LPG / Propane Fuel Level Brochure

Propane Vehicle Fuel Level Takes a Giant Leap Forward

A major milestone occurred in 2011 -  the first commercially successful application of Anisotropic Magneto Resistive (AMR) technology applied to Propane/ LPG /Autogas fuel level sending.    

We made our technological introduction a critical test for the sending unit.   We chose the aviation industry 

Yes the aviation industry.  

A little know fact was that the aviation industry utilized Propane Level sending units for their sealed nature and their intrinsically safe design.  

Aircraft fuel tanks breath as they ascend and descend providing pressure or vacuum against the fuel level sensor housing.  In Propane the pressure of the propane fuel exerts a pressure on the housing requiring a pressure seal to retain the propane fuel.  A sealed system is ideal for both applications.  

Aircraft fuel tanks must meet that "Intrinsic Safety Requirement" mentioned above,  in that wires or electronic components in the fuel tank are not ideal.  In Propane the solvent nature of Propane will dissolve rubber or plastic parts.  Remote reading of fuel level is ideal for both applications.
  


When we choose to apply this sender technology  to the most popular GA aircraft built.  It was a gutsy move to launch in aviation as our first market.

But like Propane, you just can't stop anywhere and fill the tank - We thought it was the perfect analogy and a testament to the capability of our sensor system .

The CiES Fuel Level Sensor is a magnetic, non-contacting angular position sensor that converts rotary motion of the float arm into an electrical signal.
This signal provides an accurate fuel level measurement and enables reliable Instrument Panel or Fuel Gauge readout.  

We tested our propane unit with one of the largest european component suppliers and just like the aircraft application we achieved astounding results in propane as well.

Our compact, modular design utilizing the familiar SAE 5 or 4 bolt mounting allows a wide range of applications and our calibrated output signal compensates for component and assembly variations.  Our unique design using our patented AMR technology enables dependable performance and durability.

The CiES Fuel Level Sensor's linear output -  Frequency, Voltage, PWM Current Mode or Digital Bus  is directly proportional  to the position of the float in the tank.  We can provide a mapped output to match the exact contents of the Propane tank.

We derive fuel volume by the measurement of the magnetic field direction.  This patented method allows for wide mechanical tolerances, vibration and sensor placement.  Just like a compass in your hand - no matter where or how you move the compass, it will continue to point North - our sensor continues to point at the float no matter what.

Noncontact performance is made possible by state-of-the-art  programmable Anisotropic Magneto Resistive (AMR) technologies. Rotating magnets generate a voltage with a paired sine wave response signal.   The sensor operates in a combined linear region of this  sine wave response signal.

Benefits 

• Low cost with electrical interface that powers and reads AMR effect output signal
• Modular and common interface help achieve competitive cost
• Can be easily modified to meet specific customer requirements
• Protection against contamination and fuel exposure
• Lower drive current minimizes system power consumption
• High resolution output signal with low hysteresis for improved system performance

Application 

The CiES Fuel Level Sensor is ideally suited for Propane powered  Buses, Recreational Vehicles, Trucks, Heavy Equipment, Lawn Mowers, Lift trucks and automobiles.   The non contact measurement method is ideal for Propane fuel.

We have eliminated sloppy internal gearing and shafts to keep unwanted friction out of the system.  There is no need to "Rap" the tank to get the CiES sending unit to work.

Performance Advantages

The CiES Fuel Level Sensor features a proven technology that has been used in high volume absolute position sensor applications, like brake by wire, throttle and accelerator positioning, for more than 10 years.

The non-contacting design of the sensor maximizes product life by eliminating fuel level signal deterioration due to contact wear, resistive ink failure or dendritic growth.  Our low current draw with high resolution output signal may be calibrated for the angular travel of a specific application and allows us to  compensate for any assembly or tank variations.  

A Marketing Philosophy for Propane Gas Suppliers

Imagine grilling for friends and relatives, you are enjoying a pre-game event or friendly social gathering.  You are all having fun, laughing - enjoying a sparkling fall afternoon.  You might even imbibe on an adult beverage.

An email comes across your phone and tells you that your BBQ is 30 minutes away from empty.   Yes your phone let you know you were running out.

This email wasn't from a calculation, but from an actual measurement of the level of your propane tank and rate of use at the time of the email..

What would you do  - send someone out - beg your neighbors.

In our world  you'd press the the "Buy It Now" tab on the email and a Amerigas delivery vehicle would arrive to your exact GPS location and deliver a new bottle of propane.

Disaster is averted - your event is saved - you have a cool new technology to show your friends.

Life doesn't get much better

LPG - LNG - Propane - Autogas - Liquid Level and Quantity Solutions

CIES Inc is one of the world’s leading suppliers of fuel level sensing solutions in aviation is looking to expand our patented technology across a broad array of industries and markets. 

Our products improve safety and efficiency for thousands of people in aircraft every day and our patented technology has applications in automotive, appliance, industrial, military, heavy vehicle, heating, air conditioning, data, telecommunications, recreational vehicle and marine applications.

Alternative fuels are playing a bigger role in engine design, and create some unique challenges for level sensing solutions. Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) engines and its infrastructure are steadily gaining position around the world. They offer improved fuel diversity and emissions benefits - not to mention tax and mobility incentives in some areas.

CIES Inc has developed a wireless level sensor solution for these applications.  Designed for harsh automotive applications.  We have the experience, developed in aviation, to build intrinsically safe level sensor solutions for CNG and LPG powered cars, trucks, buses and forklifts. 

Our CIES Inc. aviation fuel level solutions meet the strictest FAA TSO standards for fuel level sensor design and manufacture.   Our CNG and LPG products have the capability to meet regulations set by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) as well as by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UN ECE) and will bear these organizations’ approval marks and certification numbers. More than 65 countries worldwide have adopted ISO 15500 and UN ECE R110 for CNG and R67 for LPG.

CIES Inc. products are developed together with OEMs to the highest performance requirements and made to the highest quality standards.  

Proven in aviation suitable for your high value application.

Contact us for more information.