Optical Level Sensors: What are they used for?

An optical liquid level sensor is used to detect the presence or absence of almost any type of liquid, oil or water based. The main purpose for these level sensors fall into two main categories; leak detection and single point level control (maximum or minimum).
For a relatively low-cost solution, the purpose of these sensors can prevent many disastrous and expensive situations. In leak detection applications they can detect the smallest amounts of liquid to prevent loss of valuable fluids, run dry situations, expensive damage, loss of service and downtime. In level control applications they are used for automated refilling for low and high-level liquid level processes. The sensors can prevent overspill or run dry situations.

Telecommunications

SST’s optical leak-detection switches for telecommunications enclosures can provide an early warning of rainwater ingress. Detecting rainwater leaks at an early stage in outdoor telecommunication units and so preventing loss of service or potentially expensive damage is an application SST is very familiar with. The increased use of small and metrocell technology has resulted in a growing number of telecommunication enclosures being deployed in locations which are difficult to access and not subject to regular inspection.
With the level sensor being able to detect very small amounts of liquid, it is an ideal solution for this application as it is mounted at the bottom of the enclosure in a small sump, if there is rainwater present, a signal is sent to advise action to be taken.

Robotic Automation Systems

Industrial robotic systems are another application in which SST has a lot of experience with. Industrial robots are hugely expensive to install, so it is crucial that they are operated and maintained correctly – any “down-time” can be costly.
Oil within the system is used to lubricate the joints and gears and prevent overheating, misalignment, and bearing wear. If this oil leaks during operation, it could contaminate the surrounding environment, damage production and affect machine performance. Immediate detection of when an oil level is low is therefore critical to avoid costly expense.

Peristaltic Pumps

Peristaltic pumps are suitable for dispensing, metering and general transfer of liquid media. They confine the media to the tubing, so that the pump cannot contaminate the fluid and the fluid cannot contaminate the pump. The contamination-free pumping makes peristaltic pumps particularly suitable for use in high purity applications, including the transfer or dosing of chemicals and additives in the food, pharmaceutical and semiconductor industries.
The level sensors are mounted at the bottom of the pump in a sump to capture any leaking fluid from the tubing which then alerts the system to stop the pump from running. The installation of the level sensor provides two key benefits; the first is it protects against the loss of high value fluid, and prevents costly damage to the pump.