Tank or Vessel Level Control Monitoring

Liquid Level Control & Detection

Liquid levels within tanks or vessels can fluctuate constantly in level control applications. Without the right monitoring in place, there’s a serious risk of issues like overfilling, dry running, or equipment failure—problems that can lead to costly downtime, damage, or even safety concerns.

SST’s optical liquid level switches offer a reliable solution for detecting high, low, or critical points in a tank, helping prevent these scenarios before they happen. Whether it’s avoiding overflow in a water tank or ensuring a pump doesn’t run dry, these switches provide a simple, cost-effective layer of protection.

Compact Sensors, Powerful Performance

Typically mounted at the high and low points within a tank, SST’s single-point optical level switches can detect when liquid reaches a specific level and respond accordingly. Depending on the configuration, they can activate alarms, send a signal to a control system, or cut power to pumps and valves.

What sets SST’s sensors apart is their solid-state design. With no moving parts, they offer a long operational life and reliable performance even in harsh environments. Their compact size makes them ideal for applications where space is limited, and they react quickly to the presence or absence of liquid—perfect for both static and dynamic systems.

Tailored to Your Application

Our optical level switches are used in a wide variety of industries, from industrial automation and fluid power systems to medical equipment, food and beverage processing, and marine or aerospace systems. For example, they’ve been integrated into hydraulic and transmission fluid tanks, dialysis machines, neonatal incubators, off-road vehicles, submarine systems, and automated refilling processes.

No matter the industry, the aim is the same: to provide accurate, dependable level control that protects systems and ensures smooth operation.

How It Works

Each sensor contains an infrared LED and phototransistor positioned at the tip of the device. When the tip is exposed to air, the LED light is internally reflected back to the phototransistor. But when the tip is submerged in liquid, the light refracts out into the liquid instead. This causes a drop in light received by the phototransistor, triggering the switch to change state. It’s a precise, efficient method of detecting the presence of liquid without any mechanical movement.

Designed for Harsh Environments

SST offers a broad range of housing materials, electrical configurations, and mounting styles to suit almost any application requirement. These sensors are resistant to ambient light interference, operate across wide temperature ranges, and work reliably in aggressive or viscous liquids. Their rugged, maintenance-free design makes them ideal for long-term deployment, even in extreme conditions.

Need Help Choosing the Right Sensor?

Get in touch with our experts today for product recommendations or technical support.

📧 Email: sensors@dwyeromega.com