Railcar Liquid-Level Gauge
Loading and unloading rail tank cars is high-volume, high-consequence work, and it starts with knowing exactly how much product is in the car. For over 75 years, Krueger Sentry Gauge has been an industry leader in reliable tank-car liquid-level instrumentation for the safe loading and unloading of rail tank cars, tank trucks, and storage tanks. Every gauge is built in Green Bay, Wisconsin from American-made components in compliance with the Buy American Act.
Our gauges are built primarily from stainless steel (316L), with chemically resistant plastics and other materials available for aggressive media, and our in-house machine shop lets us fit them to your equipment. Our railcar line includes:
- Leak Detection Gauges
- Liquid-Level Gauges
- Overfill Alert Gauges
Railcar Tank Gauge Applications
Rail transports an enormous range of liquids, from fuels and solvents to food-grade products and aggressive chemicals. Our experience helps us match the right gauge material and type to whatever a car carries. Products we commonly gauge include:
- Gasoline & fuels
- Oil
- Butane
- Propane
- Ethanol & alcohol
- Corn syrup
- Sulfuric acid
- Sodium hydroxide
Media Our Railcar Gauges Handle
Because a single fleet may carry everything from ethanol to hydrochloric acid, material compatibility is essential. We build gauges in stainless steel and chemically resistant materials matched to the media so the wetted parts hold up load after load. Media we regularly gauge include:
Fuel & Petroleum Gauges
Gasoline, oil, and refined products move by rail in huge volumes. Our gauges give crews a clear reading during loading and unloading, helping prevent overfills and spills at the rack.
Ethanol & Alcohol Gauges
Ethanol and other alcohols can be harder on standard materials than conventional fuels. We match the wetted components to the product so accuracy holds up over the life of the car.
Corrosive Chemical Gauges
Sulfuric acid, sodium hydroxide, and hydrochloric acid demand materials chosen for the service. We build gauges specifically for aggressive chemistries so they keep reading accurately in demanding transport duty.
Food-Grade Liquid Gauges
Products such as corn syrup call for clean, reliable indication. Our gauges provide accurate readings while standing up to viscous, sticky media.
Propane Gauges
Propane moves by rail in large volumes and calls for gauges built for pressurized, hazardous service. We match construction to the application so readings stay dependable during loading and unloading.
Butane Gauges
Butane storage and transport demand instrumentation rated for volatile, pressurized media. Our gauges are built to give crews accurate, reliable indication in demanding LPG service.
Hydrochloric Acid Gauges
Hydrochloric acid is aggressive enough to pit and corrode standard metal gauges. We build wetted parts specifically for HCl service so tank cars stay accurately gauged load after load.
Sodium Hydroxide Gauges
Sodium hydroxide and other caustics degrade many common gauge materials over time. We select construction to withstand caustic service so your instruments last in demanding transport duty.
Built for the Industry That Moves the Freight
Rail moves the raw materials and finished products the economy depends on, and every transfer is a moment where safety and accuracy matter. At Krueger Sentry Gauge, we’re proud that our American-made instrumentation helps rail operators load and unload their tank cars safely and efficiently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Got questions? Get answers instantly by browsing our FAQs below, chatting with our AI assistant, or reaching out to our team directly.
What do we use as a part number?
At Krueger Sentry, we don’t use classic part numbers. Everything is description-based. Refer to your product’s Spec Page (materials options) and the Order Info (tank measurements) page for more information. Example Part Number: – H-2-48 + 12 w/glass (H signifies the type of gauge, 2 is the size opening, 48 is the tank depth, 12 is the extension, and everything after that is the options you want to be included.
Which liquid level monitor is the right choice for me?
When choosing a liquid level gauge, different factors can change which sight gauge is best for you. The basic factors that motivate people to buy each type of gauge are as follows.
- Economical sight gauge- At-A-Glance Direct Reading
- Versatile sight gauge- Therma Gauge
- Small tank monitor, under 12 inches – The L Gauge
- Standard Barrel Level Gauges – Barrel Gauge
- Up to 12 feet of mechanical remote capability – Remote Reading Gauge
- Durability – GFK Gauge – you can achieve this durability by ordering a therma gauge with a gauge guard as well.
How do I find or locate a Krueger Sentry Gauge distributor?
Search our Preferred Distributor Page. Don’t see a distributor you want to use? Call me. Lee Geurts: 920-434-8860 ext 204
Which sight gauge do you recommend most often to your customers?
I try to sell the Therma gauge to most people. It is nearly as inexpensive as the At A Glance Gauge, but you have more control over your swing arm. Plus, this level gauge can be fitted with the most options.
What is the difference between the Type D At a Glance Level Gauge and the Type H Therma Level Gauge?
The Swing arm on the Type D Gauge is fixed. When you thread in the gauge, the swing arm spins inside the tank and will end up facing in a random direction. The swing arm on the Type H Gauge can be aimed in the exact direction you want it to swing, and when you thread the gauge in it does not spin inside the tank.
How long is the swing arm on a level gauge?
The arm is always half the depth of your tank.
How do I order a custom-size level gauge?
In order to get an accurate gauge for your tank, we take two measurements into consideration. First, we measure, in inches from top to bottom, what the distance is from empty to full, known as tank depth. Second, the distance from the full mark to the gauge fitting on top is also known as an extension length. Sometimes this measurement comes out to zero.
How do I prevent my tank gauge from getting damaged by the sun and weather?
Ordering upgraded options such as Solid Glass Tops and Gauge Guards will make your Krueger Gauge nearly impervious to weather, sun, and damage.
Can I repair just the top of my Tank Gauge, or do I need to replace the whole thing?
If your gauge still seems functional, you can replace just the top components by ordering the corresponding repair kit. Repair Kits are available for all gauge types and come in a variety of material options for added durability, which can be found in the Tank Gauge Accessories.
What is the recommended maintenance/testing for Krueger Leak Gauges?
Krueger Sentry provides a Leak Gauge Functionality / Calibration Testing Report with inspection procedures for inspectors/technicians. Please contact us with any questions.
