I was wondering if there is a way to get a device to automate when my heating’s petrol tank gets too low, so that i can set a notification to alert me when that happens. I was thinking of putting some kind of a flowing device inside the transparent hose and magnetically close a door sensor, but i don’t it will work reliably and could possibly stop the petrol flow to the burner.
Anyone had done any solutions for this??
Here are some shots, so that you can visualize what i am talking about.
It’s petrol, So you always have to be concerned about both contamination and fire danger. I wouldn’t put anything inside the tank or the tube. And I wouldn’t put anything battery operated too close to the tank or the tube either, unless it was specifically designed for that purpose.
One option that some commercial set ups use, although you have to be very careful about fire safety when you set it up, is to have a separate tiny tank near the base of the tube and put that on a pressure plate (With all the electronics and power supply off at a distance) and then report When the tiny tank gets too light. So the petrol flow is split, most to the main line, but some to the tiny tank, and then you can tell when the tiny tank is running low.
But again, you have to consider fire safety at every step of the way and it may not meet safety code to do this unless you buy a unit specifically designed for this purpose.
If you use a commercial service to refill the tank the first thing I would do is contact them and ask if they have any suggestions. These days many do have various kinds of alert systems they recommend.
Stainless steel doesn’t make a difference for that particular device. It’s not about the petrol damaging the device, although you’re right that that can happen, it’s about the introduction of the device into the Petrol creating a fire hazard, which can happen for all sorts of reasons.
Weight measurement is usually the safest simple approach as it never contacts the fuel.
There are some options with ultrasonic sensors, but again there are some safety considerations.
You don’t want anything that has physical contact in such a way that it might create a hotspot along the tube or tank.
Gotcha!.. it’s always baffled me how automobiles can have submerged motors in the gas tanks and not blow up… but that’s a different animal, I guess.
So the other concept would be a black float which would block out a photo sensor attached externally. But I suppose that might not be off the shelf enough.
Sorry, I’m really uncomfortable with giving Internet advice for any DIY product involving contact with flammable fluids.
It’s such a common use case that again, I would check with the fuel provider or the local township and see what they recommend. There are usually solutions, but they aren’t cobbled together from DIY parts.
I have one main question. Is this actually petrol or are we losing something in translation. In the UK some remote heating systems are fuelled by heating OIL not petrol. Is this the case?
Secondly remember even if it is petrol, petrol doesn’t burn - petrol vapour ignites and you’d have to have a leak to release vapour which would be very dangerous as there are plenty of ignition sources around other than a level sensor.
Having said all that, take a look at this, works with alexa, so with a couple of routines and virtual switched can be brought into smartthings. Eg. Notify at 50%, alarm at 25% etc etc.
I believe this is heating old or diesel. I know it can also run on Kerosene if that helps… Not sure though. However as most people pointed out though that electricity and petrol is dangerous, i am having second thoughts about this. Maybe if i can find someone to ask. However probably i have slim chances in Cyprus finding an expert on the matter at hand.
Most of the stuff you guys have send me need some serious research before making up my mind.
I wouldn’t put anything inside the tank or the tube. And I wouldn’t put anything battery operated too close to the tank or the tube either, unless it was specifically designed for that purpose.