Omntec’s Critical Role in Underground Storage Tank Protection

In an industry where a single undetected leak can cause irreparable environmental damage and significant financial loss, the importance of reliable monitoring systems cannot be overstated. With a focus on meeting this crucial need, Omntec Manufacturing, Inc. has provided sophisticated leak detection and gauging products tailored to the specific needs of the petroleum industry for more than three decades.

The Hidden Threat Beneath Our Feet

There are hundreds of thousands of underground storage tanks for petroleum and hazardous substances that keep our communities running and fuel our economy. However, these critical components of infrastructure pose a serious environmental risk when they fail. Leaking underground storage tanks are among the most prevalent sources of groundwater contamination and soil quality damage. They pose fire and explosion risks, release harmful vapours into the air, and contaminate streams, rivers, and lakes. These leaks generally occur due to corrosion, cracks, defective piping, improper installation, or damage during refilling and maintenance activities. This is where Omntec leak detection and gauging products play an essential role. 

Effective Monitoring Solutions

The company has built its reputation on the development of electronic monitoring and leak detection systems that provide comprehensive solutions for petroleum distributors and fuel stations in protecting their operations and the environment. Drawing from its experience in manufacturing military-specification electronic components, the company has successfully combined proven electro-optic technology with innovative design and manufacturing approaches to create products that are straightforward to install, operate, and test.

The company’s flagship product line, the PROTEUS Series, represents the cutting edge of automatic tank gauging and leak-detection technology. These sophisticated systems can simultaneously monitor multiple critical parameters, including product levels, water levels, product temperature, and potential leaks in up to eight tanks. The highly advanced PROTEUS-K system features a seven-inch colour touchscreen interface using magnetostrictive probes that do not require separate sensor or probe input modules, greatly simplifying the ordering and installation process.

What sets Omntec systems apart, however, is their intelligent design. Each sensor features a built-in microprocessor that enables the sensor to automatically identify itself and its location. With this capability, when an alarm condition arises, the system is immediately able to display not only what the problem is, but also pinpoint where it is happening, enabling operators to respond quickly and effectively.

Comprehensive Leak Detection Capabilities

In addition to its tank gauging capabilities, Omntec provides a complete line of specialized leak detection sensors engineered to monitor containment areas throughout fuel storage and distribution systems. The LS-ASC and BX-series sensors from the company have been designed to detect hydrocarbon presence in containment sumps, dispenser pans, the interstices of double-wall steel tanks, and other areas of critical containment. These sensors are the first line of defence against leaks, providing instant alerts upon any petroleum product presence where it should not be.

These advanced detection systems extend to remote access capabilities. The Omntec tank monitoring system enables operators to access, in real time and from any location, data related to fuel levels, quality, and usage. Through cloud-based platforms, facility managers can make informed decisions, receive instant alerts when fuel levels reach specified thresholds, and detect potential theft or leakage before these issues escalate into major problems. This remote access capability represents a significant advance in operational efficiency, allowing companies to optimize fuel storage management while reducing the risk of environmental incidents.

Meeting Regulatory Requirements and Industry Standards

The regulatory environment is constantly changing, and most states are setting increasingly stringent standards. Helping customers navigate through the complicated landscape of environmental regulations has been a cornerstone of Omntec’s mission. Their products have been specifically designed to help facility owners and operators meet the ever-evolving requirements with cost-effectiveness in mind. With a versatile product line, they enable facilities to easily upgrade their monitoring systems when regulatory requirements change, without needing to replace entire systems.

Industry Partnerships and Support

The company works closely with a diverse network of petroleum equipment distributors, environmental consultants, and industry organizations to ensure their products reach the customers who need them most. They also maintain strong relationships with major distributors who provide local expertise and support to end users throughout the country.

Its involvement in various industry organizations shows the company’s dedication to the advancement of industry standards and best practices. Sponsoring industry conferences and participating in professional development activities, Omntec enables petroleum facility operators to access the latest knowledge and technology, protecting their operations and the environment.

The Economic and Environmental Imperative

The financial implications of undetected leaks extend far beyond cleanup costs. Facilities experiencing releases are also exposed to potential regulatory penalties, third-party liability claims, lost product inventory, and business interruption. Although many states operate underground storage tank funds designed to help cover cleanup costs, these funds often operate with budget constraints, and facility owners typically must pay substantial deductibles before becoming eligible for assistance.

Omntec’s monitoring systems offer a cost-effective insurance policy against these risks. By catching leaks well in advance, often before they become major environmental contaminations, they allow operators to take corrective action rapidly, thus reducing both environmental harm and financial liability.

In an industry where environmental stewardship and operational safety are paramount, quality leak detection and gauging products represent a significant investment in the protection of both business interests and the communities they serve. They are vital tools that detect problems before they can become catastrophes, ensuring the safe storage and distribution of the petroleum products that power modern life.