Accurate Level Measurement in Oil & Gas

With global oil production reaching over 105 million barrels per day, accurate measurement is no longer optional—it’s critical. From inventory control to process efficiency and safety, reliable level and interface measurement plays a key role across oil and gas operations.
The Challenge: Inaccurate and Unreliable Measurements
A major oil and gas operator in the United States faced ongoing issues with tank monitoring. Their systems struggled to deliver:
- Inconsistent level readings
- Poor saltwater interface detection
- Frequent signal loss
- Slow response times
- Limited technical support
These issues directly impacted their ability to efficiently separate oil from saltwater—leading to quality concerns and operational inefficiencies. Additionally, their facility required MODBUS communication to integrate with existing control systems, which many solutions could not support.
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The Solution: HAWK Centurion Guided Radar (CGR) To address these challenges, Hawk Measurement Systems (HAWK) introduced its Centurion Guided Radar (CGR) technology—an advanced guided wave radar solution designed for precise level and interface measurement. Within just two weeks, a CGR unit was installed to demonstrate performance. Shortly after, a MODBUS-compatible version was developed and delivered within six weeks—meeting the customer’s exact requirements. The results were immediate and impressive:
After validating performance against manual measurements over several days, the customer response was clear: “Wow.” The company has since deployed over 40 CGR units, making it their standard solution. |
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How Guided Wave Radar Works
Guided wave radar technology operates by sending a radar pulse down a probe. When the signal reaches the product surface—or the interface between two liquids—it reflects back to the sensor. This return signal is used to calculate level based on time-of-flight, delivering highly accurate measurements even in challenging environments.
Why CGR Stands Out
The CGR system is engineered to perform in the harshest industrial conditions. Key advantages include:
- Accurate measurement of liquids, sludge, powders, and granules
- Measurement range up to 38 metres (124 ft)
- Unaffected by pressure, temperature, foam, dust, or coating
- Certified for hazardous environments (IECEx, FM, CSA, ATEX)
Industry-First Innovation: Power over Ethernet (PoE)
One of CGR’s most powerful features is its Power over Ethernet (PoE) capability—bringing a new level of connectivity and control to industrial measurement.
With PoE, operators can:
- Monitor tanks remotely in real time
- Perform diagnostics without accessing the tank
- Configure sensors from anywhere
- Reduce maintenance and safety risks
Smarter Monitoring with HawkEye365
CGR integrates seamlessly with HAWK’s HawkEye365 platform, a powerful monitoring portal that provides:
- Real-time tank level and inventory data
- Historical trends and reporting
- Alarm notifications and alerts
- Remote diagnostics and configuration
The system supports multiple communication protocols including Modbus, HART, Ethernet, and cellular, making it compatible with a wide range of industrial environments.
Proven Performance in the Field
Customers worldwide have adopted CGR technology for its reliability and ease of use. One operator in Texas shared: “The devices are highly reliable and accurate. Setup is fast, and we no longer rely on manual tank gauging. The system allows real-time monitoring and runs efficiently even on solar power.”
A Trusted Partner in Measurement Technology
Founded in Melbourne in 1988, HAWK has built a global reputation for solving complex measurement challenges across industries including oil & gas, mining, water, and chemical processing.
With decades of experience and a focus on innovation, HAWK continues to deliver solutions that improve safety, efficiency, and operational performance worldwide.
Ready to upgrade your tank monitoring? Contact us!

