Dometic Gas Checker Pen GC100

[Shirley LaMoine]

Why do the Europeans get all the cool stuff? This isn't offered in States and I'm guessing it's due to the fillable remark below. Still it's really cool.

Tuning Parts der Spitzenklasse | der autoladen | - WAECO Dometic GasChecker GC100 LevelCheck Gasflaschen

The description states:

• Reliable level measurement by ultrasound
• Ease of use
• For all steel and aluminum gas cylinders with 200 - 350 mm diameter
• Ideal for camping, leisure, marine, craft
• explosion-tested

Does NOT work with fillable tank gas cylinders!

[Donna D.]

That is neat!

[rabbit]

Why is the diameter of the tank important? Does the sensor only work with tanks with diameters in the 200-350mm range or is this merely Waeco/Dometic's way of saying that the pen is intended for end-users of grill and RV-sized tanks rather than as a tool for technicians? Why is operation limited to steel and aluminum. Does "fillable" container actually mean refillable container?

jack

[Jim Bennett]

Sounds like it is very new, and not even released in most markets.

From a Dometic site:
My-Caravanning by Dometic GROUP - Products » Energy Systems » Dometic-GasChecker-GC100

[Andrew Gibbens]

I suspect the phrase that Babel fish translates as "Does not work in collateral feed instruments tank cylinders!" is referring to domestic LPG tanks which won't meet the 200-350mm (8-14") diameter requirement.

And why do the Germans get all this stuff first? I suggest it's because going camping with every technological device is the German way - they always seem to be the best-equipped campers.

[Carol H]

Originally Posted by Andrew Gibbens

camping with every technological device is the German way - they always seem to be the best-equipped campers.

And cars!

[Brian B-P]

The previous round of discussion of this or a very similar device: Ultrasonic LPG level device. The link in that discussion has expired, but try this one: Truma - Recommended accessories for Truma gas installations: LevelCheck

I have no authoritative information beyond these manufactuer websites, but I have some educated guesses:

Originally Posted by rabbit

Why is the diameter of the tank important? Does the sensor only work with tanks with diameters in the 200-350mm range...

For the same material and operating pressure, the required thickness of a cylindrical tank wall is ideally proportional to cylinder diameter. The device is probably designed and calibrated for the range of wall thickness corresponding to steel and aluminum cylinders in that diameter range.

Originally Posted by rabbit

Why is operation limited to steel and aluminum.

Ultrasonic signal transmission depends on material properties, and this device is designed for the properties of metals. The principle of operation depends on the difference between ultrasonic signal transmission between propane liquid and vapour (no problem there), and between propane and the wall material; composites might "look" too much like liquid propane for the device to work.

Originally Posted by rabbit

Does "fillable" container actually mean refillable container?

Yes, only because the only alternative is that it is for tanks which have always been empty and can never be filled, which is of course ridiculous. Perhaps by "fillable"/refillable they means cylinders which can be filled at consumer-accessible stations, rather than some sort of exchange program. Europeans - jump in here if you can help explain Euro LPG distribution schemes...

The product website statement

Not for refillable tank gas cylinders

is nonsensical, unless Europeans use huge non-refillable containers, given the cylinder diameter specified and the application shown on the Truma and Dometic websites. I assume that it is a translation error, or the sort of situation which I mentioned above.

[Brian B-P]

Here's an explanation of the "fillable" issue, from the LA Leisure page for the similar Truma Gas Level Checker

Note: The device is not suitable for tank gas cylinders and gas tanks that can be filled. Welded joints or soiled/rusty gas cylinders can lead to inaccurate measurements.

So, "fillable" means "refillable", and therefore possible old and in poor condition.

The condition concern is repeated by Truma in their Benefits, Tips, and Answers page:

Soiled or rusty gas cylinders also tend to be difficult to measure.
Measurements can be affected by the following:

• invisible rusty areas in the inside of the gas cylinder
• an extremely thick coating of paint on the exterior of the gas cylinder
• stickers on the outside of the gas cylinder
• frozen condensation on the outside of the gas cylinder
• dented or heavily scratched gas cylinders

[Brian B-P]

More info, this time from MotorCaravanning...

• There is another brand of similar device: Gaslock GasLevel.
• Internal fittings interfere with measurement, so they may depend on reflection of the ultrasonic signal from the far side of the cylinder - this would explain the diameter dependence, and given this reference seems more likely than my guess about wall thickness. The OPD now present in most North American portable cylinders could cause problems in the vapour portion.

The internal fittings concern is repeated by Truma in their Benefits, Tips, and Answers page:

It is not possible to take measurements on plastic cylinders (because the signal is not reflected), gas tanks or fillable tank gas cylinders (because of internal components that deflect the signal).

[MoscapEng]

Hi all,

I just wanted to jump in here and let you guys know that starting next month, we will be selling GasChecks (the American equivalent of this device) online at MoscapEng.com. If you're interested in getting one before they publically hit the market though, shoot me an email at marketing@moscapeng.com and I'd be happy to set you up with our purchasing department :-)

[cpaharley2008]

and there you have it!!