Learn how to perform an initial calibration on a WellAware Tank Level Monitoring device using the Field App
Last Updated: October 1st, 2021
WellAware makes it easy to calibrate tank level sensors for the first time. With the Field App Calibration Wizard, there’s no math, no measuring, and no frustrating phone calls to tech support. Just follow a few simple steps on your phone, and you’ll have accurate, reliable tank data.
This article will show you how to calibrate a WellAware tank level monitoring device when the sensor is first installed, or after the calibration is cleared using Advanced settings.
Navigating to the Tank Calibration Screen
After connecting to a WellAware Device in the Field App, select the Tank Application tile on the Device Home Screen, and select the correct tank.
Note: The initial calibration process is only required if the WellAware Device does NOT already have a tank calibration stored. If the device already has a calibration, you can easily recalibrate the tank using these steps >
Tip: For more information on the WellAware Tank Application in the Field App, read this article >
Clearing the stored calibration
If the Tank Application already has a stored calibration, you will need to clear it before performing a new calibration.
Warning: Do NOT clear the calibration unless it is absolutely necessary. Use the recalibration process instead. You should only clear the calibration under the following circumstances:
- You are replacing the current tank level sensor with a new sensor
- The tank level data is consistently inaccurate despite multiple attempts to recalibrate.
To clear the stored calibration from the Tank Home Screen, tap the Advanced tile, and then tap CLEAR CALIBRATION. Confirm your selection, and then return to the Tank Home Screen.
Setting the initial calibration
To calibrate the WellAware Tank Level for the first time, or after clearing the calibration, follow these steps:
- From the Tank Home Screen, tap the CALIBRATE tile.
- Select the tank shape, either vertical cylinder or horizontal cylinder.
Tip: For box-shaped tanks, select “Vertical”.
Note: The WellAware calibration algorithm accounts for slight abnormalities on cylindrical tanks, such as domed tops/ends and legs. So long as the tank has a mostly cylindrical or box shape, you may proceed with the calibration wizard. Below are some examples of tanks that will work with the calibration algorithm.
Examples of tanks that are supported by the calibration wizard
Warning: Tanks that are not cylindrical or box-shaped will require a custom strapping table. If your tank does not have a typical shape like those pictured above, please contact WellAware Client Success >.
- Enter the maximum capacity of the tank, in gallons, at the highest point in the cylinder or box shape.
Tip: Use the markings on the side of the tank, if available, to find the actual tank capacity at the highest point in the cylinder or box shape. If there is no marking at the highest point, use your best judgment to infer the volume at that point. The images below provide guidance on determining the maximum tank capacity for horizontal and vertical cylinders.
Vertical Cylinders:
Horizontal Cylinders:
Warning: Do not use the “nominal volume” of the tank, as this will cause inaccurate results. Rather, use the actual volume at the highest point in the cylinder.
- Tap "NEXT"
- Remove the sensor from the product in the tank COMPLETELY. The sensor voltage reading should be at or very near the zero point of the sensor. For example, a 1-5V sensor should show between 0.95 and 1.05 volts.
- Tap “NEXT”.
- Submerge the sensor in the product, allowing it to settle on the bottom of the tank.
- Start the 20-second timer to allow the sensor to completely settle.
- When the 20-second timer is up, tap “NEXT”.
- Enter the current observed product volume in gallons.
Tip: Use the markings on the side of the tank, if available, to determine the current volume. The images below indicate best practices on inferring volumes between markings for both vertical and horizontal cylinders.
- Tap “SUBMIT”.
The calibration is now complete!
Return to the Tank Home Screen and confirm that the displayed volume matches the actual volume in the tank. If it is not within a few gallons of the actual reading, clear the calibration and start over.
Moving forward, you may recalibrate the tank at any time using these simple steps >