Veeder-Root's Wireless System Offers Option for Challenging Tank Gauging Solutions

TLS-RF Wireless system works with any TLS Tank Gauge.

November 11, 2005

Each year, any number of fuel site operators find themselves in a quandary - they want the benefits of automatic tank gauging, but their site is not prepared with conduit to support the installation of wiring and components for a conventional ATG system. Digging up their site's forecourt and installing conduit and wiring may not be an immediate option. Now there is a solution for this dilemma: the TLS-RF Wireless tank gauging system from Veeder-Root.

"In situations where it is not practical to install tank gauge wiring and conduit, the wireless system is a viable way to achieve communications between tank gauge components," explains Richard Fricke, Director of Product Marketing at Veeder-Root. "There are inherent limitations in any wireless communications. Veeder-Root recognized these conditions and designed the system and communications protocol to meet the demanding tank gauging requirements at retail petroleum stations."

According to Fricke, possible scenarios where the TLS-RF Wireless system could provide a sound tank gauging option include sites where the customer wants to implement automated inventory and sump monitoring where the expense of wired ATG's was previously prohibitive. "In addition," Richard Fricke says, "we frequently have customers who want to retrofit their site with an ATG system, but it makes sense to delay installation of permanent wiring until they plan to dig up their tanks anyway for anticipated maintenance, repair or upgrades."

The TLS-RF Wireless system uses reliable industrial grade radios with license-free 900 Mhz and 869 Mhz frequency hopping technology. Standard Mag Plus probes and Mag Sump sensors communicate with any existing TLS already capable of reading probes or sensors. Transmitters and battery housings located in the sump transmit directly to other system components without modifications to the sump or forecourt. The receiver and repeater are placed above ground and forward signals to the TLS-RF console interface box.

Initial sites with the Veeder-Root Wireless system were carefully selected to represent a broad range of scenarios, from severe weather conditions to site layouts where configurations could cause data blockage. Test sites were surveyed daily and surveillance was in place on some sites to monitor how gaps might have been created when they did occur. Extensive data was collected and enhancements were made to release a best in class product.

Fricke says, "The value of automated data collection provided by Veeder-Root's tank monitoring products has been proven time and again. The TLS-RF Wireless system will allow operators to add ATG capability to sites that would otherwise have to wait for the timing to be right for a full-scale tank upgrade operation."

For the North American market this product is available in limited quantities now with a full release in February 2006. The European version of the wireless ATG product will start to be introduced during the first quarter next year.

Veeder-Root [www.veeder.com] is a leading global supplier of automatic tank gauging and fuel management systems, including the Red Jacket® brand of submersible pumps and pressurized line leak detectors. Veeder-Root and Red Jacket brands are both market leaders with a tradition of excellence in the petroleum industry. Veeder-Root is headquartered in Simsbury, Connecticut.

Press Contact: Eva Chambers (860) 651-2879
Email: echambers@veeder.com