Maintenance-Free Tank Monitoring for All Liquids
The fiber-optic level measurement systems from Opsens Solutions are based on pressure measurement using white-light interferometry technology.
The WaterSens solution for liquid level monitoring can be used in nearly any environment and delivers reliable results for decades. The “Plug & Forget” design means the sensors can operate permanently, without regular maintenance or servicing.
The measurement principle is simple: the liquid level is calculated from the hydrostatic pressure exerted by the height of the liquid due to gravity. This pressure is determined using a patented technology based on optical Fabry-Pérot interferometry. This technology, known as WLPI (White Light Polarization Interferometry), operates using the phase modulation of light — the most sensitive method for fiber-optic measurements.
Features
//- Robust design
- High long-term precision, no drift over time
- “Plug & Forget,” maintenance-free for decades of continuous operation
- Remote operation
- Suitable for hazardous environments, ATEX-compliant
- No danger from lightning strikes due to electromagnetic immunity
- Embedded optical temperature sensor
- for real-time compensation
- ±1 mm Measuring accuracy
Level Sensors
Fiber-Optic Level Sensor
Hydrostatic pressure measurement with optical sensors enables precise long-term monitoring of liquid levels. The sensors are extremely robust and stable, as well as immune to electromagnetic interference and lightning strikes. They are drift-free and require no maintenance throughout their decades of service life – a decisive advantage for sensors often used in hard-to-access locations.
Combined with a simple autonomous power supply system using a solar panel and battery, the measurement system can also be operated in remote locations where mains power is not available.
The configurable WaterSens solution can be easily automated for measurements at variable rates and offers multiple communication interfaces for remote data transmission tools, ranging from Wi-Fi to satellite antennas.
Applications:
- Dam and levee instrumentation
- Flood protection systems
- Groundwater monitoring
- Wastewater management
- Corrosive liquids, e.g. leaching processes
- LNG and fuel tanks
Level sensor for fuel tanks and ATEX environments
By measuring hydrostatic pressure and thanks to the optical differential sensor from Opsens Solutions, it is possible to measure fuel levels in tanks with an accuracy better than ±1 mm — with absolute safety.
Based on the WaterSens solution, in which fiber-optic pressure sensors from Opsens Solutions are used to measure water levels, the specially developed and adapted OPP-GD sensors for fuel tanks provide extremely precise, reliable, and safe measurements. The sensors show no temporal drift and require neither maintenance nor calibration — a true “Plug & Forget” system.
Since this technology is completely dielectric, the sensors are intrinsically safe and can be used in explosive environments (ATEX). The sensor is located outside the liquid container and is intrinsically safe (according to IEC 60079-28).
This measurement solution is so reliable that it will be used in the next generation of aircraft to measure critical parameters such as fuel level.
Applications:
- LNG tank instrumentation
- Level measurement in storage tanks
- Compatible with all types of explosive liquids (heating oil, LNG, hydrogen, …)
- Aircraft fuel level measurement
Interrogators for Level Sensors
Compact, robust, and multi-channel for all fiber-optic WLPI sensors
FieldSens-W is a compact and robust multi-channel read-out system compatible with all interferometric fiber-optic sensors from Opsens Solutions, i.e. the WLPI sensors, for temperature, pressure, strain, and position measurements.
FieldSens-W is based on White Light Polarization Interferometry (WLPI) technology. It is highly versatile, supports a wide range of fiber-optic sensors, and offers a sampling rate of up to 250 Hz (with one active channel). Up to 32 modules with up to 12 channels per module can be used (up to 384 channels in total).
The device provides multiple interfaces for remote control and real-time data acquisition: EtherCAT®, 10/100 Base-T Ethernet, USB, RS-232, and CAN FD. The open interface allows for easy integration into existing external data acquisition software. An optional portable touchscreen display is also available for stand-alone configurations (useful for on-site maintenance or in remote locations). The unit includes internal memory to ensure the required autonomy.
Features
- Compact and robust design
- Versatile use thanks to modular architecture with up to 384 channels
- EtherCAT®, Ethernet, USB, RS-232, and CAN FD interfaces
- Suitable for outdoor operation in enclosure
- Supports a wide range of sensors
- Modular design allows both WLPI and GaAs technologies in the same system
Example Applications
- Geotechnical applications
- Civil engineering: infrastructure monitoring
- Industry: automation and process control
- Portable or benchtop devices
- High-voltage conditions
- EMI, RFI, and microwave environments
- Hazardous and nuclear environments
- Autonomous monitoring in remote areas
Portable, highly reliable, and multi-channel for all WLPI sensors
FieldSens-W is a compact and robust multi-channel read-out system compatible with all interferometric fiber-optic sensors from Opsens Solutions, i.e. the WLPI sensors, for temperature, pressure, strain, and position measurements.
The system is based on White Light Polarization Interferometry (WLPI) technology, supports a wide range of fiber-optic sensors, and offers a sampling rate of up to 250 Hz.
HandySens-W is equipped with a 5.0-inch touchscreen and can be battery-powered for remote monitoring projects. The single-channel signal conditioner can be controlled directly via the touchscreen display or remotely via the 10/100 Base-T Ethernet interface and/or USB for real-time data acquisition. The device also features internal memory to ensure the required autonomy at remote locations.
Features
- Compact and robust design
- Portable, battery-powered device
- Sampling rate up to 250 Hz
- Large, user-friendly touchscreen display
- Ethernet and USB interfaces
- Supports strain, pressure, temperature, and position sensors
Example Applications
- Geotechnical applications
- Civil engineering: infrastructure monitoring
- Industry: automation and process control
- Portable or benchtop devices
- High-voltage conditions
- EMI, RFI, and microwave environments
- Hazardous and nuclear environments
- Autonomous monitoring in remote areas
