Explore submersible level sensors designed for continuous immersion in diesel fuel. Features 316SS housings, FKM seals, and diesel-resistant cables for reliable tank gauging.
Submersible diesel tank level sensors provide reliable and continuous measurement by being fully immersed in the fuel oil. Engineered with materials like stainless steel and FKM seals selected for compatibility with diesel’s chemical properties, these hydrostatic sensors resist fuel ingress and degradation. Featuring vented gauge pressure compensation and typically providing a 4-20mA output, they ensure accurate level data for critical applications ranging from generator day tanks and bulk storage facilities to heavy machinery and marine fuel systems.
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Find out more about Submersible Diesel Tank Level Sensors to determine which product options and capabilities will best meet your application requirements.
Submersible diesel tank level sensors are specifically engineered instruments designed for continuous measurement of fuel oil levels within storage tanks. Their construction allows for complete immersion directly into the diesel fuel, providing a reliable ‘top-down’ measurement approach often preferred for accuracy and simplicity in tank installations.
A critical design consideration for these sensors is robust protection against diesel fuel ingress. Diesel, being a hydrocarbon-based fuel, can aggressively attack and degrade common sealing materials and cable jackets over time. Therefore, these sensors utilize carefully selected materials, such as 316L stainless steel for the sensor body, and specialized elastomers like Fluoroelastomers (FKM/Viton®) or other diesel-resistant polymers for O-rings and seals, ensuring long-term integrity and preventing fuel from penetrating the sensor housing or cable assembly.
The electrical cable itself requires particular attention, as it remains constantly submerged. The outer sheath material must resist swelling, hardening, cracking, or dissolution when exposed to diesel fuel and potential additives or contaminants. Materials like specialized Polyurethane (PUR) or Hytrel® are often specified for their proven resistance to hydrocarbons, ensuring the longevity of the electrical connection and, where applicable, the integrity of the atmospheric pressure vent tube.
Most submersible diesel level sensors operate on the hydrostatic pressure principle. They measure the pressure exerted by the column of diesel fuel above the sensor diaphragm. This pressure (P) is directly proportional to the height (h) of the fuel (P=ρgh, where ρ is the density of the diesel and g is gravitational acceleration). Calibration takes into account the specific gravity of diesel fuel for accurate level readings.
To ensure accurate level measurement irrespective of barometric pressure changes outside the tank, these sensors typically employ a vented gauge pressure design. A vent tube runs alongside the electrical conductors within the submersible cable, terminating at the surface, allowing the sensor’s internal reference pressure to equalize with the ambient atmospheric pressure. This automatically compensates for atmospheric fluctuations, providing a true gauge pressure reading corresponding only to the liquid level.
The measured level is converted into a stable electrical signal for transmission to monitoring and control systems. The industry-standard 4-20mA two-wire loop-powered output is widely used due to its noise immunity over long cable distances and ease of integration with PLCs, displays, and data loggers. Other output options, including voltage signals or digital protocols like Modbus, may also be available depending on the specific model and application requirements.
Ensuring reliable sealing against continuous immersion is paramount. These sensors often feature welded constructions and specialized potting techniques to protect internal electronics, achieving high ingress protection ratings, typically IP68, specifically validated for continuous submersion in diesel or similar fuel oils.
Common applications include monitoring fuel levels in backup generator day tanks for critical facilities like hospitals and data centers, tracking inventory in large bulk fuel storage tanks at distribution terminals or transport hubs, measuring fuel in heavy machinery, locomotives, and marine vessels, and monitoring underground storage tanks (USTs) at petrol stations. They are essential components in fuel management systems, leak detection systems, and process control loops involving diesel fuel.