Apollo Visual Bunded
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. Please fill out our contact form requesting new 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 1/10th the height of your tank, e.g. 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 tells 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 both liquids and solid materials. It is suitable for use with the storage of diesel fuel, kerosene, gas oil types A2, C1, C2 and D as defined by BS 2869. It can be used with other liquids such as water and some chemicals but for suitability please check with the company.
Q5. What kind of tank is the Apollo suited for?
The Apollo is suitable for all types of tanks. Suitable for old and new tanks in plastic and steel up to 3 metres in height. Apollos’ have an independent transmitter and receiver, and can be setup in minutes to the tank height and after matching, will only read its own tank.
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 options to rectify:
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- Try and relocate the receiver to a position that is nearer a window, remember that the transmitter communicates with the receiver by use of an FM signal and moving the receiver plug from possible metal obstructions can improve the signal. Check that there is no metal object such as a van, truck or that there is nothing in the fabric of the building, that may deflect the signal. Wait for an hour to see if you have a new reading.
- If this does not rectify the issue there is a possibility the Apollo has not been matched correctly. In this case, remove the transmitter from the tank, check for the correct dipswitch settings on the back of the receiver, which corresponds to your tank height and rematch by following the installation instructions.
Remember to switch the power off and then back on before rematching to allow for receiver plug to go into teach mode. - Ensure the transmitter seal is intact and has not been damaged allowing water ingress.
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 transmitter is vertical on top of the tank
- Is there an obstruction restricting the signal in the tank, this could include the location of the transmitter on the tank.
- Ensure the transmitter seal is undamaged
- If you have had a recent fill of oil please refer to Q 19
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. Replace the battery as soon as possible. (3 Volt – CR2430)
Q9. What kind of battery is used in the transmitter?
We use a long-life 3V lithium battery, which has many benefits. They are inexpensive and unlike alkaline batteries, they do not lose their charge while they sit in a shop stockroom.
Unlike alkaline batteries, the lithium battery will last for up to 5-7 years before it needs replacing. The model 3V-CR2430 is readily available from most supermarkets or from chemists or local stores.
Q10. Where is the transmitter battery?
Please note, if the transmitter seal is broken your warranty will be null and void. The battery life is approx 5-7 years. The battery should only be replaced when the battery warning is shown i.e. a fixed triangle is showing in addition to normal readings.
The transmitter is located in the top section of the transmitter. Having removed the transmitter from the tank, the transmitter battery is within the transmitter’s plastic casing. The battery can be removed by unscrewing the two screws from the bottom of the transmitter.
Click HERE to View Instructions
Q11. 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.
Q12. 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.
Q13. 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.
Q14. Why does the transmitter send an FM signal instead of AM?
The Apollo transmitter uses high-quality FM signal because it is less prone to interference when compared to AM signal. Using FM, we avoid the need for external aerials to combat radio signal interference, so we have a clearer signal and more reliability.
Q15. 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 to measure the level provided the tanks are the same shape and capacity with open pipework linking the tanks.
Please note: the bund warning can only be used on the tank to which it is fitted.
Q16. 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.
Q17. Will the transmitter be affected by UV light?
No, the transmitter has been specially made using UV resistant material.
Q18. 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. In cases where full readings persist, remove the transmitter from the tank and go through a re-matching procedure, and test before refitting to the tank. If working properly out of the tank then the problem is within the tank, ie, the position of transmitter on the tank, try relocating the transmitter.
Q19. 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 intermittent incorrect readings or flashing triangle until the oil/liquid level drops to 100 – 120 mm from the top of the tank. After which 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
Q20. How should the Apollo Bund transmitter be fitted to the tank?
The Apollo Bund is a combined Tank gauge and Bund warning device. The Apollo Bund consists of the transmitter, which must be positioned on the top of the inner or primary tank and is fitted as a normal Apollo. The bund-warning element is the float switch, which is attached/hardwired to the base of the transmitter. On installation, the float switch/sensor must be located between the inner tank and the internal wall of the bund. Do not place directly into the oil.
The float switch/sensor must be suspended vertically minimum 100mm above the base of the bund. Depending on the height of the tank any excess wire, the unit is supplied with a standard length, should be secured/tied off to allow the proper operation of the float switch/sensor.
Click HERE to View Instructions
Q21. What do all bars flashing and the red light flashing mean?
When all ten bars and red light are pulse flashing this indicates that the float switch/sensor has been activated and has detected oil/liquid in the bund area and must be attended to immediately. This signal may also occur if the float switch/sensor has not been correctly installed, see instructions, and is lying horizontally, instead of vertically, or is not hanging freely approx 100mm from the bottom of the tank, therefore, triggering the sensor.
Q22. 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. The transmitters are weatherproof and will remain fully operational.
Q23. I have a bunded tank, can I still use a standard or Visual unit?
Yes, you can use either unit on a bunded tank to measure the oil level however this will not alert you should you have an oil leak to the inner tank.