WITH the relentless hike in fuel costs and increased prevalence in thefts of "liquid gold" from storage tanks, fuel systems specialist Cameron Forecourt is urging companies that store fuel to take a closer look at monitoring and security.

The company, which has more than 30 years’ experience in providing a complete turnkey package of services embracing the supply, installation and maintenance of fuel tank, pumps and their associated control and gauging systems, is helping customers make their tanks and stocks less vulnerable to loss and theft.

With companies often storing many tens of thousands of pounds worth of expensive fuel on site, losses are an increased worry in a business environment subject to ever-increasing costs and volatility.

By combining extremely accurate electronic tank gauging and advanced internet-based monitoring systems, it is possible to provide every tank with an all-seeing electronic eye on stocks.

Cameron has combined market-leading electronic gauging with its new Tankwatch system which provides a live web-based real time link to extremely accurate stock level information round the clock, 365 days a year.

The TankWatch fuel management system combines with Glibarco Veeder Root electronic tank gauging and TLS monitoring equipment distributed, installed and supported by Cameron in the commercial market, to "complete the circle" and provide a total professional wetstock management package.

The TankWatch server, which can be accessed via any web browser, provides live wetstock monitoring as well as alarms for exceptions including overfilling, low stock levels, unusual fuel drawings, leaks and possible theft.

The system uses GPRS communications which allows the user to log on to the fuelling web site using a standard web browser and their unique username and password, so they can see and manage their fleet fuelling from anywhere.

Anomalies are notified using immediate email or text alerts via SMS to PC’s, laptops and mobile devices so that action can be taken to deal with any type of abnormal stock movements.

Comments Cameron Forecourt Sales and Marketing Director Martyn Gent: "The days of relying on bookstock figures and dipping the tanks now and then are truly over. Transport managers need to keep a closer eye on the ball and the tools we are able to provide help them carry out efficient and up to the second wetstock management so that they know exactly where their stock levels are at any time, day or night.

"Gilbarco Veeder Root ‘electronic dipsticks’ and TLS monitoring equipment in conjunction with our TankWatch system takes wetstock management to a new level and can provide timely alerts if something is amiss, whether it is a fault, leak or outright theft."

The system is suitable for all types of installation including underground tanks, above-ground bunded tanks and tall tanks up to 16 metres, which are becoming increasingly popular where confined sites require tanks with a small footprint.