No matter its current price, oil will always be important to the human race. We use it to fuel many things, such as our cars, homes, businesses, and machinery. It is for this reason that we should make every effort to prevent wasting it. Since the main culprit of wasted oil is unintentional leaks, it is important to enact an oil leak prevention plan. How can you accomplish this? With optical sensors.
What Are Optical Sensors? 
Optical sensors use the reflection of light to detect leaks: these optical switches operate using an infrared LED that checks for changes in the light’s transmission (reflection). These changes to the light’s transmission allows the sensor to react to depleting liquid levels. Optical sensors excel at detecting liquids that do not dissolve well together (like oil and water); therefore, they are ideal for oil tank level management.
Optical Sensors for Oil Tank Level Management From SMD
A single point optical liquid level sensor is typically installed at the high and low level points of a tank or vessel to avoid overflow or any equipment failure due to level control.
Optical sensors are proven to be affordable, often a small cost that adds value to your equipment and applications because it lowers the risk of certain equipment failures that may halt your workflow or cost you money to repair. SMD optical sensors can be used to work with your system to alert when the fluid comes to a critical level, they can also turn off a pump or valve to prevent any overflow. The OS line of optical sensors are a low power solution that is capable of handling higher voltage inputs.
The OS2, OS3, and OS5 are made from polysulfone or trogamid® for a reliable and affordable option for water tanks or food and beverage vessels. The OS4 and OS6 industrial optical sensors are made from stainless steel, ideal for harsh fluids because these sensors are corrosion resistant and capable of driving high power loads.
High/Low Level Indication
- Water storage tanks
- Hydraulic fluid
- Transmission fluid
- Off-road vehicles
- Submarine tubes / water separators
- Dialysis machines
Automated Filling – Low/High Level Processes
- Medical
- Process control
- Food and beverage applications
- Fluid levels in aircrafts