Fluid Interface Position Optical Sensor

Sandia National Laboratories has developed a continuously monitoring fluid interface optical sensor.The method of determining the liquid level through a single immersed optical wave guide allows for a simple and mobile solution to fluid monitoring systems.Current technologies use monitored floating devices and require mechanical or magnetic coupling, which can pose problems for mobility and hazardous fluids.Current technologies employ a non-contact method for sensing transparency of liquid which lack the precision and safety of a single optical waveguide method.

The fiber optic technology of this Sandia inventions utilizes the principle of dual-fluorescence, where a primary and secondary fiber are used to compare emitted to absorbed light in the system and calculate the position of the interface between opaque and clear fluids.

Benefits

• Mobile and simplistic
• No moving parts
• Continuous monitoring
• Safe for use with flammable or hazardous liquid
• Can operate over a wide range of wavelengths
• Response wave shape can be adjusted to provide more controlled measurements

Applications and Industries

• Measurements of hazardous materials or contaminations
• Crude oil levels
• Biofuels
• Wastewater treatment