New sensor for remote detection of liquid levels

A precision optical assembly housed in a stainless steel threaded body, detects all liquids on contact and as the liquid envelops the hardened glass tip it refracts some light. This refraction reduces the amount of internally reflected light that in turn is detected by a separate amplifier that provides a switched output to indicate the presence of liquid.

The optic assembly is fully potted and impervious to liquids to IP68 and the scratch-resistant prism is easy to clean. The sensor is supplied with two metres of fibre optic cable that enables the amplifier to be located well away from the detection area. This is advantageous in applications where the sensing area is in an aggressive environment or if the detected liquid is caustic. The sensor may be used to detect liquids within an ATEX environment providing the amplifier is positioned outside the danger zone.

The liquid level optics are housed in an M8 by 38mm long threaded V2A stainless steel housing with two fibre optic leads that can be cut to length to suit the customers’ installation.