Water Tank Monitoring

Water tank level monitoring is critical for ensuring efficient water management and resource optimization. It involves the process of measuring and managing water levels in storage tanks to ensure optimal operation. This process uses various sensors and data loggers to measure and control water levels in tanks, ensuring operational efficiency, preventing overfilling or underfilling. Typically, these systems use ultrasonic, radar, float, and pressure sensors to measure water levels. The use of the data logger is integral in this system, as the data logger captures and transmits the data from the sensor to provide real-time insights.

How Does Water Tank Monitoring Work? 

Water tank level sensors can either be placed within or on top of the water tanks, and remotely connect to a data logger. Data collected from the sensors is then transmitted wirelessly to a data logger, through connectivity options such as LTE-M or NB-IoT. The data collected is then interpreted and uploaded to a cloud-based system, allowing remote reporting. This provides remote access to data collected from the sensor, ensuring critical and prompt decision-making to be made. 

Importance of Water Tank Monitoring 

Having a reliable water tank monitoring system is crucial for several reasons. It ensures the precise measurement and management of water levels, preventing over and underfilling. Capturing this data allows for accurate monitoring which optimizes water usage, reduces waste, and enhances operational efficiency. Effective monitoring can protect an organization’s bottom-line and helps to avoid potential fines and legal issues. The following industries rely on water tank monitoring for broad applications:  

• Oil and Fuel: Monitor oil and fuel storage tanks to ensure they are filled to the appropriate level, preventing leaks or spills, and optimizing supply chain efficiency. This enhances safety and cost savings by avoiding environmental fines and reducing the risk of operational downtime. 

• Agriculture: Ensure irrigation tanks are adequately supplied, optimizing the use of fertilizers and pesticides, and preventing crop damage due to water shortages or excess. This leads to improved crop yields, reduced water wastage, and lower operational costs. 

• Water Utilities: Track levels in water storage tanks to ensure an adequate supply during high demand or emergencies, preventing overflows and underflows. This ensures a consistent water supply, enhances public safety, and improves resource management. 

• Chemical Processing: Monitor chemical tanks to ensure safe and efficient operations, preventing chemical spills and optimizing the usage of expensive raw materials. This improves workplace safety, reduces material costs, and ensures compliance. 

Implementation of water tank monitoring systems results in significant cost savings by optimizing water usage, reducing waste, and preventing overfills or underfills. Efficient monitoring enhances operational efficiency by ensuring resources are used effectively.  

Water Tank Data Loggers 

Data loggers are fundamental for recording and storing data from water tank sensors. Data loggers ensure data is captured with accuracy, interpreted, and sent into the cloud for remote analysis. 

Why the Hawk for Water Tank Monitoring

The Hawk is an advanced data logger for water tank monitoring, making it a top choice for effective water management. Below are some features for the Hawk: 

• Near Real-Time Data Access: The Hawk provides near real-time access to water tank data, allowing managers to have access to current water levels, temperature, and usage trends. Ensuring timely interventions can be made, verifying that the water tank is within optimal conditions
  
  
• Automated Alerts and Notifications: 
  The Hawk can be configured to automate alerts when critical conditions occur, such as low water levels or if a potential leak is detected. An example of this is if a water tank’s level drops below a set threshold, an instant notification is sent to the personnel responsible. This ensures swift corrective actions can be made. 

• Historical Data Analysis: The Hawk records and stores historical data, this enables trend analysis and provides information for forecasting. By analysing this historical data key personnel can predict future water usage patterns and plan accordingly.
   

Compatible Water Tank Sensors

The Hawk’s design allows for the integration of almost any sensor, providing a customized monitoring solution, listed are some relevant sensors to water tank monitoring: 

Ultrasonic Sensors: 

• Senix Tough Sonic 14: This sensor measures water levels using sound waves. It is non-contact and ideal for applications where hygiene and cleanliness are crucial, such as in the food and beverage industries. It utilizes a 4-20mA interface. 

Radar Sensors: 

• VEGAPULS C21: Provides accurate measurements unaffected by temperature or humidity. These sensors are suitable for harsh environments and can measure both liquid and solid levels. It utilizes an RS485 interface. 

Float Sensors: 

• Madison M8700 Series: These simple and reliable sensors are used for basic level detection. They work by floating on the water surface and are ideal for straightforward applications requiring high reliability. They utilize a digital interface. 

Pressure Transducers: 

• APG PT-500: Measures the pressure exerted by the water column above the sensor. These sensors are highly accurate and can be used in deep tanks. They utilize a 4-20mA interface. 
  

Visit our Knowledge Base to view a list of compatible sensors. 

Summary 

Water tank monitoring is utilized by a wide variety of industries to contribute positively towards resource optimization, waste management and cost control. By using data loggers such as the Hawk, the ability to capture accurate, real-time data becomes a reality. Learn more about how the Hawk can enhance your water tank monitoring processes, or contact us to discuss your specific requirements.