5 Essential Components of a Remote Level Monitoring System

There are many applications suitable for remote level monitoring. Tanks and other equipment aren’t always located in the most convenient locations, making remote monitoring a necessity. As industries continue to adopt remote monitoring to improve efficiency and reduce site visits, many users still underestimate what it takes to successfully deploy a reliable remote tank level monitoring system.

The sensors at Automation Products Group Inc. (APG) are designed to be easily integrated into a remote monitoring system. If you’re new to the technology, you’re in the right place. This blog post covers the 5 critical components of a remote level monitoring system. Below, we break down the five essential elements that make a system successful.

1. The Sensor

The sensor is the source of your data. It’s the heart of the remote level monitoring system. If you don’t have a reliable sensor, even the best communication or software tools won’t deliver meaningful results.

APG offers a broad range of industrial level sensors: ultrasonic sensors, radar sensors, level probes, and even float switches. These sensors come with a variety of outputs, such as 4-20 mA or Modbus, making them easy to integrate into both new and existing systems.

2. Local Communication

Local communication is all about getting your data from the sensor to a gateway, controller, or network connection. Traditional hardwired installations are proven and dependable, but they can quickly become expensive. The cost of a sensor can double quickly if you order it with a lot of cable. That’s why many want wireless or short-run connections. Wireless can reduce the cost of installation substantially and it’s often easier to deal with.

Settler is a compact remote monitoring gateway designed for tough, real-world conditions. With Ethernet or Wi-Fi connectivity for a stable network connection, Settler is designed for easy setup and global compatibility, making it an ideal solution for a wide range of remote monitoring applications. It has Ethernet support for reliable network connectivity.

3. Remote Communication

Remote communication carries your sensor data from the site to wherever it’s needed, whether that’s an office, control room, or mobile device. In applications where a local control room isn’t nearby, this component becomes essential.

Common options include a landline Internet connection if nearby, a cellular modem if a signal is available, or a satellite modem. Reliability is key here, as an unstable connection can quickly turn a remote system into a maintenance headache. Choosing the right communication method depends on site conditions, coverage availability, and data needs.

4. Power Supply

Power sources are one of the biggest challenges in the remote industrial environments. Power has limited availability in remote areas, driving a need for a wireless solution. Luckily, this solution is easily available in the form of batteries. When paired with efficient sensors and gateways, batteries are also a convenient option for power and are easy to work with. Batteries can replace lengthy cables, simplifying your operation.

5. Monitoring & Control Software

Data is only useful if you can see it, understand it, and act on it. That’s where monitoring software plays a critical role.

Settler is a pro at this, as it connects to APG’s online monitoring platform, Explorer. Explorer offers data logging along with email and text (SMS) alarms for real-time alerts. Once connected to Explorer, users can view tank levels, track data, and have alerts delivered right to their smartphone or desktop.

Settler: The Remote Monitoring Key

Keeping tabs on tank levels remotely shouldn’t be complicated. Whether you’re monitoring a few tanks or an entire operation, you need reliable data that is accessible from anywhere, anytime. That’s exactly why APG developed Settler: built for performance, versatility, and peace of mind.

Managing several tanks? No problem for Settler! Settler can support up to four sensors with 4-20mA, and many Modbus RS485 devices. It has Ethernet support for reliable network connectivity. Settler also has OTA (Over-the-Air) updates for remote firmware management, letting you stay updated without the need for manual intervention.

Ready to optimize your remote monitoring system? Contact our Sales Team today to learn how Settler can streamline your operations and keep your systems running smoothly. If you have questions about remote level measurement, give us a call. We can talk specifics and provide quotes so you can quantify your investment. We’ll put you in touch with the right people to complete your solution with truly reliable equipment.