An Automatic Tank Gauge (ATG) is a method of measuring the volume levels of fuel inside of large, industrial-sized tanks. An ATG provides a safe and easily accessible solution to managing wetstock, and providing accurate estimates of both fuel and water levels. But despite the benefits of using an ATG, many enterprises continue using the outdated method of the Dip Stick to manage their wetstock. Although an ATG is considered to be a highly desirable piece of equipment, it’s often dismissed as ‘too expensive’ before the benefits can even be considered.But consider other important factors, such as accuracy, safety and accessibility. How does the Dip Stick measure up against an ATG?

Dip StickThe Dip Stick is a long, measuring tool, manually inserted into the tank by a worker. The Dip Stick has volume inscriptions along its run, and the amount of fuel remaining in the tank is determined by where the oil pigment stops along the Dip Stick’s volume inscription. This process is not unlike how you measure the oil in your car.However, your car only needs an average of 3.5L of oil. Industry sized fuel tanks can hold as much as 50000L of fuel, and a Dip Stick usually only provides volume indicators between 200L – 500L increments, making accurate readings very difficult and several litres of fuel un-accounted for. Some This method also doesn’t account for any water that may be present in the tank, which could be contributing to the total volume.

ATG An ATG is an electric probe installed inside each tank. The ATG monitors the contents of the tank by using a tool called a float. The ATG uses a separate float for monitoring water volume, making results even more reliable. These floats determine the height of fuel and water inside the tank. Separate sensors measure in-tank temperature.The probe sends this information to the ATG console, which is able to determine the volume of fuel and/or water inside each tank. The ATG is a highly accurate method because it has the ability to factor in multiple site-specific parameters that affect the accuracy of the tank’s volume: • Tank capacity (volume) & internal diameter • Siphoned (manifolded) tanks • Tank pitch or tilt • Temperature compensation • Robe offset from tank axial centre and tank radial centre • Site details name-number-etcBy assessing all of these factors, the ATG is able to provide a more accurate estimation of volume fuel and water volume to the nearest litre or millimetre.

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Dip Stick vs. Automatic Tank Gauge

Accuracy

Dip StickThere are many serious safety concerns regarding the use of a Dip Stick because it must be manually inserted by an operator in order to function. The fuel tanks produce hydrocarbon vapours, which have high levels of toxicity that the operator is directly exposed to. Many operators have to check tank levels at night – implementing this in the dark not only leaves more room for error, but is extremely hazardous. Accessing Dip Stick access points often exposes operators to oncoming vehicles, and are not visible to drivers when they are crouched down.

Dip StickThe process of manually dipping tanks correctly can take up to 30 minutes each day. In addition, the practice usually calls for weekly water paste tests per tank, which, when conducted correctly, will add another 30 minutes per week. This estimated time doesn’t even factor in the frequency of having to re-do the process if done incorrectly. To add to the difficulty, not all Dip Sticks have clear volume indicators, making operators misread the volume.Because the process is long and hazardous, many operators have to conduct their readings at night, adding to the difficulty of getting an accurate reading.

ATGThe ATG sends its tank readings to a controller, who can access the information remotely. As there is no need for an operator to access the tank, there is no danger of exposure. The controller also has an intrinsically safe barrier to ensure a failsafe situation from static electricity.

ATGThe ATG console is located safely inside the office, and can be accessed remotely, the information can be accessed to all users whenever needed.

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Safety

Time and Ease

Let us assume you own a site with five tanks. The site is ready to be equipped with an ATG (tank access and conduit is in place), and the figures are based on the average hourly rate of operators.

Dip StickIf you were to have your fuel levels checked with a Dip Stick every day for a year, and your water paste tested every week, the total cost would be over $3000 per annum. And for that price, your reading may not even be accurate, won’t account for water levels, and put operators at risk of danger.

5 Tank Site Cost Comparison

Dip Stick ATG

$40,000.00

$30,000.00

$20,000.00

$10,000.00

2017

$-

2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027

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Cost

An ATG is an investment for a long-term solution. In just five years an ATG will pay for itself, ensure accurate readings of tank levels, and provide easy access and safety to all those managing it.

ATGMany people are averse to using an ATG because, on the surface, it seems like the more expensive method. For a typical five tank site:• Equipment cost is $10,500 • Installation cost $2,850 • However, on-going maintenance is $0 per annum.

To find out more about how using an ATG can enhance and benefit your enterprise, give us a call on 1300 367 783, or visit us at drivingfueliq.com

Dip Stick ATG

The operator is exposed to hazardous vapours, oncoming vehicles and poor lighting to

get a reading.

Remote access of tank readings, no safety risk.

A site with 5 tanks spends, on average, over $3000 per annum on daily readings and

weekly water paste tests.

The setup costs for a typical 5 tank site would include:• $10,500 for equipment;

and, • $2,850 for installation.However, there is no cost associated with ongoing

maintenance. This means an ATG can pay for itself in just

5 years.

Prone to human error and does not account for water that may

be in the tank.

Highly accurate electronic systems that accounts for fuel

and water.

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Accuracy

Safety

30 minutes every day, often completed at night.

Live readings accessible at any time.Time and Ease

Cost