Using the Internet of Things for Fill-Level Monitoring and Mobile Container Positioning

The Wilsen.sonic.level sensor system provides a solution that allows the fill levels of containers, tanks, and silos to be monitored and managed remotely.

Pepperl+Fuchs presents an IoT sensor with integrated ultrasonic measurement for determining fill levels. The data is recorded at regular intervals and uploaded to the internet along with the current geolocation. The autonomous wireless sensor is battery-operated and can therefore be used in mobile containers.

With the Wilsen.sonic.level, Pepperl+Fuchs has developed a sensor concept that is suitable for use in a variety of different wireless networks. For example, there is a product version with a GSM(2G) interface for public mobile networks. Another version of the product has a LoRaWAN interface for using privately operated low power wireless networks. All of these radio interfaces are used to transmit sensor data to the internet. Depending on the wireless standard selected, an appropriate remote location is available on the internet for the incoming sensor data. For example, LoRaWAN devices can send their telemetry data to the network and application server of any LoRa network operator. When using the public GSM mobile wireless standard, the Wilsen.service middleware acts as a secure remote location for receiving and forwarding the telemetry data from the sensor. The system concept of the Wilsen.service not only handles the decoding and the targeted forwarding of the sensor data, but also offers secure and convenient device management. This is particularly advantageous if a large number of IoT sensors will be used in later practical operation and if logging into the wireless network and assigning the right users needs to be as automated as possible. Furthermore, Wilsen device management enables automated application parameterization of IoT sensors and a structured roll-out for software updates to ensure that even large numbers of IoT sensors in the field are kept up to date. The WILSEN concept provides a modular IoT system to which individual components such as sensor modules, network nodes, middleware, and data processing can be added.

Pepperl+Fuchs is one of the world’s leading providers of industrial sensors and explosion protection. Based on an intense dialogue with our customers for more than 70 years we continue to develop new components and solutions, which support their applications the best way possible. For the landmark topic Industrie 4.0 (Industrial Internet of Things) we develop innovative technologies that pave the way to the digital networked production and to data transfer across all hierarchy levels – even beyond companies’ boundaries.

Industrial sensors: focus on the market
Market-specific solutions dominate an extensive portfolio of industrial sensors that covers all applications the market requires from today’s automation technology. From the inductive and capacitive to the photoelectrical and highly precise ultrasonic sensors, identification systems and many more Pepperl+Fuchs offers all current operating principles in a broad variety. Sensorik4.0® provides sensor technology for Industrie 4.0. Our technologies enable sensors without difficulty to communicate horizontally within the production process and to exchange data vertically – even into higher-level information systems such as MES or ERP.

Process interfaces: secure applications
Components and technologies for use in hazardous areas are designed to fit the most specific requirements in the industries we serve. They guarantee maximum availability at maximum safety. Isolated barriers, signal isolators, remote I/O or fieldbus systems, HMIs and many other technologies offer solutions for a wide range of applications including certified packaged solutions and all types of explosion protection. Ex-Protection4.0 brings digital networked Industrie 4.0-production structures to process industries. With concept studies like Ethernet for Process Automation integrated communication throughout all levels of an automation system via Ethernet becomes feasible – for the first time ever even down to the filed level.