Float & Tape Transmitters

MCG 2000MAX

Mechanical reliability, digital intelligence

What It Is & How It Works

A float and tape transmitter converts the mechanical movement of an existing float and tape gauge into a continuous electronic signal, bridging the gap between proven mechanical level measurement and modern digital tank-farm infrastructure. The transmitter mounts directly onto the gauge head and reads the tape position using a magnetic or capacitive absolute encoder as the float tracks the liquid surface.

The data flow is straightforward: the float follows the liquid level, the tape drives the encoder, and the transmitter outputs real-time level data, and, optionally, temperature or other data inputs, over 4–20 mA, HART, Modbus, L&J Tankway, or other digital protocols to a control system, SCADA host, or inventory management software. Because absolute encoding holds the exact tape position in memory, the transmitter never loses its reading after a power interruption and automatically resumes reporting the correct level when power is restored.

Installation follows familiar float and tape practices: mount the transmitter to the gauge head, ensure proper tape tension, and connect power and signal wiring. Loop-powered models require no external power supply or batteries, simplifying deployment on remote or infrastructure-limited tanks. Once configured, the transmitter continuously reports level and temperature to the host system, providing a seamless path into automated inventory and API 2350 overfill-prevention architectures.

The mechanical gauge remains fully intact. Local visual indication stays available at the tank, including during power loss or communication failure, preserving the power-independent readout that many facilities require as a redundant safety layer.

Transmitter Upgrade vs. Full Gauge Replacement

Both approaches deliver digitized level data to a control system. Adding a transmitter to an existing float and tape gauge preserves the mechanical indication and avoids replacing the tank penetration, gauge mounting, and field wiring. Replacing the gauge entirely with radar or servo provides additional capabilities such as non-contact operation, density, or interface detection, but requires new installation and eliminates the power-independent mechanical readout.

Choose a float and tape transmitter upgrade for digital connectivity while retaining your mechanical gauge.

Choose a replacement with servo level gauges when the application requires capabilities beyond level measurement, such as interface, density, and BS&W measurement. Choose a radar level gauge for upgraded level accuracy and precision specifications in a non-contact manner.

When to Choose a Float & Tape Transmitter

A transmitter is the right addition when you need electronic data from a mechanical gauge without sacrificing its inherent reliability:

Tank Farms with Existing Mechanical Gauges Facilities operating Shand & Jurs 92021 or Varec 2500 gauges that need remote readout, SCADA integration, or inventory software connectivity without replacing installed equipment.
API 2350 Overfill Prevention Architectures Systems requiring electronic level data and alarm outputs from mechanical gauge installations to satisfy overfill-prevention compliance.
Hazardous and Classified Locations Class I Division 1, ATEX, and IECEx environments where explosion-proof, low-power transmitter operation is essential.
Retrofit and Modernization Projects Upgrading legacy mechanical gauging to digital output without re-engineering tank penetrations, nozzles, or gauge mounting hardware.
Temperature-Compensated Inventory Facilities requiring integrated spot temperature input alongside level data for corrected volume calculations.

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MCG 2000MAX Level Transmitter

Why It Excels

Existing Mechanical Gauges Already in Service

Transmitters mount directly to the gauge head with no gauge replacement, providing a low-cost modernization path to digital connectivity.

Tanks with No Power or Limited Infrastructure

Loop-powered operation requires no batteries or external supply at the tank, simplifying installation on remote or minimally wired sites.

Hazardous or Remote Tank Installations

Explosion-proof and intrinsically safe designs enable safe operation in classified locations without compromising measurement continuity.

Applications Requiring High Accuracy with Mechanical Redundancy

Absolute encoding delivers up to 1/32-inch accuracy while the float and tape system provides direct, visible level indication underneath.

Facilities Subject to Power Interruptions or Communication Loss

Absolute encoding holds position through outages and resumes correct level reporting automatically when power returns, with no re-zeroing required.

Corrosive, Heavy, or Variable Products

The mechanical measurement is unaffected by vapor density, dielectric constant, or foam, and the transmitter digitizes what the float already measures.

What to Consider Alongside Float & Tape Transmitters

Consider an alternative when:

You need fully automated, non-contact measurement without mechanical components. See Radar Level Gauges.
The application requires density, interface, or BS&W data from the primary gauge. See Servo Level Gauges.
You do not have a float and tape gauge installed and need a complete digital solution from scratch. See Radar Level Gauges or Magnetostrictive Level Gauges.

How float and tape transmitters fit into a larger system

Varec 2500 Float & Tape Gauge as the mechanical level measurement foundation, providing power-free visual indication and continuous level tracking that the transmitter digitizes and sends upstream. See Float and Tape Level Gauges.
Pair with an evo 2600 or MCG 1600SFI Radar as an independent non-contact level reference on the same tank, providing electronic cross-verification for API 2350 dual-measurement compliance. See Radar Level Gauges.
Pair with the MCG 1090/1095 Level Alarm Probes for independent Hi/Hi-Hi overfill protection that operates separately from both the gauge and the transmitter. See Level Alarms.
Pair with FuelsManager® to receive level and temperature data for real-time corrected volumes, alarm management, and inventory and compliance reports across the tank farm. See FuelsManager®.

Featured Products

MCG 2000MAX — Float & Tape Level Transmitter

Magnetic absolute encoding to 1/32-inch accuracy with ultra-low power loop-powered operation and broad protocol support, ideal for converting mechanical gauging to reliable digital output in demanding or variable environments where robustness and long-term stability are critical.

2920 FTT — Float & Tape Transmitter

Capacitive absolute encoding with touch-screen display, integrated temperature input, and multi-device connectivity, best suited for inventory systems requiring local configuration, rich I/O, and seamless integration with gauges and software platforms.