An oil leak detection sensor is one of the most critical components of any oil leak detection system. Oil leak detection sensor identifies the oil leak in its periphery and sends the information to the leak detection panel.
Based on requirements, these sensors utilize different principles to detect the leak at any particular locations. Some might use conductivity, while some might use optics.
Depending on the sensing methods, Oil leak detection sensors can be classified into three basic types. Let’s take a look at these types of Oil Leak sensors.
As the name suggests, this type of sensor comes in the form of cables. They are spread over the area or zone where the oil leak detection system is necessary. These cables are used to detect oil leak over the whole length of the cable. So by using this cable, you won’t miss even a small area.
CtrlTech’s Cable sensors allow multiple leak detection at a different location using Digital addressing with the help of a microchip embedded in each cable.
Probe sensor: As the name suggests, theses sensors have detecting probes with adjustable heights. They are used to detect oil leak at specific spots like a tank, sump pit or oil dike pit. Once the detection probe identifies the oil leak, it relays a message to the oil control leak panel and triggers the alarm.
As the name suggests, a probe sensor comes with two probes.
As the name suggests, Point oil leak detection sensors are used to detect oil leak at a specific point. These sensors utilize multiple oil leak detection methods, depending on the type of environment they are installed.
They are best suited for oil leak detection at a specific point or place where there is a probability of leakage. When oil leakage is detected, CtrlTech’s oil leak detection sensor instantly relays the message to the oil leak detection panel, and an alarm is triggered.
Cable sensors contain two sensor wires that are separated by a rubber membrane. These two sensor wires are covered with the durable exterior casing. The mild current continuously flows through these two wires. The rubber membrane separating two wires is highly soluble in Oil.
When the sensor cable comes in contact with the Oil, this rubber membrane melts, and two sensor wires come in contact. This results in the short circuit as the current is flowing through the sensor wires.
The control panel calculates the exact location by weighing multiple factors and displays the result on the display panel.
Probe sensor generally works on the principle of total internal reflection. The adjustable probe houses a photo-transistor and an LED bulb. In the absence of the Oil, the light emitted from the LED bulb reflects internally and is sensed by the Photo-transistor.
But when the leaked Oil covers the probe, its refractive index changes and some light escapes from it. When the photo-transmitter receives less light than normal, it triggers the oil leak alarm.
Point sensors are generally optical sensors that detect the oil leak by detecting the change in the amount of light. Their function and applications are similar to those of the Probe sensors.
Let’s take a comparative look at all the three types of Oil leak detection sensors.
As you can see in the above comparison, Cable sensors are a great choice for any leak detection system. Due to their ability to detect the leak over a large zone, experts prefer experts in almost all of the oil leak detection system.