Apollo Ultrasonic

 

Q1. What is the Apollo Ultrasonic Gauge?

The Apollo is an electronic gauge that uses ultrasonics to measure the level of oil/liquid in a tank. The transmitter on top of the tank measures the level and transmits the information wirelessly to a receiver in the house/office. The receiver is plugged into mains electricity and by way of bars on the screen indicates the level of oil/liquid in the tank.

 

 

Q2. I have lost the instructions how do I rematch the unit and how do I know what Pin settings to set on the rear of the receiver plug.

The pin settings correspond to the height of your tank and are provided in the instructions.

Click HERE to View Instructions

 

 Q3. What do the receiver readings mean?

The receiver is equipped to give you a number of different readings based on the information it receives. Its primary function is to show the level of oil/liquid in the tank by way of bars on the screen. The more bars you see, the more oil you have in the tank. Each bar represents 1/10^th the height of your tank, e.g. if there are 5 bars showing, this would indicate your tank is half full. The bars will begin to recede as you gradually use the oil in the tank. 10 bars tell you that the tank is full and when the level reaches a low preset level in the tank an “Early Warning Nozzle” is shown. As the level drops further, the “Almost Empty” red light will flash on the screen.

Click HERE to View Instructions

 

Q4. What substances can the Apollo Ultrasonic monitor?

The Apollo is suitable for measuring liquids. It is suitable for use with the storage of;

• Diesel fuel
• Kerosene
• Home Heating Oil
• Admixtures
• Waste Oil 
• Agricultural Fuel
• Adblue
• Lubricants
• Biodiesel
• Detergent 
• Gas oil types A2, C1, C2 and D as defined by BS 2869.
• Water

 

 

Q5. What kind of tank is the Apollo suited for?

The Apollo is suitable for most tanks up to 3m in height. It can be installed on plastic and steel tanks, however,  if the tank contains any ribs, stays or bars for stability then they could cause interference with the ultrasonic signal.

 

Q6. I get a flashing triangle, why might this be?

This indicates the receiver is not receiving a radio signal from the transmitter. Please see the following to rectify:

Try and relocate the receiver to a position that is nearer a window, remember that the transmitter communicates with the receiver by use of a 433Mhz FM signal and moving the receiver plug away from possible metal or electrical obstructions can improve the signal. Check that there are no metal objects such as a van, truck or that there is nothing in the fabric of the building, that may deflect the signal. Ensure the receiver is clear from any other electrical equipment especially WIFI devices. Thick granite walls will also hinder the FM signal. Wait for several hours to see if you have a new reading.

Click HERE to View Instructions

 

Q7. What is the meaning of a flashing triangle and middle bar showing?

This indicates no ultrasonic echo is being received from the liquid surface. Ensure the bottom of the transmitter is clear from dirt or moisture. In some cases, a white chalky residue can build up on the cone of the device. Take the transmitter off the tank and clean this off, then refit it to the top of the tank.

 

Q8. What is the meaning of a fixed triangle on the receiver screen?

If a fixed triangle appears on the receiver screen, it indicates that the lithium battery in the transmitter is running low. The receiver will continue to give level readings until the battery is exhausted.  The battery should last 5 -7 years.

Q9. What kind of battery is used in the transmitter?

We use a long-life (3 Volt – CR2430) lithium battery, which should last 5 – 7 years.

 

Q10. Why must the transmitter stand vertically?

The transmitter uses ultrasonic technology, which means that the transmitter sends a signal out towards the oil surface and it bounces back to the device. If the transmitter is not vertical, there is no guarantee that the signal will be able to bounce back and may result in a flashing triangle with the middle bar.

 

Q11. In what temperatures will the Apollo work?

The Apollo is suitable to operate in temperatures of -10 to +60°C. Temperatures below or above these stated may cause the unit to malfunction, but on return to normal climate conditions, the Apollo will revert to correct reading.

 

Q12. How far away can I have my transmitter from the receiver?

You may place the transmitter up to 200 metres from the receiver, line of sight. Please keep in mind that obstacles such as walls, re-enforced walls, metal objects or metal buildings reduce that distance.

 

Q13. Why does the transmitter send an FM signal instead of AM?

You may place the transmitter up to 200 metres away from the receiver, line of sight. Please keep in mind that obstacles such as walls, re-enforced walls, granite walls, metal objects or metal buildings reduce that distance. If your tank is inside a shed or building separate from the receiver device, it may cause issues.

 

Q14. I have a number of tanks piped together. Can the Apollo Ultrasonic be used in this situation?

Certainly, the Apollo can be used on multiple piped tanks as long as the volume of oil in the tanks drops at an equal level in each tank. You can place the transmitter on one of the tanks in the same fashion as a single tank installation. It is as simple as that.

 

Q15. Is the transmitter affected by rain?

The transmitter is closed in a weatherproof plastic casing that protects it from the elements and UV light. It remains more reliable than other brands.

 

Q16. Will the transmitter be affected by UV light?

No, the transmitter has been specially made using UV resistant material.

 

Q17. My receiver reads full all the time, why might this be?

There are a number of reasons why you may be receiving a full reading from your gauge. Make sure that the pins on your receiver plug are set for the correct height of the tank. Make sure that there are no possible obstructions within the tank. Obstructions can sometimes be overlooked during installation, anything from internal pumps or pipes or internal stays in steel tanks. Avoid fitting the transmitter above or near ribs in the tank. Check that the correct screw length has been used (max 19mm) and that they are properly located. Use of longer screws and/or if they are put in at an angle will interfere with readings and as a result, may show a full reading.

In cases where it is a bunded tank, the transmitter/rocket needs to be fitted to the internal tank.

 

Q18. Where on the tank should the Apollo transmitter be located? 

The Apollo transmitter should always be located on top of the tank and in an area that the transmitter can clearly see the oil/liquid. It should be sited as far as possible away from the walls of the tank and any internal obstructions, such as internal ribbing or stays, any internal fittings or anti-splurge pipes, overfill prevention devices or anything that might interfere with the line of sight of the oil/liquid in the tank.

 

Q19. I have removed my transmitter from the tank and have found that the liquid in the tank has left a chalky residue on the bottom of the transmitter. Will this affect its performance? 

No, your transmitter will continue to work correctly. However,  it would be recommended to clean it and refit the device. The transmitters are weatherproof and will remain fully operational.

 

Q20. What if the oil in the tank is full to the very top? Will this harm the Apollo transmitter and will I receive a correct reading?

Tanks should only be filled to 95% of their brimful capacity. In the event that the tank is filled to the top, this will not harm the transmitter as it is a sealed unit. If the tank is filled to the top as described then the oil/liquid will be too close to the underside of the transmitter and will result in incorrect readings or a flashing triangle error on the receiver device. When the oil/liquid level drops to 100 – 120 mm from the top of the tank, the readings will return to normal without any adjustments or action needed.

The reason for the foregoing is that the Ultrasonics bounces a sound from the surface of the oil/liquid and measures the time it takes to then give a reading but if the oil/liquid is too close then it cannot record a time, it, therefore, needs a distance of 100 – 120 mm to give a correct reading.