enclosure box IP 65
  10. Springs are not in contact with the flow.
  11. Large choice of materials to suit most applications
  12. Only one moving part
  13. Flow switches are needed to monitor flow in lubrication and spray systems. Flow switches are better than pressure switches here as a blockage will be signalled by a Flow Switch, whereas pressure remains – so a pressure switch will not indicate the potential trouble.
  14. Flow Switches are invaluable for balancing circuits and the added switch will warn operators of any change in the period following installation.
  15. Individually built and calibrated to customers requirements, usually within 2 weeks.

These products are built to last and do exactly what they say they will,  with the minimum of fuss,……. promising years and years of trouble free operation.

See the range here>>>

Is your Flow meter delivering its best?

Is your Flow meter delivering its best?
Read on to discover how to extract the most from it!

 

 

 

 

From Guest Blogger, Edward Simpson of company RS Calibration

Any instrument deteriorates over time. It is a given that to extract the most from it, regular inspection, instrument calibration or an upgrade is mandatory to ensure that the instrument keeps on delivering its best. A flow meter is also one such equipment which is used for diverse applications in numerous fields from agriculture to aerospace. To ensure that such critical equipment consistently delivers its best, it’s important to know the indicators which help you determine whether it’s time for an upgrade or a new purchase.

The parameters listed below can help you decide whether it’s the right time to upgrade your flow meter or not:

♦ If there is a new development or extension in the current operations within the business, or even a small change in the layout of the existing arrangement of the equipment.

♦ Introduction of new piping networks which can alter the fluid dynamics and various compositions of the fluid contents are some of the factors which can affect the monitoring equipment.

♦ Any alterations in the computer systems of your business can give rise to the possibility of the obsolete technologies and control systems becoming vulnerable to it. The flow control equipment is the nervous system of an operation and can be affected in such situations and hence needs to be upgraded.

♦ Historic records help identify patterns in the maintenance of the equipment, recurring problems, frequency of services etc. This data can be used to accurately gauge the need for an upgrade.

♦ Real-time data is equally important and is utilised to keep a check on the accuracy levels of the flow control equipment and helps decide the correct time for an upgrade in this system.

♦ If the flow meter system requires expensive maintenance frequently or its parts are becoming increasingly costly or you need to shelve out a lot of money to hire a technical specialist, it’s time to upgrade the system.

♦ Partial upgrades are also cost-effective and easy to implement. A trained engineer should be hired to implement any type of partial or full upgrades in the flow control system to ensure that there are no glitches in the system. Similarly, for flow meter calibration, it’s advisable to hire calibration experts of an accredited calibration lab.

Selecting a New Flow Meter

In case there is a need for new equipment, keep in mind the following factors before buying a new flow meter:

  1. Model – There are various models of flow meter available today which fulfil different applications and purposes. A simple profiling of material which is to be measured can help you understand the material’s behaviour when flowing through a pipe. This can help you narrow down on the model of the flow meter. If you are unsure about how to follow this procedure, seek the services of a professional.
  2. Objective – The type of liquid or gas to be measured, the turndown ratio, required temperatures and whether it will be operated manually or automatically are some of the parameters which can help you zero down on the objective of buying the flow meter.
  3. Material Compatibility – It’s extremely important to take into account the materials which are to be measured with the help of the flow meter. The model you choose should be compatible with the materials it is supposed to measure. Check each material individually against a reputable chemical compatibility table. Also check your choice of the model with the manufacturer of the fluid to avoid any compatibility issues or problems.
  4. Cost – A cheaper device may be tempting, but it can cost you more in the long run than the price you pay while buying. First, consider the quality, durability and the performance of the device. If it meets your requirements perfectly, even a slightly expensive flow meter will prove to be cost-effective in the long term.
  5. Fitting – You also need to consider the fitting or the installation of the flow meter. Keep in mind the exact location of where it is to be installed as this parameter can highly affect the device’s efficiency and accuracy. Is it likely to be affected by any obstructions in the pipelines such as bends, valves or joints? These aspects can hinder the flow of the materials to be measured hence consider them before making the purchase.

Choose a flow meter which suits the needs of your business. Also, keep in mind that the flow meter should be upgraded and calibrated as required at the right time for optimal outcome. Such simple steps can help boost the efficiency of your operations.

 

Author Bio: Edward Simpson works for RS Calibration Services and has a knack for finding faults in machines and does not rest until they are rectified to perfection. He lives in Pleasanton, CA and loves to write about how machines work and about the importance of proper care and calibration of equipment. When he’s not working or writing, he loves to run to stay fit.

Waste Water flow measurement in open ended pipes, now possible under all conditions

Accuron Cartridge-insert, open ended pipe flow meters
to fit nominal diameters 4″ – 24″ 

The successful measurement of low flows in partially full pipes and open channels has never been easily accomplished. Problems have ranged from questionable theory to real maintenance issues encompassing fouled sensors, sediment and plugging. The “point velocity” and “line velocity” theories that imply a velocity measured on the fluid surface or near the pipe wall can be substituted for the average velocity throughout the cross-section of the pipe have always been significantly challenged. In addition, flow sensors that sit in the invert of the pipe or hang from the top have made installation difficult, while providing a place for rags and other debris to accumulate. The accuracy of these single technology flow meters are only consistent within a specific or prescribed range of conditions. If conditions change, the stated accuracy ratings are no longer valid.

A new solution…. Accuron Hybrid Technology Cartridge Meters combine two distinct technologies in order to achieve maximum efficiency for monitoring of such flow under all conditions.

The Cartridge Meter is the first open channel flow meter to utilise hybrid technology. The new technology combines a stainless steel trapezoidal flume and Teflon level sensor combination for low flow applications with the highly accurate and non-fouling transit-time chordal velocity method for high flow applications. This new hybrid technology system allows for precise and highly accurate flow measurement during extremely low flows, high flows, flood events, reverse flows, stagnation and non-uniform hydraulic profiles.

High Performance under all conditions

During periods of minimal flow (Zero to 1/3 pipe diameter), The Accuron measures flow within its’ low operating range by utilizing the highly efficient combination of a trapezoidal flume and ultrasonic level sensor. Calibrated accuracy is ±3-5% of actual rate at a turndown: 60:1

During periods of maximum flow (1/3 to full pipe diameter). The Accuron measures flow within its high operating range by utilizing an extremely accurate area-velocity system that combines an ultrasonic level sensor with a pair of transit-time velocity sensors.

The Accuron Cartridge Meter comes with the assurance that each critical component will remain perfectly aligned during its installation plus operate free from the ongoing costs of repetitive maintenance. Transit-time chordal measurement is the most viable technique for predicting average velocity. It provides for detection of chordal velocity across the entire path of the fluid being measured.

OPERATING BENEFITS:

30 Minute
Installation Time

A stainless Cartridge, pre-sized for its specific application, arrives at the job site as a fully integrated unit. Every component is factory precision aligned, calibrated and programmed in strict accordance to customer supplied operating specifications.

Maintenance
Free Operation

By utilizing “above the flow” ultrasonic level sensors and non-fouling velocity sensors, the Cartridge Meter remains free from the ongoing problems of sediment build-up, fouled sensors and accumulated debris.

Data Logging
Software Package

Qtrend is an Excel Workbook Flow Data Graphing Package specifically designed to interface with every Cartridge Meter. It incorporates specific formulas capable of charting and displaying all of the data collected by the meter’s onboard logger.

Flow Lab Accuracy Traceability

Prior to field shipment, each Cartridge Meter is NIST traceable tested, calibrated and certified at Eastech’s Flow Metrology Laboratory under the identical size and flow conditions specified for its ultimate application.

Cost Benefits

Accuracy and cost efficiency is guaranteed by providing the end user with a pre-engineered field ready system designed for “out of the box” installation as opposed to the traditional solution. A single cartridge, pre-sized for its specific application, arrives at the job site as a fully integrated unit, requiring only 30 minutes for installation. Every component is factory precision aligned, calibrated and programmed in strict accordance to customer supplied operating specifications.

Engineering and plant personnel may now specify an extremely reliable and cost efficient system to monitor and measure flow in a single assembly. The Accuron Cartridge Meter shifts the responsibility of installed accuracy from the field to the factory. The added labour and expense of field programming, precise sensor alignment and costly flume installation is totally eliminated.

Guaranteed Accuracy

Prior to field shipment, each Accuron cartridge Meter is NIST traceable tested, calibrated and certified at the factory’s Flow Metrology Laboratory under the identical size and flow conditions specified for its ultimate application.

Maintenance Free

The risk and expense associated with repetitive confined space entry due to fouled submerged sensor problems is eliminated by utilizing an “above the flow stream” submersible Teflon level sensor. The trapezoidal flume’s flat straight through bottom permits the flume to pass debris quite readily and reduces the problem of sediment build-up up-stream of the flume and the cartridge’s transit time velocity sensors are designed to prevent the accumulation of rags, branches and similar debris from interfering with the performance of the transducers.

Why choose a Cartridge flow meter….. get the details here

See these products on our website here>>>