The optical level switch in the diesel condensate trap on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) powered vehicles. When not running on CNG, these vehicles are powered by diesel fuel. When reverting to CNG again, it is important that any diesel in the system is filtered out. This is done by way of a condensate trap and bowl. SST’s custom designed liquid level switch indicates when the diesel level in the filter bowl is high and so should be emptied at the next service opportunity. The sensor is exposed to diesel fuel, high pressures (>120 bar burst pressure) and vibrations. SST customised this liquid level switch to withstand harsh environments using a stainless steel housing with an M14x1.5 thread and polysulfone sensor tip.

We used a DIN15170 3-pin automotive connector and provided a PWM output signal to the customers ECU. This output ensures failsafe operation as it clearly indicates if the sensor has failed internally or if any of the sensor connections have been lost. We integrated transient overvoltage protection for the input, and short circuit protection for the output.

The sensor located in a boat’s underwater gearbox indicates low oil levels to prevent a run-dry situation. The rear end of the sensor and cable termination are submerged 90% of the time in saltwater, and the cable is expected to move occasionally. SST customised this optical level switch with an AMP Superseal 1.5 series connector. We used a 1m, 3-core cable with specially selected jacket material and protective corrugated outer conduit to withstand seawater, fuel, oil and abrasion. The switch provided a high in air output logic signal to the ECU of the boat.

SST designed this optical level switch to replace the 242985 GEMS capacitive coolant level sensor in the engine radiators of off-highway vehicles. The sensor is exposed to high temperatures up to 125 degrees Celsius, high vibrations, and sloshing liquid due to the moving reservoir.

SST customised this level switch using an integral 3-pin Deutsch DT04-3P connector and a 1/2″ NPT thread with brass housing. Equivalent to GEMS “Dry Sink” output, the customised sensor provided an N-Type, low in air, signal and was programmed with an actuation delay of 5 seconds to account for the coolant’s movement.

SST customised this optical level switch as a drop-in replacement for an obsolete sensor. The sensor, fitted into a very small space, was used to monitor oil and water levels during the external sterilization and gear lubrication process by an automated cleaning/maintenance machine for medical tools.

The customised level switch included a JST connector with a short cable, according to the customer’s requirements and pinout. The switch provided a high-in-air output signal and was designed to operate reliably in the presence of reflective surfaces. We modified the entire design of the switch’s electronics and shortened its housing to fit into the small space available.

The optical level switch from SST provide immediate liquid level notification to induce the appropriate response and prevent unnecessary downtime and costly equipment damage.

The sensors ensure easy integration into customers’ unique or existing application or equipment, generally saving them the painful step of product redesign.

Customised products perform exactly to customers’ unique requirements by:

• • • modifying electronics and software
    • changing outputs
    • adapting housing or thread styles
    • adding cabling
    • adding connectors
    • incorporating additional electrical and environmental protection

SST’s optical liquid sensor technology offers:

• • • High sensitivity resulting in a level sensors that can detect small amounts of fluid (<1ml)
    • Solid state design with no moving parts, and manufactured from high-specification polymers or glass which can operate reliably without degradation in a wide range of aggressive fluids.

SST is the preferred choice for liquid level sensing in industries such as agriculture, medical devices, aviation and transportation, including small to very large OEM customers. Our mission is to become a world leading designer and manufacturer of innovative liquid and oxygen sensing solutions and our almost two decades years of technical experience guides our process in helping clients solve their most challenges applications.

Our customised products are manufactured with SST’s trademark precision, attention to detail and high quality levels. From problem formulation, to prototype design and testing, and through to ongoing technical support, SST provides a seamless process to deliver bespoke optical level switches to our customers. Our products are designed and manufactured in our ISO 9001:2015 accredited factory in Scotland and have an impressive 98.5% on time delivery to customers, to whom we ship globally every day.