If you’re working on an application that requires one or more float switches to be mounted in a holding tank, you might be having trouble knowing where your switches should be installed. This will depend on a number of factors, from the size, shape, and location of the tank, the application and type of switch required, and more. Let’s take a look at some of these variables here.
How large is the tank? Where is it located?
For very large tanks, especially those located indoors or which go from floor to ceiling, access to the top or bottom of the tank might impractical or impossible. In these instances, horizontal side-mounting is advisable. Internal or external switch mounting is available for these situations. However, in situations where side access isn’t available, such as underground wells, top or bottom vertical mounting is necessary.
What type of liquid level sensor is needed?
The type of switch your application requires will also inform the best (or necessary) mounting position within the tank. For instance, optical liquid level sensors are great for point level sensing, especially in agitated and harsh environments. However, because of how they work, top or bottom vertical mounting is not an option.
Similarly, ultrasonic liquid level sensors work by emitting ultrasonic soundwaves at the surface of a liquid medium. For this reason, top mounting is necessary when using ultrasonic sensors. More different types of sensors with their own mounting requirements might also be necessary depending on the specifics of your application. For instance, chemical compatibility, high temperatures, and other harsh environments could play a role.
What if the type of sensor needed conflicts with mounting requirements?
If, for instance, you think an ultrasonic sensor is required for your application, but your tank has no top access, don’t worry! There are plenty of standard sensor types to choose from, and one likely meets your needs perfectly. If continuous level measurement is needed for a tank with no top access, a hydrostatic liquid level sensor would be a perfect solution, for example.