IP68 Submersible Capacitive Level Sensor for Oil and Lubrication Systems
1. Why You Need It
Oil tanks and lubrication systems hold viscous, sticky media that clog mechanical floats and cause false alarms. This IP68 capacitive level sensor uses a 316L stainless steel body and a food-grade PEEK conical probe with no moving parts — so there is nothing to clog, jam or wear out. Fully submersible and quick-connected via aviation plug, it delivers reliable liquid detection for oil tanks, lubrication systems and high-viscosity fluids.
2. Working Principle
The sensor detects liquid presence by measuring the change in capacitance when the probe is covered by the medium. Because it has no moving parts, sticky oil and viscous liquids cannot jam it. The NPN/PNP dual output drives a PLC or relay directly, and the LED indicates power (red) and output (green) status. The 316L housing and PEEK probe provide corrosion resistance and compatibility with oil and food-grade contact.
3. Key Advantages
- No moving parts — no clogging
- IP68 fully submersible
- 316L stainless steel housing
- Food-grade PEEK conical probe
- NPN / PNP dual output
- 12-24 V DC operating voltage
- Aviation plug quick connection
- -25 to 85 °C temperature range
- 0 to 0.6 MPa pressure resistance
- Overcurrent / overvoltage protection
Common Pain Points & Solutions
| Problem | Conventional Issue | Our Solution | Result |
|---|
| Viscous oil media | Mechanical floats jam | No moving parts | Reliable in viscous oil |
| Submersion | Standard sensors leak | IP68 submersible | Reliable submerged operation |
| False alarms | Floats stick, false trigger | Capacitive detection | No false alarms |
| Food/oil contact | Incompatible materials | 316L + food-grade PEEK | Safe for oil / food contact |
Application Cases
Industry: Lubrication
Application: Lubrication oil tank level
Medium: Lubricating oil
Pressure Range: 0 to 0.6 MPa
Operating Temperature: -25 to 85 °C
Installation Environment: Machine lubrication
Customer Challenge: Detect oil level reliably
Previous Problem: Float clogging
Solution: Capacitive sensor, NPN
Installation Location: Lubrication tank
Result: Reliable oil level detection
Industry: Industrial
Application: Hydraulic oil reservoir
Medium: Hydraulic oil
Pressure Range: 0 to 0.6 MPa
Operating Temperature: -20 to 60 °C
Installation Environment: Hydraulic unit
Customer Challenge: Oil level monitoring
Previous Problem: Mechanical switch failure
Solution: IP68 capacitive sensor
Installation Location: Oil reservoir
Result: Continuous reliable detection
Industry: Food
Application: Food oil storage tank
Medium: Edible oil
Pressure Range: Atmospheric
Operating Temperature: 0 to 60 °C
Installation Environment: Food plant
Customer Challenge: Hygienic level detection
Previous Problem: Non-food materials
Solution: PEEK probe sensor
Installation Location: Oil tank
Result: Food-grade level detection
Industry: Machinery
Application: Machine sump level
Medium: Coolant / oil
Pressure Range: 0 to 0.3 MPa
Operating Temperature: 0 to 50 °C
Installation Environment: Machine sump
Customer Challenge: Level in machine sump
Previous Problem: Sensor corrosion
Solution: 316L capacitive sensor
Installation Location: Machine sump
Result: Corrosion-resistant detection
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|
| Protection | IP68 |
| Housing Material | 316L stainless steel |
| Probe Material | Food-grade PEEK |
| Output | NPN / PNP |
| Operating Voltage | 12-24 V DC |
| Temperature Range | -25 to 85 °C |
| Pressure Resistance | 0 to 0.6 MPa |
| Connection | Aviation plug |
FAQ
Q: What is a capacitive level sensor?
A capacitive level sensor detects liquid by measuring the capacitance change when its probe contacts the medium. Unlike mechanical float switches, it has no moving parts, so viscous and sticky liquids like oil cannot clog or jam it, giving reliable, maintenance-free level detection.
Q: Why is it IP68 rated?
IP68 means the sensor is fully submersible and protected against continuous immersion in water. This makes it suitable for installation inside tanks and sumps where the sensor body may be submerged in the liquid.
Q: What materials are used?
The housing is 316L stainless steel for corrosion resistance, and the probe is food-grade PEEK — a strong, chemically resistant polymer safe for oil and food contact. This material combination suits oil tanks and lubrication systems.
Q: Does it have moving parts?
No. The sensor has no moving parts, which is its key advantage. In viscous or sticky media such as oil and lubricants, mechanical floats and rods tend to clog and fail, whereas a capacitive sensor operates reliably without any mechanical motion.
Q: What output does it provide?
It provides NPN and PNP dual output, so it can interface with both sinking and sourcing PLC inputs and drive relays directly. The LED display shows power (red) and output (green) status for easy commissioning.
Q: What voltage does it operate on?
It operates on 12-24 V DC, the standard for industrial control systems. This low-voltage supply integrates easily with PLCs and control panels.
Q: What media can it detect?
It detects oils, lubricants and other high-viscosity liquids. The food-grade PEEK probe and 316L housing are compatible with oil and food-grade contact. For very aggressive chemicals, compatibility should be confirmed.
Q: How is it installed?
It is installed through the tank wall or top using its aviation-plug quick connection, with the PEEK probe extending into the liquid. The output wiring connects to the PLC or relay, and the sensor is set via a handheld device.
Q: What temperature and pressure can it handle?
It operates from -25 to 85 °C and withstands process pressure up to 0.6 MPa, covering most oil tank and lubrication system conditions.
Q: Where is it used?
It is used in lubrication oil tanks, hydraulic reservoirs, food oil storage tanks and machine sumps. It provides reliable, clog-free level detection for oil and high-viscosity liquid applications.
