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Varec 8920

Loop-Powered Float & Tape Transmitter

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Varec 8920

The Varec 8920 Loop Powered Transmitter is designed for terminal operators, refinery engineers, inventory managers, and EPC teams who need to connect installed float-and-tape gauges to PLC, DCS, and SCADA systems via standard 4–20 mA analog input, without replacing the mechanical gauge hardware.

Unlike battery-backed electronic transmitters that lose position on power loss until the battery is replaced, the 8920 LPT uses a battery-free absolute capacitive encoder with direct-drive gearing that retains the correct tank level reading through outages, delivering ±1/16 in (1.58 mm) accuracy across 0–120 ft (0–36 m).

The 8920 mounts directly to Varec, L&J, GSI, and Sakura float-and-tape gauges and converts float displacement to a calibrated 4–20 mA signal that feeds RTU analog input modules, PLC I/O cards, and DCS terminations with no signal conditioning or protocol conversion. An optional second 4–20 mA loop adds temperature via 3-wire RTD, and 2 or 4 SPDT cam-operated limit switches provide independent high- and low-level alarm relays.

Loop-powered DC (20–48 VDC, two-wire) and active AC (85–305 VAC) variants fit both modern and legacy installations. A capacitive-touch LCD handles tank-side configuration, scaling, and diagnostics in an explosion-proof aluminum IP66/NEMA 4 enclosure with cFMus, ATEX, IECEx, and UKEx approvals.

Varec 8920
Varec 8920
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Features

Battery-Free Absolute Encoder

An absolute capacitive encoder with direct-drive gearing retains the correct level position through power interruptions without batteries, backup memory, or additional hardware.

Universal Direct-Mount Retrofit

Direct-mount compatibility with Varec, L&J, GSI, and Sakura float-and-tape gauges turns installed mechanical gauging into a 4–20 mA field instrument with minimal mechanical rework.

Dual 4–20 mA Output

A primary 4–20 mA level loop, with an optional second loop for RTD-based temperature, delivers complete tank data through a single tank-side instrument.

Integrated SPDT Limit Switches

Two or four cam-operated SPDT limit switches with independently adjustable dwell and set points provide hardwired relay outputs for high-high, high, low, low-low alarms.

Capacitive-Touch LCD Display

A tank-side capacitive-touch LCD supports level reading, output scaling, and parameter configuration without a laptop, handheld, or external calibration tool.

Explosion-Proof Global Approvals

Impregnated aluminum IP66 / NEMA 4 enclosure carries cFMus, ATEX, IECEx, and UKEx approvals for hazardous-area installation across North America, Europe, and the UK.

Applications

  • Terminal Inventory Reporting: Precise level, and optionally temperature, feeds host systems via standard 4–20 mA loops, landing directly in RTU analog inputs and control-room HMIs.
  • Refinery and Process Tanks: Hardwired SPDT limit-switch relays and 4–20 mA output in one tank-side unit support independent overfill protection layers and day-to-day control.
  • Aviation Fuel Storage: Modernizes mechanical float-and-tape gauges at hydrant pits and fuel farms with reliable analog output and tank-side indication.
  • Hazardous Chemical Storage: Explosion-proof construction with cFMus, ATEX, IECEx, and UKEx approvals extends analog level signaling into strict hazardous-area locations.
  • Legacy Analog System Upgrades: A documented path for replacing aging 8200 Current Output Transmitters, including keeping legacy housings where the mechanical gauge is sound.
  • Centralized RTU Integration: Pairs with the 8810 RTU or 9810 miniRTU, feeding 4–20 mA level and temperature loops into OPC UA / Modbus TCP architectures driving FuelsManager®.
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Specifications

Parameter

Specification

Accuracy / Repeatability

±1/16 in (1.58 mm) accuracy; ~0.16% full-scale repeatability

Level Range

0–120 ft (0–36 m); limit switch range up to 100 ft (30 m)

Outputs

Primary 4–20 mA (level); optional 4–20 mA (temperature); HART pending

Temperature Input

3-wire RTD (e.g., PT100)

Limit Switch Options

2 or 4 SPDT cam-operated switches; adjustable dwell and independent set points

Power Options

20–48 VDC loop-powered (passive) or 85–305 VAC (active)

Gauge Compatibility

Varec, L&J, GSI, Sakura float-and-tape gauges (direct mount)

Environmental Ratings

−25 to +73 °C (cFMus Div 1, external display only); −40 to +73 °C (cFMus Zone 1 / ATEX / IECEx / UKEx, Type 4); −40 to +85 °C (cFMus Zone 1 / ATEX / IECEx / UKEx, IP66); 0–95% RH non-condensing

Enclosure

Explosion-proof impregnated aluminum; IP66 / NEMA 4; 2–3 × ¾″ NPT entries

Physical

Approx. 17 lb (7.7 kg); 13.75″ W × 7.5″ H × 15″ D (350 × 190 × 380 mm)

Display

Capacitive-touch LCD, tank-side

Approvals

cFMus, ATEX, IECEx, UKEx

Host Integration

PLC / DCS / SCADA via 4–20 mA; FuelsManager® via RTU analog input

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If you have questions not covered here, please contact the Cognesense support team for assistance.

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Is the 8920 LPT truly loop-powered?

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Yes. The base unit operates on 20–48 VDC loop power as a two-wire passive device. An AC-powered active variant (85–305 VAC) is available when loop power is not available at the gauge location.

Can it transmit temperature as well as level?

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Yes. Order the dual-loop variant to output level and temperature on separate 4–20 mA loops from a single tank-side unit. A 3-wire RTD input (e.g., PT100) is on-board.

How does the 8920 ride through a power outage?

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The absolute capacitive encoder mechanically retains the correct level position through power interruptions — no batteries, no backup memory. When power returns, the 4–20 mA output matches the tank level.

How many alarm set points are available?

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Select 2 or 4 SPDT cam-operated limit switches; each has independently adjustable dwell and set points for high-high, high, low, and low-low levels.

Which gauges is the 8920 LPT compatible with?

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The 8920 direct-mounts to Varec, L&J, GSI, and Sakura float-and-tape gauges, converting the mechanical measurement to a 4–20 mA digital output without replacing the gauge.

What hazardous-area approvals apply?

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cFMus, ATEX, IECEx, and UKEx approvals cover Class I Division 1 and Zone 1 hazardous locations across North America, Europe, and the UK. The enclosure carries IP66 / NEMA 4 ingress protection. Consult the current datasheet for exact certification codes.

How does the 8920 LPT integrate with Varec 2500 and 2520 ATG gauges?

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The 8920 direct-mounts on 2500 and 2520 ATG float-and-tape gauges, converting their mechanical float position into a calibrated 4–20 mA level signal (and optionally a temperature loop) for PLC, DCS, and RTU integration. That combination is the common modernization path — keep the proven mechanical ATG, add the 8920 for digital output, then feed a Varec 8810 RTU or 9810 miniRTU into FuelsManager® and SCADA.

Does the 8920 LPT support HART?

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HART support is listed as pending. Confirm availability against the current datasheet before specifying HART output on a new project.

Summary

With over a century of tank gauging heritage, Cognesense brings the Varec 8920 Loop Powered Transmitter to terminals, refineries, chemical plants, and aviation fuel farms standardizing analog level signaling across installed float-and-tape fleets. Battery-free absolute encoding retains position through outages, dual 4–20 mA loops deliver level and temperature on one instrument, and direct-mount compatibility with Varec, L&J, GSI, and Sakura gauges turns proven mechanical gauging into modern PLC, DCS, and SCADA inputs, trusted wherever you need to measure, monitor, and protect what matters most.

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