You may already know if your gauge is performing inaccurately, particularly if you notice highly erratic readings that do not clearly reflect your fuel sales. However, sometimes it is not instantly obvious that a recalibration is required; this is where third-party fuel monitoring services can help. Analysts are able to scrutinise site data on a daily basis and through advanced reconciliation techniques, can identify a poorly calibrated gauge quickly before any loss of profit is incurred.

Most modern gauges are fitted with an auto-recalibration function, which can periodically be set to analyse your tank and update any inconsistencies in the data. Whilst these recalibration functions do offer some benefits, they are not able to recognise the presence of any leaks. This means that, when a gauge performs auto-recalibration, it may end up ‘building in’ a leak and accounting for it as normal tank performance, especially if the leak is gradual yet steady over a long period of time.

There are many methods of carrying out tank gauge recalibration, all of which will differ slightly depending on your service provider. At Dover Fueling Solutions®, we specialise in remote recalibration, due to the minimal disruption the service causes to the site’s operation. Typically, we calculate twenty volume points that best capture the tank’s fuel movements over time, and measure the height-to-volume ratio in regular increments across the entirety of the tank’s height. The results are then uploaded to the gauge’s memory and a new strapping table is created. The table allows the gauge to accurately process stock levels that reflect the true nature of the tank’s structure and positioning.

Although a strapping table created by this method is often the most effective, we are also able to use an increased number of volume points when tanks are especially problematic, dependent upon the make and model of the gauge.

There are many benefits to investing in recalibration services, including a reduction in false gauge alarms that can be triggered by erratic data, such as tank overfill or sudden loss alerts. Furthermore, because recalibration significantly improves the accuracy of stock level readings, you are able to opitimise your deliveries, safe in the knowledge that your gauge is truly reflecting the remaining ullage in the tank and reducing the risk of any overfill or spillage occurring.

Other benefits include:
- Accurate, on-demand fuel stock readings
- Improved fuel stock management
- More accurate reporting capabilities
- Easy verification of fuel deliveries