Managing fuel across multiple sites or large tanks used to mean climbing ladders with a dipstick, hoping your readings were right. That approach is slow, risky, and leaves too much room for error. Automatic tank gauges change that by giving you real-time fuel level data without leaving your office. Whether you run a farm with a few diesel tanks or a fleet depot with dozens, understanding how these gauges work and which one fits your site makes the difference between guesswork and control.
In this guide you will learn how automatic tank gauges work, the key differences between the PIUSI iPETRO Link Gateway and iPETRO Solus, and which setup suits your operation. We will also show how they integrate into a complete fuel management system.
How Do Automatic Tank Gauges Work?
Automatic tank gauges measure the level, volume, and sometimes temperature of liquid in a storage tank and transmit that data to a display or cloud platform. They replace manual methods like dipsticks or sight glasses, which are inaccurate and can expose staff to fuel vapours.
Most automatic gauges use a probe inserted into the tank. The probe can be a float type, a pressure sensor, or a more advanced radar or ultrasonic unit. The PIUSI iPETRO range uses a submersible pressure transducer that measures hydrostatic pressure at the bottom of the tank. The pressure reading is converted into a level measurement, then into volume using the tank’s calibration data.
The gauge sends the data either directly to a local display or, with the online model, to the cloud via a cellular or Ethernet connection. This means you can check tank levels from a desktop, tablet, or phone anywhere in Australia.
For sites with multiple tanks, automatic gauges can be set up in a network. Each tank reports its own level, and the system aggregates the data. This gives you a single dashboard view of your total fuel stock.
iPETRO Link Gateway vs iPETRO Solus: What’s the Difference?
PIUSI offers two main automatic tank gauge solutions: the iPETRO Link Gateway and the iPETRO Solus. Both are designed for above-ground storage tanks and use the same pressure probe technology. The difference lies in how they communicate the data and which features they offer.
|
Product |
Communication |
Key Features |
Best Use Case |
|
iPETRO Link Gateway |
Online (cellular/Ethernet to cloud) |
Real-time remote monitoring, alerts, cloud dashboard, integration with fuel management systems |
Sites needing full remote access and data logging across multiple tanks |
|
iPETRO Solus |
Offline (local display) |
On-site level display, simple setup, no network required |
Sites where internet is unavailable or unreliable; local monitoring only |
The iPETRO Link Gateway is the online model. It connects to the PIUSI cloud platform, allowing you to view tank levels, set low-level alerts, and generate reports. It is ideal for operations with several tanks spread across a property or multiple depots. You can also link it to the iPETRO fuel management system for a complete picture of fuel usage and stock.
The iPETRO Solus is the offline option. It displays the fuel level on a local screen mounted on or near the tank. No internet connection is needed. It is a straightforward, reliable gauge for sites where remote monitoring is not required, such as a single tank on a remote station where staff already visit regularly.
For a full range of both products, browse the PIUSI gauges collection.
Why Remote Fuel Monitoring Matters for Australian Operations
Fuel theft, stock-outs, and overfilling cost Australian businesses thousands every year. Remote fuel monitoring with automatic tank gauges tackles all three.
When you can see tank levels in real time, you can schedule refills before the tank runs dry. This prevents downtime on equipment and vehicles. You also get data to detect discrepancies between what is dispensed and what is reported, helping to spot theft or leaks early.
For fleets and agricultural operations spread over large areas, driving to each tank to check levels wastes time and fuel. An automatic gauge with remote access pays for itself quickly in saved travel alone. The iPETRO Link Gateway, for example, sends alerts when a tank reaches a low threshold, so you only visit when you need to.
The system also helps with compliance. Many tank operators need to maintain accurate records of fuel stock for tax and environmental reporting. The iPETRO cloud dashboard stores historical data, so you can generate reports without digging through paper logs.
Choosing the Right Automatic Tank Gauge for Your Site
Start with the number of tanks you have and whether you need remote access.
If you manage one tank on a site with reliable internet and you want to check levels from your phone, the iPETRO Link Gateway is a straightforward choice. It takes about 30 minutes to install: insert the probe, connect the gateway, and configure the online account.
If you have multiple tanks at the same location, you can install a Link Gateway on each tank. The dashboard shows them all. For tanks in remote areas without cellular coverage, the iPETRO Solus is the better option. It gives you a local reading without needing a data connection.
If you are building a complete on-site refuelling system, automatic tank gauges pair well with PETRO Industrial self-bunded tanks and PIUSI pumps. The gauge monitors the tank level, and the pump dispenses fuel through a meter and nozzle. Adding an iPETRO fuel management system controls access and tracks usage by user or vehicle.
What to Buy
For operations that need full remote visibility, choose the iPETRO Link Gateway. It is the best fit for fleet depots, trucking companies, and large farms where fuel is stored in multiple tanks spread across the property. View the iPETRO Link Gateway product.
For single tanks in remote areas with no internet, the iPETRO Solus gives you reliable local monitoring at a lower cost. It works well for workshops, small farms, and backup generator tanks. View the iPETRO Solus product.
For a complete setup, consider integrating the gauge with PETRO Industrial self-bunded tanks and PIUSI fuel transfer pumps. The combination gives you a fully managed, leak-proof fuel storage and dispensing system.
Need help choosing the right setup? Contact the PIUSI Shop team or call 1300 987 789 for advice on your site.
FAQ
What is the difference between an automatic tank gauge and a sight glass?
A sight glass shows the fuel level visually on the side of the tank. It requires you to be at the tank to read it. An automatic tank gauge uses a probe to measure the level and sends the data to a display or cloud platform, so you do not need to be onsite.
Can the iPETRO Link Gateway work with existing tanks?
Yes. The probe fits into a standard 2-inch NPT bung on most above-ground storage tanks. You can retrofit it to steel or poly tanks as long as the tank height is known for calibration.
Do I need an internet connection to use the iPETRO Solus?
No. The iPETRO Solus is an offline gauge. It shows the fuel level on a local display mounted near the tank. No cellular or Wi-Fi connection is required.
How accurate are PIUSI automatic tank gauges?
The submersible pressure transducer used in the iPETRO range is accurate to within 0.5% of full scale. This is sufficient for commercial fuel stock management and leak detection.
Can I monitor multiple tanks with one system?
Yes. With the iPETRO Link Gateway, you can install a gateway on each tank. All tanks appear on the same cloud dashboard, giving you a single view of your entire fuel stock.