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Varec 2920 FTT

Capacitive Encoder Float & Tape Transmitter

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Varec 2920 FTT

The Varec 2920 Float & Tape Transmitter is designed for terminal operators, refinery engineers, inventory managers, and EPC project teams who need to connect existing mechanical float and tape gauges to SCADA, inventory management software, and enterprise systems without replacing installed field hardware.

Unlike competitive transmitters that rely on battery-backed memory to restore level position after a power outage, the 2920 uses an absolute capacitive encoder that inherently retains the correct tank level through power interruptions — no batteries, no supplementary backup hardware.

The 2920 direct-mounts to Varec, L&J, and other float and tape gauges, converting float movement into a calibrated digital signal published over Modbus (EIA-485 / GSI Type), GPU Bi-Phase Mark, Mark/Space, or L&J Tankway.

A 3-wire RTD input and HART master for up to four devices consolidate level, temperature, and diagnostic data into a single tank-top instrument, and a capacitive-touch LCD delivers on-site configuration and diagnostics without a laptop or handheld.

Explosion-proof IP66/NEMA 4 die-cast aluminum construction with cFMus, ATEX, and IECEx approvals extends service into hazardous areas across terminals, refineries, and aviation fuel farms with ±1/16 in (1.58 mm) accuracy over ranges up to 120 ft (36 m).

Varec 2920 FTT
Varec 2920 FTT
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Key Features

Absolute Capacitive Encoder

Direct-drive gearing with absolute capacitive encoding retains tank level through power interruptions without batteries, eliminating commissioning, maintenance, and replacement overhead of battery-backed transmitters.

Universal Direct-Mount Compatibility

Installs directly onto existing Varec, L&J, GSI, and Sakura mechanical float and tape gauges, enabling rapid digital modernization while preserving the tank’s mechanical hardware.

Multi-Protocol Communications

Supports Modbus (EIA-485 / GSI Type), GPU Bi-Phase Mark, Mark/Space, and L&J Tankway, integrating legacy loops with FuelsManager®, RTU, PLC, and DCS hosts.

Integrated RTD and HART Inputs

A 3-wire RTD input and HART master for up to four devices consolidate level, temperature, and diagnostics into one tank-top unit, reducing host-side I/O.

Capacitive-Touch Tank-Side Display

A capacitive-touch LCD delivers on-site configuration, operational information, and diagnostic alerts at the gauge, simplifying commissioning and maintenance without a laptop or calibration tool.

Explosion-Proof Construction

Die-cast aluminum IP66/NEMA 4 enclosure with cFMus, ATEX, and IECEx approvals and ¾” NPT conduit entries qualifies the 2920 for hazardous-area deployment.

Applications

  • Terminal Inventory Management: Publishes real-time level and temperature from mechanical float and tape gauges into FuelsManager® and SCADA over open protocols, improving throughput planning and reconciliation.
  • Refinery and Process Tank Integration: Consolidates level, RTD temperature, HART diagnostics, and relay or annunciator outputs into one tank-side unit, supporting alarms, interlocks, and DCS integration without extra devices.
  • Aviation Fuel Farm Digitization: Adds local indication and multi-protocol host connectivity to jet and AV gas storage, bringing gauges at hydrant pits and into-plane systems into digital workflows.
  • Legacy Gauge Digital Modernization: Transforms installed Varec, L&J, GSI, and Sakura mechanical gauges into digital field instruments without gauge replacement, preserving tank uptime and capital investment.
  • Hazardous-Area Tank Monitoring: Explosion-proof IP66/NEMA 4 construction with cFMus, ATEX, and IECEx approvals supports deployment in classified zones at refineries, chemical plants, and terminals.
  • Overfill and Compliance Programs: Paired with the 2910 FTLS, the 2920 delivers digital protocols and temperature while the 2910 provides an independent API 2350-aligned mechanical alarm path.
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Specifications

Parameter

Specification

Accuracy

±1/16 in (1.58 mm)

Measuring Range

Up to approximately 120 ft (36 m)

Encoder

Absolute capacitive encoder with direct-drive gearing; retains level through power outages without batteries

Supported Protocols

Modbus (EIA-485 / GSI Type), GPU Bi-Phase Mark, Mark/Space, L&J Tankway

Standard I/O

2 digital inputs, 1 analog input, 2 analog outputs (4–20 mA)

Optional I/O

Additional 2 digital inputs + 4 dry contact outputs, or 2–4 SPDT limit switches

Temperature & HART

3-wire RTD input; HART master for up to 4 devices

Power Requirements

20–65 VDC or 40–65 / 110 / 220–240 VAC with galvanic isolation

Environmental Tolerance

–13 to +185 °F (cFMus), –4 to +185 °F (ATEX/IECEx), extended –40 to +185 °F; 0–95% RH non-condensing

Enclosure

Explosion-proof die-cast aluminum; IP66 / NEMA 4; ¾” NPT conduit entries

Approvals

cFMus, ATEX, IECEx

Local Display

Capacitive-touch LCD for on-site configuration, operational data, and diagnostics

Gauge Compatibility

Direct-mount to Varec, L&J, GSI, and Sakura float and tape gauges

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How does the 2920 FTT differ from the 2910 FTLS?

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The 2920 FTT adds digital protocol communications (Modbus, GPU Bi-Phase Mark, Mark/Space, L&J Tankway), RTD temperature input, HART device integration, and a tank-side capacitive-touch display. The 2910 FTLS is a limit-switch-only device that provides hardwired mechanical alarms via SPDT contacts. Both can be installed on the same gauge simultaneously to deliver digital data plus an independent mechanical alarm layer from a single tank-top installation.

Which communication protocols are supported?

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Modbus (EIA-485 / GSI Type), GPU Bi-Phase Mark, Mark/Space, and L&J Tankway. Protocol is selected at the time of order. Consult your Cognesense application engineer to confirm which protocol matches your host system, RTU, or SCADA platform.

Does the 2920 require battery backup to preserve tank level through power outages?

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No. The 2920 uses an absolute capacitive encoder that inherently retains the correct tank level position through power interruptions. No batteries, supercapacitors, or battery-backed memory are used, so there is no periodic battery replacement or end-of-life risk in the measurement path.

How many HART devices can the 2920 integrate?

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Up to four HART devices via the built-in HART master. This allows multiple HART-enabled instruments (for example, temperature transmitters, pressure sensors, or device diagnostic outputs) to be consolidated through a single tank-top unit.

Is the 2920 FTT compatible with non-Varec float and tape gauges?

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Yes. The 2920 direct-mounts to Varec, L&J, GSI, and Sakura float and tape gauges. Contact Cognesense to confirm compatibility with a specific gauge model before specifying the mounting kit.

What accuracy and range does the 2920 deliver?

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The 2920 provides ±1/16 in (1.58 mm) accuracy across measurement ranges up to approximately 120 ft (36 m), suitable for tall bulk storage tanks at terminals, refineries, and aviation fuel facilities.

Is the 2920 certified for hazardous locations?

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Yes. The 2920 is housed in an explosion-proof die-cast aluminum IP66/NEMA 4 enclosure and carries cFMus, ATEX, and IECEx approvals for hazardous-area installation. Consult the datasheet for the complete certification codes and temperature ranges for each approval family.

Can the 2920 feed FuelsManager® and third-party SCADA simultaneously?

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Yes. The 2920 publishes over open protocols (Modbus, GPU Bi-Phase Mark, Mark/Space, L&J Tankway), so the same tank-top instrument can feed FuelsManager®, third-party SCADA, RTUs, PLCs, and DCS hosts in parallel without a proprietary gateway.

Summary

With over a century of tank gauging heritage, Cognesense continues to set the global standard for float-and-tape modernization. The Varec 2920 FTT converts installed Varec, L&J, GSI, and Sakura mechanical gauges into digital field instruments, delivering ±1/16 in (1.58 mm) accuracy, battery-free absolute capacitive encoding through power outages, and multi-protocol output over Modbus, GPU Bi-Phase Mark, Mark/Space, and L&J Tankway with cFMus, ATEX, and IECEx hazardous-area approvals — trusted wherever you need to measure, monitor, and protect what matters most.

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