How To Configure an Abrupt Change Alarm

An abrupt change in a remote tank often spells disaster. These can be due to thefts and leaks or unusual usage patterns resulting in an overflow or a shortage.  Even when the change is routine, a notification to verify data is always helpful.

So we put an abrupt change alarm on our remote level sensors—the LOE ultrasonic. This sensor connects to the Internet, communicating level data to a central location for easy remote monitoring. The alarm works by defining how much the level can change in a certain amount of time.

You may ask yourself: How do I configure the abrupt change alarm?

We’re going to show you. So whether you’re about to install an LOE, or you just want to understand what it can do for you, read on!

Before you configure the alarm, you need admin rights to your sensors, so the configuration of sensors can be properly controlled. Login to levelandflow.com and navigate to the particular sensor that needs the alarm set-up. Once there, follow the steps below:

Step 1:

• Click on the “Edit Parameters” button found just above the tank level reading.

Step 2:

• Set the Trip Type to “Alarm on ON Abrupt Change” and click “Update”. You can choose Trip1 or Trip2.

Step 3:

• The Trip Value and Trip Window parameters will now be active. The Trip Value is the amount of time allowed for the level change. Trip Window is the level change itself. Enter the time and level change values that will trigger the alarm. Click “Update” again.

Step 4:

• Click the “Return” button to come back to the main sensor page.

With the sensor configured to trigger an alarm, we have to define how the alarm behaves once triggered.

Step 5:

• From the main sensors page, click on the “Edit Alarms” button.

Step 6:

• Choose the corresponding “Immediate” alarm (either Trip1 or Trip2, depending on the trip type you selected in step 2) and click “Add Alarm”.

Step 7:

• You will now be editing the alarm you just added. Fill out the form shown, selecting a label, description, alarm method, delay, and an authorized user who will receive the alarm notification. Click on the “Add” button. Note: the Delay value must be at least 1, as a value of 0 will deactivate alarm notifications.

Step 8:

• Hit the “Return” button. You will now be back on the main sensor page, and will see the alarm you just added, with an option to either edit or delete the alarm.

Now that your abrupt change alarm is set, you will receive notifications for things such as thefts, leaks, delivery or collection events, and more.

As this alarm is tied to a physical trip point on the ultrasonic sensor, you can get creative with how this alarm can help you the most. For example, one of our customers connected a security camera to catch thieves.

How will you use the abrupt change alarms to your advantage? Call us and let us know your thoughts. We can help you better understand the possibilities.