On 27 Jun 2024, at 8:02?a.m., Erika Blakely via groups.io <erikaeblakely@...> wrote:

?Thanks Bruce, this is good info.

Erika

On Jun 26, 2024, at 11:51?PM, Bruce Brogan via groups.io <bruce.brogan@...> wrote:

?

Dear neighbors,

I think almost anyone who has a large (250-300 liter) LP (liquid petroleum) gas tank in Los Labradores has a gas gauge similar to the one in these photos.?

[Gauge face]?

<IMG_2527.jpeg>

[Note the dark round magnet in the center of the back side of the gauge.]

<IMG_2526.jpeg>

This gauge is called a “float gauge”, with a magnet on the back.?

Here's how it measures the percentage of LP gas in your tank:

- Inside the liquid propane tank, there is a float attached to a mechanical arm. This float rises and falls with the level of liquid propane. There is a magnet on the float inside the tank which interacts with the magnet in the external gauge. This interaction causes the needle on the gauge to move, indicating the level of propane inside the tank.

- The gauge is calibrated to show the percentage of the tank's total capacity filled with propane. The dial reads from 5% (nearly empty) to 95% (nearly full). [For example, 20% of 300 liters = 60 liters of liquid petroleum in the tank.]. For safety, tanks are typically filled to a maximum of 80-85% to allow for expansion of the gas. The tank should be refilled when it falls below 15%-20%. If the tank pressure falls to about 5%, you will start getting air in the gas lines to your gas appliances, causing pilot lights to go off and requiring the lines to be purged of air after filling the tank.?

So this is how the floating magnetic gauge works. Clearly, any additional magnetic material placed near the gauge, or strategically placed on the tank, could interfere with the accuracy of the gauge.??

I hope this helps clear up the uncertainty regarding magnets and gas tanks.?