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Hydrostatic oil level sensor

(354 products available)

About hydrostatic oil level sensor

Types of hydrostatic oil level sensor

Hydrostatic oil level sensors detect liquid levels via the hydrostatic pressure exerted by a liquid column. These are mainly used where precise measurements are critical, such as in oil tanks and underground reservoirs. To understand what a hydrostatic oil level sensor does, it is essential to know about water level indicators first. Some of the oil level sensor due to working differ in construction material, accuracy, operating conditions, and measurement range. These are detailed below:

Capacitive Level Sensors

The capacitive type oil level sensors work by measuring the capacitance change because of oil level fluctuation. The sensor has two conductive plates positioned at different levels. When the oil level rises, it will sit differently on the plates, changing capacitance, which will be converted to an electronic signal and give the oil level reading.

Radar Level Sensors

The radar type oil level sensor emits microwave radar pulses by the oil surface. The time it takes for the pulse to reflect and come back is measured and will tell the oil level. These sensors work well in difficult oil storage areas and give good accuracy despite temperature and pressure changes.

Pneumatic Level Sensors

The pneumatic hydrostatic oil level sensor functions by measuring the pressure change in an air tube caused by the oil column. An air pump in the sensor will send air in the tube until it stops moving, and the pressure is recorded. This type works well for deep tanks and gives accurate oil levels without climbing the tank.

Optical Level Sensors

Optical sensor equipment will use a light source and a detector to measure the amount of light refracted or absorbed by the oil present at the sensor tip when activated. Such sensors are excellent for detecting high and low oil levels and will give very quick results.

Materials used to make hydrostatic oil level sensor

These sensors utilize diverse materials for durability and efficiency in measuring oil levels. Analyzing submersible pressure transducer features can also shed some light on what these sensors commonly feature. Below is a rundown of the most common sensor construction materials:

Stainless Steel

Since there is a demand for corrosion-resistant materials, stainless steel is preferred. Besides, the steel used to make the body of hydrostatic oil level sensors is strong and can withstand harsh conditions in oil tanks. Sensors working in high pressures and temperatures are also made of stainless steel to ensure strength and durability.

Bristol Alloy 20

Brass is used for making parts that must resist chemical reactions, such as in acidic or alkaline oils. The alloy typically has nickel, chromium, and copper, which help resist the chemical reaction. This material is used for tank water level sensor that will regularly contact chemically active oils.

Temperature and Pressure Resistance

Some hydrostatic oil level sensors are installed in regions where there will be high temperatures and pressures. Such sensors will typically have housings made of ceramic materials or alloys like titanium and hastelloy. These materials retain sensor integrity, offer temperature resistance, and keep precision even under adverse conditions.

Seals and Diaphragms

The internal parts of hydrostatic oil level sensors must be protected with seals and diaphragms made of elastomers like nitrile, viton, or silicone. These materials form the tight seal ensuring no oil contaminants enter the sensor. The seal material will be determined by the oil type and storage conditions.

Commercial uses of hydrostatic oil level sensor

Oil and Gas Industry

The hydrostatic oil level sensors measure oil storage tank levels, pipelines, and reservoirs. They are crucial for monitoring and controlling operations in this industry, where accurate oil levels mean efficient production and safety. When oil tank water level sensor readings are incorrect, it can be dangerous, cause spills, equipment damage, and production downtime. Hence, that is why the oil and gas industry uses these sensors heavily.

Chemical Manufacturing

Sensing and controlling highly viscous and dangerous liquid chemicals in storage tanks, pipelines, and reactors is one of the usages of these sensors. Chemical manufacturing will have diverse liquid materials with varying temperatures and pressures, and these sensors can handle the chemicals' harsh environments effectively.

Food and Beverage Industry

These industries utilize sensors to monitor liquid levels in that industry-specific storage tanks and processing vessels. For instance, they measure levels in milk and other oils used in food production, storage silos, fermentation tanks, and more. Hence, maintaining accuracy here ensures product quality and safety.

Agricultural Industry

The sensors monitor fuel and oil levels in tractors, combines, and other farming machinery. They are also integrated into storage tanks for irrigation oils and other farming fluids. Since farming has a vast liquid range, sensors are crucial for managing oil levels in farming.

Mining Industry

These sensors play a critical role in measuring fuel, hydraulic fluid, and water levels in underground reservoirs and storage tanks. Mining operations rely on these sensors to ensure equipment is running smoothly and minimize the risk of running low on essential fluids.

How to choose hydrostatic oil level sensor

Following are some important factors to take into account when buying these sensors:

Measurement Range

The instrument's measurement range should be compatible with the depth or level it will monitor. Choose the one that fits the requirement. An incorrect range will cause inaccurate readings.

Temperature and Pressure Ratings

Ensure that the sensor can operate effectively within the temperature and pressure conditions present in the oil tanks or reservoirs. Choose one that can work in extreme conditions. Operating outside of the temperature or pressure rating will damage the sensor and lead to incorrect oil level readings.

Output Type

Select a sensor with an output type that will be compatible with the monitoring system. Commonly, these include electrical outputs like 4-20 mA or voltage outputs. Some will have digital outputs for smart systems. Ensure compatibility for smooth integration with existing monitoring systems.

Material Compatibility

Choose a sensor whose materials are compatible with the oil type to be measured. Common materials include stainless steel, hastelloy, titanium, or plastic. Non-compatible materials will cause sensor damage and lead to incorrect oil level readings.

Installation and Maintenance

Consider factors like ease of installation and the maintenance level required to keep the sensor functional if buying one for long time use. Some sensors have rugged designs for power and easy installation features with minimal maintenance. Choose one that will not require regular or frequent maintenance.

Q&A

Q1: How do oil level indicators function?

A1: The working of oil level sensors will depend on the type used. Some utilize hydrostatic pressure to measure the oil level. Others employ capacitive, radar, pneumatic, optical, or ultrasonic methods to measure distances or the oil level, each with advantages, depending on accuracy, range, and environmental conditions.

Q2: What are the advantages of these sensors?

A2: The sensors work well under harsh conditions, require little maintenance, and provide accurate measurements over long periods. They are also good at measuring the level of a liquid with varying densities, making them suitable for diverse industrial applications.

Q3: Are there any drawbacks to using these sensors?

A3: The sensors can be less accurate when the oil has fluctuating temperatures or is turbulent. Also, compared to some other types of level sensors, for instance, hydrostatic water level sensor, they may be more expensive.