Measuring fuel level

[Warichet]

Hi,

Did someone already implement a fuel level measurement system, using an ultra-sonic sensor ?

I like the idea of a non-contact sensor.
I'm looking for a device similar to the Elsner S0250, (570€ ) but the sensor only, as I've already an ABB AE/A 2.1

Thank you for any hint.

[martin1]

Hi,
we are using the following combination for years:

ultra-sonic sensor: Honeywell 943-F4y-2D-1D0-180E
connected to a Siemens Logo Module AM2 as an extension of a Siemens Logo and the Logo knx Interface.
We are using the 4 - 20mA configuration so failure detection is also covered (Sensor Failure, Out of Range and broken wire). The Sensor has an programmable digital output too, which we don't use.

Yours Martin

[Warichet]

Hi Martin,

ultra-sonic sensor: Honeywell 943-F4y-2D-1D0-180E

Thank you for this to-the-point reply
Although I haven't been able to find an e-shop, nor price information yet, it looks like it is what I need , so still searching.

We are using the 4 - 20mA configuration

That's what I intend to do also. Already done with a PT-LM sensor (which is dead btw) connected to an ABB AE/A 2.1

Thank you.

[martin1]

Although I haven't been able to find an e-shop, nor price information yet, it looks like it is what I need , so still searching.

Maybe I have some information for you on monday.

Yours Martin

[Warichet]

I haven't been able to find an e-shop, nor price information yet

Found it in the US, 395$, a bit expensive, just to have the pleasure to see the fuel level in the Visu

[makki]

As fortune happens, I digged for reasonable-priced US-Sensors today (400 EUR!?? thats at best ridiculous IMHO) and found this (SRF06 seems the answer for 4-20mA)

Although, no case, nothing "plug&play" obviously, 0 personal experience with these, just a Google-result that reads like it's working..
I've already ordered some today, so in case you have the time to wait for them to appear in my "things-to-be-tested" within the Top5 (don't expect below 3 months), better to wait

Makki

[Warichet]

As fortune happens

Makki, it's time for a Lotto

and found this (SRF06 seems the answer for 4-20mA)

Indeed ! Beats everything
Although this particular model (dual sensor) doesn't fit my needs, as my fuel tank (Sotralentz, plastic, 2.000L) has a round opening of 6cm diam, with a big plastic screw to close the hole. I've to read all specs and find a single sensor model (xmit/receive).

in case you have the time to wait

I'm already waiting since 4 years so, I'll join you for the fun. Even if everything is to be discarded, I'm not going to die , given the price of other alternatives and the price of the AE/A, it is worth the try.

Thank you for sharing your findings.



PS: Maybe it's more appropriate to continue this discussion per PN ?
I guess no cat is interested in this stuff

[netzkind]

PS: Maybe it's more appropriate to continue this discussion per PN ?
I guess no cat is interested in this stuff

Apperantly i'm not a cat

I will be interested in these to know about the status of my wood pellets

Best,
Julian

[Warichet]

I will be interested in these

We are 3 to be alone

[Warichet]

I digged for reasonable-priced this (SRF06 seems the answer for 4-20mA)

In the same idea, I also checked this, for their excellent reputation (I'm very happy with their infrared "Twin Photobeam Detector"). But I didn't find anything usefull, so I ordered a SRF06 as well.

[Warichet]

About 4-20mA supply for the sensor, I wonder if it is a good idea to have several 4-20mA circuits from the same power supply or if it is better to have a separate power supply for each sensor ?

From an electronic point of view, I see no problem having several sensors on the same power supply, but maybe the cable length can be a problem ?

Any practical experience ?

[makki]

Waiting for delivery, but I guess once there's an precise US-sensor below 20 EUR interrest will grow fast

Power-supplys: now, if you have an AE/S 4.2 sensors are also powered form the same, non-isulated PS, so the electronic Idiot sees no issue here, with 4-20mA even less..

Makki

[Warichet]

Waiting for delivery

Got my package today.
Very small stuff, indeed. It will fit in my tank opening, no problem
(just taking care it doesn't fall inside )

[makki]

Oh, I got mine already a few days ago but had not so much time to play around yet; a quick look on the SRF02 & SRF06 went well: seems to work as expected

Makki

[Warichet]

a quick look on the SRF02 & SRF06 went well: seems to work as expected

Preliminary findings:
Values displayed from the ABB AE/A are inconsistent.
I suspected the 24VDC power supply and replaced it with a stabilized 12VDC, same thing.
To avoid this, the SRF06 must be clear from all obstacles (putting it on the side of a table or cupboard doesn't work. The higher, the more distance from all obstacles.
Once this is known, here are some measurements, with the AE/A set for the max range of 5,10m

Display |Measured
================
1,52 | 1,65
1,12 | 1,26
0,88 | 0,88
0,48 | 0,50
0,16 | 0,11

The measurements show a deviation on the upper range

Here are some measurements, with the AE/A set for the max range of 1,60m (which is the max height of the fuel inside the tank)

 
Display |Measured
================
1,12 | 1,65
1,20 | 1,26
0,88 | 0,88
0,48 | 0,50
0,08 | 0,11

Again, the measurements show a deviation on the upper range.
The sensor is mounted on a bracket to hold it 20cm away from everything. No good too close, should be at least 30-40cm. This is probably due to the sensor angle being too open.

Again. At 35cm from the side (which is exactly the half of the tank width)

Display |Measured
================
1,60 | 1,65
1,28 | 1,26
0,88 | 0,88
0,48 | 0,50
0,16 | 0,11

Preliminary conclusion:
the sensor is accurate in a region where I don't need it indeed, I'm specially concerned with a nearly empty tank
I wonder how this is going to work once mounted on the tank (the tank width is about 80cm...)

I fear the worst

PS: interesting article Reducing Sidelobes of SRF10