Abstract: A detection apparatus for measuring fluid in a vessel, comprising: at least one processor for receiving, processing and storing data from sensors in the vessel, at least one vertical support disposed within the vessel and at least one pair of sensors connected to the at least one vertical support. The sensors continuously provide measurement data to the processor, wherein the processor synchronously polls measurement data from the sensors, continuously calculates values, and compares the calculated values to at least one predetermined range of values for the fluid in the vessel to identify whether the calculated values are within the predetermined values. The processor communicates the compared value to a data collector.

Abstract: A process for monitoring a fluid storage system using a vessel for storing the fluid and a detection apparatus using synchronized sensors for monitoring and measuring state properties of the fluid is disclosed. The method includes using a housing with at least one pressure sensor and at least one temperature sensor for synchronously collecting data regarding the fluid. Each sensor communicates with a processor and a signaling means to provide synchronized data. The method includes continuously forming at least one calculated value, such as a value for mass of the fluid, from the data synchronously collected using a processor, and continuously comparing the calculated value to at least one predetermined range of values for the fluid in the vessel to identify if the at least one calculated value is within the predetermined range of values. Then, the method includes communicating the compared values from the processor to an auxiliary device.

Abstract: A computer readable medium with a plurality of computer instructions for causing the processor to monitor and regulate a fluid storage system is disclosed. Computer instructions are used for instructing the processor to synchronously collect data using a detection apparatus disposed in a fluid of a vessel. The detection apparatus includes a housing with at least one pressure sensor and at least one temperature sensor for synchronously collecting data. Each sensor communicates with the processor and a signaling means to provide synchronized data. Computer instructions can instruct the processor to continuously form at least one calculated value, such as a value for mass of the fluid, from the data synchronously collected, continuously compare the calculated value to at least one predetermined range of values to identify if the at least one calculated value is within the predetermined range of values, and communicate the compared values to an auxiliary device.

Abstract: A detection apparatus for use in a vessel for measuring a fluid includes a tubular connected to a housing containing sensors, wherein the housing includes a top, a bottom, and a hole disposed in the top of the housing. The housing containing sensors includes an outer surface and a sloped inner surface sloping from the outer surface toward a central axis of the housing and intersecting with the hole. In one embodiment, two or more housing containing sensors can be included with detection apparatus. A pressure sensor, having a diaphragm flush mounted in the sloped inner surface, can be disposed in the hole. Signaling device can be disposed in the hole for communications between the sensors and a processor. The processor receives data from the sensors and converts the data to values for transmission to an auxiliary device.

Abstract: A probe rod is provided with sensor housings, pipe sections, and joint sleeves all having a common outer diameter. The sensor housings and joint sleeves are threadably connected to the various pipe sections. The threadable connections have a double seal using an O-ring and threading paste that ensure a gas tight seal while being easy to assemble. Pressure and temperature sensors are mounted within the sensor housings. Output leads from the sensors are threaded through the pipe sections and through throughways in the sensor housings and joint sleeves to a circuitry box mounted on the top of the probe rod. The circuitry box contains electronics for processing signals generated by the sensors and for transmitting the results to a remote location.