View Level Measurements on the Web

MTS Systems Corp.”sSensors Division, in conjunction with OleumTech Corporation, hasdeveloped a solution that allows users to monitor tank levels via theWeb. MTS Sensors provides the tank measurements, and theOleumTech wireless monitors  transmit the data back to the controlroom, where a Modbus controller with Ethernet output passes the dataonto the Web.  In the end, the customer is able to open a Web pageand pull up the latest measurement at anytime. MTS Sensors uses itsLevel Plus model MG liquid level transmitter to measure the level instorage tanks. The tank level is transmitted via Modbus to theOleumTech LevelMate Monitor that sends the measurement to the controlroom where the OleumTech DataHubTM is located.  The output fromthe DataHub is connected to a Fieldbus controllerthat places the information on the Internet. The customer can open theWeb site and poll the unit to find out the last collected measurement. Theuser can customize the update time of the radios and the Web interface.The intended application for the current model MG transmitter andLevelMate Monitor solution is for scenarios where the tank has linepower from a local source, but does not have communication lines backto the control room.  MTS has found several locations where the control room islocated hundreds of yards away from the tanks and the expense ofrunning conduit the full length has inhibited the use of automatic tankgauging on the tank.  However, there is no need forbattery-powered gauges and/or radios since power is located throughoutthe facility.  The solution provided by MTS and OleumTech allowscustomers to reap the benefits of automatic tank gauging without havingto endure the costs of running conduit. The MG transmitters provide three-in-one measurement of theproduct level, interface level, and temperature along with offeringvolume outputs from 100 point strap tables. The model MG has built areputation of high accuracy, reliability, simple installation, andfield replacement.  Every gauge is built custom to the applicationand is available in lengths from 508 mm (20 inches) to 18,288 mm (720inches). The model MG can operate on either 12 or 24 Vdc power via itsfour-wire Modbus connection.