ReFood is using IIoT technologies to optimise the collection of waste cooking oils. We spoke to Roméo Nagera, Sales and Technical Manager, about the practical benefits of this approach in terms of operational efficiency, sustainability and safety.

Telemetry for collection logistics

ReFood, the French subsidiary of German group SARIA, collects biowaste and waste cooking oils to convert them into bioenergy, biofuels, and natural fertilisers. To optimise their logistics, the company relies on the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) by supplying all their customers with tanks fitted with our telemetry units.

Their customers are major players in the restaurant and food industry throughout France, including well-known names such as LU, McDonald’s, KFC, Popeyes and EuroDisney.

The devices installed on the waste oil tanks continuously monitor filling levels. ‘Telemetry makes it possible to link storage data to logistics services. This means pumping rounds are only triggered when the tanks are full. That way, we avoid intermediate stops, which reduces kilometres travelled and unnecessary costs for customers’, explains Roméo Nagera.

A simple, reliable solution tailored to the field

‘The Sensile Technologies solution is the most functional’, sums up Roméo Nagera. He particularly appreciates its practicality: ‘The telemetry units are very easy to install and configure. They don’t take up much space and they fit neatly into the tanks through a small opening’.

The overall cost is another advantage: ‘The equipment and subscription rates are very competitive. And in terms of battery life, after six years in operation, the first units to be installed still have 40 to 50% of their charge. That’s reassuring’.

Another strong point is the responsiveness of customer service. ‘When we need an adjustment, we usually get a response in less than five minutes’.

Preventing risks and protecting resources

As well as improving operational efficiency, telemetry helps to avoid overflows, which can cause pollution in the event an accidental spill. By ensuring collection happens at the right time, ReFood avoids such incidents.

Another challenge is theft. The value of waste oil, which fluctuates with the price of oil, makes it a tempting target. ‘One ton can be worth up to 1,000 euros. Remote monitoring ensures that the emptying of the tank happens at the right time and is done by an authorised operator. If there is a problem, the storage data can be cross-checked with official rounds. A fortnight ago, the police arrested three people who had committed a theft at a customer site’, says Roméo Nagera.

Applications beyond the food sector

Our solutions apply to all types of oil: cooking, mineral, synthetic, waste or not. Used in manufacturing, energy, the automotive industry and shipping, these oils are used as lubricants, hydraulic fluids or thermal agents. Their storage requires accurate monitoring. In these sectors too, the IIoT is a key tool for managing resources intelligently and securing operations.

To find out more:

• Visit the ReFood website, a subsidiary of the SARIA Group: https://refood.fr/
• Contact us to find out more about our solutions and to request a demo