Glossary
Key Terms in Wireless Tank Monitoring
4G LTE (Long-Term Evolution) : A standard for wireless broadband communication providing high-speed data connectivity for cellular-enabled tank monitors.
Aboveground Storage Tank (AST) : A container situated at or above ground level used to store liquids such as fuel, chemicals, or lubricants.
Accuracy : The degree to which a measured tank level reading corresponds to the actual liquid level, typically expressed as a percentage of full scale.
Alert Threshold : A user-configured tank level (high or low) that triggers automated notifications when reached.
Antenna : A device that transmits and receives radio frequency signals between tank monitors and gateways or cellular networks.
API (Application Programming Interface) : A set of protocols enabling software applications to communicate with the Asset Intelligence Platform for data retrieval and system integration.
Asset Intelligence Platform (AIP) : TankScan's cloud-based software dashboard that aggregates, displays, and manages data from all connected tank monitors.
ATEX (Atmospheres Explosibles) : European Union directive governing equipment intended for use in explosive atmospheres, relevant to tank monitors in hazardous locations.
Automatic Tank Gauge (ATG) : A pre-existing mechanical or electronic system installed in underground storage tanks, commonly found at convenience stores and fuel stations.
Battery Life : The expected operational duration of a wireless tank monitor's power source, influenced by reporting frequency and environmental temperature.
Cellular Connectivity : A wireless communication method using commercial cellular networks (4G LTE) to transmit tank level data to the cloud platform.
C1D1 (Class 1, Division 1) : A hazardous area classification indicating a location where flammable gases or vapors are present during normal operations, requiring specially rated equipment.
C1D2 (Class 1, Division 2) : A hazardous area classification indicating a location where flammable gases or vapors may be present under abnormal conditions.
Cloud-to-Cloud Integration : A method of connecting the TankScan Asset Intelligence Platform directly to another cloud-based system without on-premise middleware.
Commissioning : The process of installing, configuring, and activating a tank monitor to begin reporting data to the Asset Intelligence Platform.
Consumption Pattern : The historical trend of liquid usage or depletion in a tank, used for forecasting and delivery optimization.
Dashboard : A visual interface within the Asset Intelligence Platform that displays real-time and historical tank level data, alerts, and analytics.
Dead Band : The zone at the very top of a tank where the sensor cannot accurately measure, typically a few inches for radar monitors.
Delivery Optimization : The process of using tank level data and geographic information to schedule and route fuel or product deliveries efficiently.
Digital Twin : A virtual replica of a physical tank or monitoring system used for simulation, analysis, and predictive maintenance.
Edge Computing : Processing data locally at or near the sensor/gateway rather than sending all data to the cloud, reducing latency and bandwidth usage.
ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) : Business management software that can integrate with tank monitoring data for inventory, ordering, and financial operations.
Fleet Efficiency : A measure of how effectively delivery vehicles are utilized, often expressed as deliveries per route or miles per delivery.
Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) : A radar technique used in non-contact level measurement where a continuous signal sweeps across frequencies to determine distance.
Gateway : A hardware device that receives wireless signals from tank monitors and relays data to the internet via Ethernet or cellular connection.
Guided Wave Radar (GWR) : A level measurement technology where radar signals travel along a probe inserted into the tank, suitable for challenging conditions.
Hazardous Location : An area classified by regulatory bodies as having potential for explosive or flammable atmospheres, requiring specialized equipment ratings.
Hydrostatic Pressure : The pressure exerted by a column of liquid at rest, proportional to the liquid's height and density, used by submersible pressure sensors.
IBC (Intermediate Bulk Container) : A reusable industrial container designed for transport and storage of bulk liquids, typically 275-330 gallons.
IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things) : The application of IoT technology to industrial settings, connecting machines, sensors, and systems for data-driven operations.
Inventory Forecasting : Predicting future tank levels and product needs based on historical consumption patterns and analytics.
IoT (Internet of Things) : The network of physical devices embedded with sensors, software, and connectivity to exchange data over the internet.
Level Reading : A measurement of the current liquid height or volume in a tank, expressed in inches, gallons, or percentage of capacity.
Machine Learning : A subset of artificial intelligence where algorithms learn patterns from historical data to make predictions or detect anomalies.
Mounting Bracket : Hardware used to physically attach a tank monitor to the top or side of a tank during installation.
Multi-Site Management : The capability to monitor and manage tanks across multiple geographic locations from a single dashboard.
Non-Contact Measurement : A sensing technique where the measuring device does not physically touch the liquid surface, such as radar or ultrasonic methods.
Open API : A publicly available application programming interface that allows third-party developers to integrate with the TankScan platform.
Predictive Maintenance : Using data analytics and machine learning to anticipate equipment failures or maintenance needs before they occur.
PVDF (Polyvinylidene Fluoride) : A chemically resistant thermoplastic material used in sensor housings for harsh chemical environments.
Radar Level Measurement : A technology that uses electromagnetic waves to determine the distance from a sensor to the liquid surface in a tank.
Repeatability : The ability of a sensor to produce consistent measurements under the same conditions over multiple readings.
Reporting Frequency : How often a tank monitor transmits level readings to the cloud platform, configurable from minutes to hours.
REST API (Representational State Transfer) : A software architectural style for APIs that uses HTTP methods to access and manipulate data from the Asset Intelligence Platform.
Route Optimization : Using tank level data and mapping software to determine the most efficient delivery routes, reducing drive time and fuel costs.
SaaS (Software as a Service) : A software delivery model where the Asset Intelligence Platform is hosted in the cloud and accessed via web browser.
Satellite Connectivity : A wireless communication method using orbiting satellites to transmit data from extremely remote tank locations.
Sensor : A device that detects and measures physical quantities such as liquid level, pressure, or temperature in a tank.
Site Survey : An evaluation of a location before installation to determine optimal monitor placement, connectivity, and potential obstructions.
Submersible Pressure Sensor : A sensor lowered into the liquid inside a tank that measures hydrostatic pressure to determine liquid level.
Tank Farm : A facility containing multiple storage tanks, typically used for bulk storage of fuels, chemicals, or other liquids.
Telemetry : The automated collection and transmission of data from remote tank monitors to a central system for monitoring and analysis.
Time-of-Flight (ToF) : The measurement principle used by radar and ultrasonic sensors that calculates distance based on the time a signal takes to travel to a surface and return.
Tote : A small to medium portable tank or container used for storing and transporting liquids, often 250-330 gallons.
Transducer : A device that converts one form of energy to another, such as converting electrical signals to ultrasonic sound waves.
Trend Analysis : The examination of historical tank level data over time to identify patterns in consumption, delivery cycles, or anomalies.
TSC C-Store System : A TankScan product that integrates with existing Automatic Tank Gauges for underground fuel storage monitoring at convenience stores.
TSD Dial Gauge Reader : A TankScan product that converts existing mechanical dial gauges on pressurized tanks into smart wireless monitors.
TSG BYOS Monitor : A TankScan product supporting customer-provided 4-20mA sensors with cellular or satellite connectivity for custom applications.
TSP Submersible Monitor : A TankScan product using submersible pressure sensing technology for mid-range accuracy liquid level measurement.
TSR Cellular Monitor : TankScan's primary non-contact radar tank monitor with cellular connectivity, covering 3-60 feet measurement range.
TSU Ultrasonic Monitor : A TankScan product using ultrasonic sensing technology, best suited for lubricant totes in above-freezing environments.
Ultrasonic Level Measurement : A technology that uses high-frequency sound waves to determine the distance from a sensor to the liquid surface.
Underground Storage Tank (UST) : A tank buried below ground surface, commonly used at fuel stations and requiring specific monitoring approaches.
Volume Calculation : The mathematical conversion of a measured liquid height into volume units (gallons, liters, barrels) based on tank geometry.
Wi-Fi : A wireless networking technology using radio waves to provide local internet connectivity for tank monitors via a gateway.
Wireless Tank Monitor : A battery-powered sensing device mounted on a tank that measures liquid level and transmits data wirelessly.