An automatic tank gauge (ATG) is an electronic device used to measure fuel inventory and calculate volume inside an underground storage tank.
These tanks are usually buried underground and protected with backfill, making manual measurement difficult and unsafe. Automatic tank gauges solve this problem by providing accurate, real-time readings without opening the tank.
How an Automatic Tank Gauge Works
Modern gauges use electronic sensors that send ultrasonic waves into the tank.
Here’s how the process works:
- Sensors emit ultrasonic signals inside the tank
- The signals reflect off the fuel surface
- The system instantly calculates fuel level and volume
- Inventory data is reported electronically
Older methods like floats and ball shutoff systems are now outdated and rarely used.
Safety Benefits of Automatic Tank Gauges
Because measurements are taken electronically:
- Workers do not need to open underground tanks
- Human exposure to fuel vapors is reduced
- The risk of falls, spills, and injuries is minimized
Less manual access to tanks results in a safer work environment and improved operational efficiency.
OSHA and EPA Compliance
Using a reliable automatic tank gauge helps companies stay compliant with OSHA and EPA regulations.
Key compliance benefits include:
- Accurate inventory tracking
- Early detection of leaks or losses
- Proper reporting in regulatory-approved formats
- Reduced risk of environmental contamination
Having ths system along with an OSHA-compliant loading platform is a smart investment in safety and regulatory compliance.
Why Compliance Matters
Petroleum storage and maintenance are strictly regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Regulatory agencies focus on:
- Spill prevention
- Inventory control
- Worker and environmental safety
Failure to comply can result in heavy fines. According to the EPA, companies paid $88 million in fines in 2018 due to non-compliance.
Source: EPA.gov
Staying compliant protects both workers and company profitability.
It is used to measure fuel levels and calculate volume inside underground storage tanks.
They improve safety, accuracy, and compliance while reducing the need for manual tank inspections.
In many cases, yes. EPA regulations require accurate inventory monitoring for underground fuel tanks.
They eliminate the need for workers to open tanks, reducing exposure to fuel vapors and accident risks.
Yes, modern ATG systems can help identify leaks and abnormal fuel loss early.
