We need a sensor to measure water levels inside an industrial dishwasher. The water is warm (max 60C), contaminated and may contain detergents, so stainless steel would be best.
The water level we need to measure moves from 0-0.5 meter, so for example a sealed pressure transmitter with a pressure range of 0-10 kPa would be suitable. Accuracy is not critical, we just need something that is cost-efficient and can withstand the environment. The power supply available is 24VDC, and the output signal should be voltage, preferably 0-10V.
We would suggest the 18.605G which is a compact and economically processed submersible hydrostatic pressure sensor, which can be submerged in or mounted externally to an industrial dishwashers integrated water tank.
The sensor materials which will be in contact with the water if submerged are stainless steel, PVC coated cable and FKM seals. For external mounting only stainless steel and FKM seals will be in contact with the water.
The electronics will operate from a power supply between 14…30Vdc, and output a 0…10Vdc measurement signal over the 0 to 1 metre of water level range (~10 kPa). The PVC cable and sensor are rated to a temperature of 70°C / 158°F and will be suitable for use with warm water.
18.605 G Economic Industrial Water Level Sensor
- Part No: 18.605G-1000-M-3-8-1-006-300-1-000
- Measuring Range: 1 mH2O, 3.28 ftH2O
- Reference Type: Gauge / Vented (atm to +P)
- Output Signal: 0-10Vdc, 3 wire
- Accuracy: 1% FSO
- Electrical Connection: IP68 submersible cable
- Cable Type: PVC (70degC max)
- Cable Length: 6 metres (19.69 feet)
- Housing Material: Stainless Steel 304
- Diaphragm Material: Stainless Steel 316L
- Media Exposed Seals: FKM
- Mechanical Connection: G1/4 male
This application story details the selection of a hydrostatic level measurement solution for industrial dishwashing systems, focusing on material compatibility and protection against hydraulic transients in high-turbulence wash tanks.
- Monitoring wash tank levels up to 0.5 metres in presence of detergents and 60°C temperatures.
- Integration of a 0–10V analogue feedback loop with a 24VDC industrial power supply.
- Selection of FKM seals and 316L stainless steel for long-term chemical resistance.
Industrial dishwashing systems require robust liquid level monitoring to ensure heating elements remain submerged and wash cycles operate with the correct water-to-detergent ratios. In these environments, the sensor must withstand “grey water” conditions, where the media is often contaminated with fatty acids, food residues, and aggressive cleaning chemicals. To ensure longevity, the 18.605G series utilizes a 316L stainless steel sensing diaphragm and FKM internal seals. These materials provide a high degree of chemical inertness, preventing the corrosive pitting or seal degradation that can occur with cheaper alloys or standard elastomers when exposed to concentrated dishwashing detergents at elevated temperatures.
The application involves a shallow water depth of 0.5 metres, which corresponds to a relatively low hydrostatic pressure of approximately 50 mbar. While the 18.605G series is typically configured for a 1-metre range as its baseline, the 0–10V 3-wire electronics are highly adaptable. By utilizing the first half of the sensor’s linear range, a controller can easily scale the 0–5V output to represent the full 0.5-metre tank height. This approach provides a cost-effective solution without requiring a custom-calibrated ultra-low pressure range, which often carries a higher price point and increased sensitivity to overpressure.
The electrical integration is streamlined for industrial cabinets, as the sensor operates directly from a standard 24VDC supply and provides a high-level 10V signal that is resistant to electromagnetic interference from nearby pump motors. The integrated PVC cable is vented to the atmosphere, ensuring that the sensor automatically compensates for changes in barometric pressure. This vented gauge reference is essential for maintaining accuracy in shallow tanks, where even small fluctuations in local weather patterns could otherwise be misinterpreted by the system as a change in water level.
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