There’s no 4G network in the mining area—how can fuel levels be monitored?

There’s no 4G network in the mining area—how can fuel levels be monitored?

Vehicles in mining areas need to refuel daily, but in some operational areas, there is no 4G cellular network, so the devices cannot upload data to the backend system. By the end of the month, managers are left with only fuel receipts and drivers’ logbooks: How much fuel was actually added? When did the fuel level drop? Were there any unusual fuel withdrawals? It’s very difficult to verify these details accurately.

In this situation, you can temporarily store the fuel level data in the sensor and retrieve it later using a smartphone once a manager arrives at the vehicle.

Fuel level records continue to be saved even without an internet connection

The FOFN Bluetooth fuel level sensor features built-in data storage and can be thought of as a “black box” inside the fuel tank. Even when vehicles are operating in areas without network coverage, the sensor continues to record fuel level changes and stores one month’s worth of fuel level data locally.

It does not need to wait for the 4G signal to be restored before it begins recording. Normal fuel consumption, refueling, as well as fuel level drops caused by leaks or abnormal fuel loss, are all recorded for later review.

Once a month, go to the vehicle and export a report using your phone.

The process for retrieving data is also quite straightforward: a manager walks up to the vehicle with a smartphone, establishes a Bluetooth connection with the sensor using the accompanying app, downloads the stored data, and then exports the reports.

Reports include records of fuel level changes, refueling, and fuel leaks. Managers can cross-reference these records with fuel receipts and vehicle operating times to identify any situations requiring further investigation.

For example, if a vehicle has been out of service but the fuel level has dropped significantly over a period of time, it is worth checking whether the fuel tank is leaking or if there has been unauthorized fuel removal. The specific cause must be determined based on the on-site situation; fuel theft cannot be concluded based solely on a single record of fuel loss.

With records, it’s easier to reconcile fuel expenses.

The value of offline fuel level monitoring is that it provides a record of fuel levels for vehicles without internet access. In the past, when anomalies occurred, the only option might have been to ask the driver; now, you can first review the records and then cross-check them against refueling, work activities, and parking history.

When both refueling and unexplained fuel loss are documented, this helps deter fuel theft and assists mining operations in reducing unexplained fuel losses.

It should be noted that this approach falls under the category ofOffline recording, periodic reviewWhen vehicles are offline, managers cannot immediately receive alerts about anomalies remotely; data can only be viewed after a mobile device is brought close to the sensor and the download is complete.

Data for one month must be retrieved on time.

The sensor can store fuel consumption data for one month; we recommend incorporating data downloads into a regular vehicle inspection routine to ensure data is exported within the storage period. For large fleets, data can also be retrieved in batches during return visits to the depot, maintenance, or refueling checks to ensure data is retrieved before the retention period expires.

FOFN, a subsidiary of Shenzhen Huiwen Xinglian Technology Co., Ltd., provides Bluetooth fuel level sensors and fuel monitoring solutions. For mining sites and remote work areas without 4G coverage, fuel management can be implemented through local data logging and retrieval via smartphone Bluetooth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can vehicle fuel levels still be monitored in mining areas without 4G cellular coverage?Yes. With Bluetooth fuel level sensors that feature built-in storage, fuel level data can first be saved in the sensor and then downloaded by managers using their smartphones when they bring the device close to the vehicle.

Does the cell phone need to stay next to the vehicle at all times?No. The sensor stores the data on its own; the phone only needs to be near the vehicle and establish a Bluetooth connection when downloading the records.

What data can be exported?Data on fuel level changes, refueling, and fuel leaks can be exported to help managers verify fuel consumption and investigate unusual fuel loss.

How long is fuel level data stored?The FOFN sensor can store one month of fuel consumption data; we recommend regularly downloading and backing up reports during this retention period.

Can this system trigger a real-time fuel theft alert?When there is no internet connection and the device is not connected to a mobile network, real-time alerts cannot be sent to remote managers. By maintaining fuel level records, the system facilitates post-event verification, enables the tracing of anomalies, and acts as a deterrent against fuel theft.

If your mining site lacks 4G coverage but you still want to monitor your vehicles’ fuel levels, please contact FOFN and provide details on the number of vehicles, fuel tank types, and data collection arrangements. Email:service@fofn.net; WhatsApp:+86 159 1970 3660.