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Liquid-Level Sensors Now Used in Railroad Fuel Management Systems

CARY, N.C. - MTS Systems Corp. Sensors Division's liquid-level sensors are now being used by railroads to improve the efficiency of fuel management systems. The sensors replace outdated manual gauge- and fuel flow-reading processes that cost railroads time, money and personnel. The new automated fuel management systems provide railroads the ability to better manage fuel inventories and reduce labor demands.

MTS’s magnetostrictive level gauges provide many of the features required by automated fuel systems.  The sensors consist of a flexible stainless steel pipe and electronics contained in an explosion-proof head.  The pipe acts as a protective sheath for the magnetostrictive waveguide that runs the length of the pipe.

The technology works by sending an electrical pulse along the length of a magnetostrictive waveguide (inside the pipe) installed in the fuel storage tanks. A float installed with a magnet rests on the liquid level’s surface and calculates the level inside the tank. The circular float easily moves up and down the pipe as liquid rises or lowers in the tank. A second float is capable of a second measurement of the water or interface liquid level in the tank as well.  Five equally spaced digital temperature sensors (DT’s) are used to determine the average temperature of the stored fuel for the most accurate fuel inventory levels possible.

A railroad’s decisions about fuel supply are driven by data on fuel receipts, issues and inventories. The ability to access timely, accurate information on the Web about fuel inventories allows it to more closely manage those inventories and shipment schedules, and to time purchases and pricing to market price fluctuations. Management can also quickly identify changes in fuel demand at each fueling location, providing additional opportunities to minimize operating expense.

Contact:

Adrian Totten,

MTS

Marketing & Sales Manager

Tel.: 919-677-2332

E-mail: adrian.totten@mts.com