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For industrious business owners and the building operators who manage their facilities, it’s vital to know how much propane remains in storage and when the tanks should be refilled. If left to chance, an empty tank can negatively impact business operations.
Remote tank monitoring (RTM) offers a convenient and safe solution, as it allows a propane provider to remotely monitor the amount of propane in the tank, scheduling fills when needed. Telemetry equipment automatically accesses, records, and transmits data from propane storage tanks using wireless hardware and sensors linked to a database via cellular, satellite, or wireless networks. This data is available to building operators, facility managers, and the propane supplier from any connected device.
Building Operators and Facility Managers Benefit
Remote tank monitoring improves building operations and increases safety for building occupants and the property itself. Because propane levels are continuously monitored, facility managers have access to rich historical backend data, which can help to chart consumption and pressure levels. Technicians are alerted if there is an abnormal increase in propane use, indicating a leak, or abnormal pressure changes that impact efficiency and safety. These are important safety features and a key reason to consider remote tank monitoring.
Remote tank monitoring also reduces the likelihood of running out of propane, which could be detrimental to business operations. Whether an office, retail store, hotel, restaurant, or any other commercial facility, maintaining normal operations is vital for all businesses. Shutting down for even a single day because the power is out, the HVAC is not working, or there is no hot water because the propane tank ran dry hurts productivity and results in lost revenue. There may also be damage to equipment and product loss, particularly for those businesses selling and serving perishable goods.
Many propane suppliers set a threshold on their tank monitoring systems. When a customer’s tank reads at 40% full, the software will automatically schedule that customer for a refill. For propane suppliers, tank monitoring improves delivery route efficiencies because only need-based deliveries are required. This solution also shows anomalies in consumption and will alert the company if there is a spike that could indicate leakage, as well as a dip. In addition, providers and their customers can better prepare for severe weather events, ensuring that business owners have full tanks and are prepared for potential power outages. Propane marketers often include remote tank monitoring as a point of differentiation.
Educating Building Owners About Remote Tank Monitoring
As a building operator or facility manager, you should understand the services propane marketers provide and important questions to ask them regarding remote tank monitoring for your particular property. Armed with this knowledge, you will also be able to better explain remote tank monitoring to property owners, including how it differs from traditional tank monitoring and how the right remote tank monitoring system is chosen based on the tank size and configuration, network coverage, and budget.
Traditionally, the facility manager or propane supplier had to manually inspect the tank’s propane level using an analog propane gauge or float gauge that displays the remaining percentage or volume of propane. This is a low-cost option, but lacks the convenience of remote tank monitoring. Today’s wireless tank level monitors include ultrasonic sensors, pressure sensors, and magnetostrictive sensors. Ultrasonic sensors use sound waves to measure the distance between the propane surface and the sensor, measuring the fuel level with high accuracy and reliability. Pressure sensors measure the pressure at the bottom of the tank to determine the level—they are very accurate but require a professional to install the gauge on the tank’s interior. Magnetostrictive sensors use magnetic technology to provide high-resolution data regarding the propane level in the tank. They may also require professional installation and are the more expensive option.
Communication methods include wi-fi, cellular network, and low-power wide-area networks (LPWANs), which are ideal for remote properties. Wi-fi enabled monitors connect to the business’ wireless network and are perfect for businesses with a reliable internet connection. That said, network outages can interrupt monitoring and wi-fi signals may not reach remote tanks. If a business is located in an area with spotty wi-fi coverage but reliable cellular networks, monitors that transmit data to a cell phone via text or a mobile app may be ideal. For those properties in very remote locations, or for tanks located far from the business, LPWAN offers a communication solution that can cover large distances and penetrate obstacles well.
Power sources include battery-powered monitors that will need to be periodically checked and replaced and solar-powered monitors, which are great for outdoor tanks with good sun exposure. When choosing a monitoring option, the tank size and location are key because larger or underground tanks may require a more sophisticated system.
Commercial Building Operators Count on Remote Tank Monitoring
Being aware of all of these options and understanding how to choose the appropriate remote tank monitoring system for your location and business type will ensure continuity of operations and services during severe weather incidents or disruptions in the grid. The ideal propane monitoring solution will depend on the tank size, location, and budget, but any remote tank monitoring system will boost safety, resiliency, efficiency, and convenience.
