This section provides an overview for floatless level switches as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 27 floatless level switch manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked floatless level switch companies as of November, 2024: 1.Barksdale, 2.OPW ENGINEERED SYSTEMS CORPORATE, 3.OST.
Table of Contents
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A floatless level switch is a device that senses liquid level without the use of a float. A float is a buoyant object, and a floatless switch is also known as a floatless relay.
A floatless level switch is an electrode-type level switch consisting of a main body, an electrode retainer, and an electrode rod (electrode strip). On the other hand, a float switch is a switch that floats on the liquid surface by buoyancy and output signals in response to the rise or fall of the liquid level.
Floatless level switches are often used in industrial and infrastructure equipment. The following are examples of uses for floatless level switches:
This switch is used to detect slurry liquids such as sewage and wastewater. In addition, calcium carbonate tanks are generally stirred with an agitator because they solidify when left unattended. Since using a float switch for agitated liquids will fail due to the water flow, a floatless level switch is used to detect the liquid level.
On the other hand, floatless level switches can only be used with conductive liquids due to their principle. In addition, because they use electricity to detect the water level, they are not suitable for liquids that are explosion-proof. Float switches should be used when measuring the liquid level of insulating liquids or hazardous materials such as heavy oil or light oil.
A floatless level switch consists of an electrode rod, an electrode retainer, and a floatless relay.
One to five electrode rods are used per floatless level switch. They are generally threaded at the end for connection to an electrode retainer or other device.
Generally, metal is used as the material, and a wide range of products are available depending on the type of liquid. SUS304 or SUS316 is used for liquid-level detection of rainwater or tap water, while titanium or Hastelloy may be used for seawater or chemicals.
Electrode rods are often sold at about 1 meter per rod. When measuring the liquid level in tanks that are taller than that, they can be extended using a connecting nut or similar device. When extending, there is a risk that the electrodes will contact each other at the bottom, so pull them apart across the separator.
The electrode retainer is a component that insulates the electrode while securing it to the tank. Insulating materials such as synthetic resin are used to insulate the electrode from metal tanks.
Insulators are sometimes used to connect two to five electrode rods. This structure allows connection to external wiring while securing the electrodes with screws.
The floatless relay is a relay that generates a weak voltage on the electrode rods to check the water level while outputting a contact point. It is also called the body of a floatless level switch. It is generally installed by sticking it into a dedicated socket and mounting it on a DIN rail or the like.
It requires an external supply of 100 VAC or 200 VAC. It has a transformer inside and applies a weak voltage of about 12V or 5V between electrodes. When the liquid level rises and two or more electrodes are immersed in the liquid, the floatless relay transmits an output corresponding to the liquid level.
Floatless level switches are selected based on the application, target liquid, and supply voltage. If the floatless level switch is used to control the tank liquid level, use three electrode rods. For alarm only, 1 to 3 electrode rods can be used.
The materials of electrode rods and connection nuts are selected according to the target liquid. Typical materials are SUS304, SUS316L, titanium, and Hastelloy. The reason for using multiple electrodes is to introduce hysteresis: one electrode is always immersed in the liquid, and the lengths of the other two electrodes are varied to create hysteresis.
If the output continues until the long electrode leaves after the short electrode is immersed, it can be used as a tank drain control or high liquid level alarm, and vice versa for tank water supply control or low liquid level alarm. The type of relay is selected according to the target liquid and supply voltage.
When used for pure water tanks, a high-sensitivity type should be used due to the high electrical resistance of the liquid, while a general type should be used for rainwater. The voltage can be 100 VAC, 200 VAC, or 24 VDC, etc. Check the power supply voltage to be supplied and select the appropriate type.
*Including some distributors, etc.
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OPW Engineered Systems, A Dover Company, established in 1892 and headquartered in Ohio, US, is a manufacturer of quick and dry disconnect fittings designed to meet any fluid handling need. The company offers grade top and bottom loading arms, swivel joints, sight flow indicators, quick and dry disconnect couplers, and safety breakaways. It also designs and manufactures touch-free and friction car wash systems. Its products can reduce tank turbulence, vapors, and generation of static electricity. Moreover, the company has achieved ISO-9000 certification. It serves industries such as chemical, transportation, retail fueling, and vehicle wash.
Barksdale, established in 1949 and headquartered in Reichelsheim, Germany, is a manufacturer of industrial control and regulator products. The comprehensive product line includes pressure, transducers, switches, temperature, level, and flow controls that offer precise monitoring, efficient regulation, and enhanced operational safety. These products find application in industries such as oil and gas, manufacturing, energy, and transportation. The company's accurate monitoring instruments optimize processes, guarantee operational efficiency, and maintain safety standards, all of which add to the smooth running of complex industrial systems.
Endress+Hauser Group Services AG, established in 1953 with headquarters in Reinach, Switzerland, is a global manufacturer, distributor, and integrator of industrial process solutions for flow, level, pressure, temperature, and digital communications. The company's product line includes portable pH meters, Raman spectroscopic analyzers, electromagnetic flowmeters, hydrostatic level sensors, and application managers (devices). These products are available individually, and custom-process manufacturing turnkey systems can be commissioned. The company serves industries including food processing, chemical processing, agriculture, mining, and energy.
Pepperl+Fuchs, Inc. was founded in Mannheim, Germany in 1945 developing the forerunner of the proximity switch. Pepperl+Fuchs continues to develop proximity sensors as well as other industrial sensors including ultrasonic sensors, rotary encoders, positioning systems, display and signal processing, vibration monitoring, industrial communication, and signal processing as well as related accessories and software. Explosive protection products include safety barriers, surge protection, wireless solutions, HMI systems, power supplies, electrical explosion protection equipment, level measurement, and related software.
Standex Electronics is a worldwide market leader in the design, development and manufacture of standard reed switch-based sensor solutions and custom electro-magnetic components, including magnetics products. Their company history dating back to 1969, Standex has provided their service to a high customer base globally for more than 50 years. The company has high-quality standards, work by the approach of "partner, solve, deliver", focus on a customer driven innovation and commitment to absolute customer satisfaction. Their diverse capabilities and dynamic solutions allow them the ability to achieve the highest quality levels of efficiency and productivity. Sustainability is a high focus of the Standex product line, with long-term sustainability improvements continuing to drive consistent technological growth. Green switching applications are a growing demand for their customers, and they ensure to deliver.
FPI Sensors are float-level switch and liquid-level sensor manufacturers and are renowned for delivering top-tier OEM products at competitive prices. The supplier has established a unique "Micro Factory" structure that drives customer service and manufacturing precision. The dedicated teams, responsible for individual customers, nurture intimate knowledge of preferences to ensure personalized liquid-level sensor solutions. This structure fosters meticulous workmanship, customer satisfaction, and the fulfillment of specific requirements. Since 2007, FPI Sensors has been dedicated to providing the highest-quality liquid level switches and continuous output sensors, serving diverse industries from oil/water separators to medical equipment.
Fluid Components International, founded in San Marcos, CA, in 1964 is a manufacturer of thermal mass flow meters, flow switches and level switches for industrial process measurement applications. The company's product portfolio includes Flow Switch, Flow Conditioners, Gas Flow Meter, Level Measurement Products, and Flow Straighteners. The company serves markets including Medical and Healthcare, Aerospace and Defense, Consumer Goods, Industrial Manufacturing and Construction and Building. The company also provides services including national distribution, product selection, customized services, technical support and customer service.
Madison Company, Inc. founded in Branford, Connecticut, USA, in 1959, is a manufacturer of float switches and liquid level sensor solutions. The company manufactures products including reed switches, liquid-level switches, visual indicators, and hydrostatic pressure sensors. Its M6002 miniature PVC sensor is chemical-resistant and is used to deal with corrosive liquids. The company’s products are ISO-9001 certified and in 2009 it acquired FloodMaster which offers water leak detection solutions. GHM, Citec, and MEYLE are its distributors.
Intellisense Microelectronics Xiamen Ltd. is a manufacturer of various industrial sensors that was founded in 2010 in Fujian, China. The company produces sensors with a wide range of applications such as in automation, smart home operations, and industrial processes. Its products include liquid level sensors, photoelectric sensors for object detection, and CMOS integrated sensors that can be programmed for various applications. The company also offers product design as well as customization services for clients with unique projects. Its products are primarily used in industrial automation, healthcare, and defense R&D.
Siemens began in 1847 and is headquartered in Munich, Germany. Siemens focuses in automation and digitalization technology and operates globally. Siemens’s 5 operating segments are digital industries, smart infrastructure, mobility, Siemens Healthineers, and Siemens Financial Services. Siemens Financial Services provides debt and equity investment as well as financing solutions. Siemens Healthineers is a medical devices company that provides products and consulting. Mobility includes passenger and freight transportation. Smart infrastructure includes full solutions for electrification. Digital industries offer both software and hardware for industries and production efficiency.
Renesas Electronics Corporation was established in 2002 and is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. Renesas is a global research, design, and manufacturer of semiconductors used in industries spanning automotive, consumer electronics, the internet of things, power & energy, and industrial sectors. Renesas manufactures both analog and digital products. Analog products include amplifiers, audio & video devices, data converters, PLC, and switches & multiplexers. Digital products include microcontrollers, memory components, sensors, wireless connectivity products, and others. Renesas also offers design resources such as kits, development tools, partner programs, and design tools.
Andeli Group Co., Ltd., established in 1985 in Zhejiang, China, is a manufacturer and a distributor of electrical components and equipment. Its extensive product range includes circuit breakers, automatic transfer switches, frequency inverters, power equipment, indicator and switch products. These components find applications across various sectors, including construction, electronics, and power generation. The company holds multiple certifications, including ISO9001:2000, "CCC" for all its products. It adheres to quality and efficiency, making it a renowned name in the electrical sector.
ALION, a company founded in 1994 and based in Wenzhou, China, is a manufacturer of electric timer switches. The company offers a comprehensive range of time control products, such as time and photocell switches, that streamline operations, track equipment runtime, and optimize energy use across various industries. The company has a vast 10,8361m² production facility with 16 production lines that ensure swift turnaround. Exporting to 42 countries, it is a supplier for brands like ABB, Chint, and Finder. The company offers customized time light controls with a 2-year warranty, supported by an expert OEM team.
SST Sensing Ltd is an ISO 9001-certified manufacturer and supplier of oxygen and liquid level sensors established in 2002 in Coatbridge, Scotland, UK. The company specializes in products for detecting the presence, levels, and absence of liquids or gasses, including hazardous area-approved liquid level switches, carbon dioxide sensors, and optical liquid level switches. The company also offers customization, calibration, and repair services. It mainly serves clients in the aviation, transportation, and industrial processing sectors.
Automation Products, Inc. - Dynatrol Division, founded in 1956 and located in Houston, Texas, is a manufacturer of process measurement control, systems, switches, and equipment. The company’s products include density systems, solid-level switches, viscosity systems, liquid-level switches, and interface-level detectors. The products are used in wood processing, textile, bulk solids measurement, food processing, and beverage industries. The company manufactures products based on a vibration principle featuring online systems and level-indicating instruments.
Monitor Technologies LLC was founded by George Gruber in Port Sanilac, Michigan in 1958. The ISO 9001-certified company is a manufacturer of indicators and control equipment for industries including plastic processing, cement & aggregates, feed processing, grain processing, and food processing. The company sells domestically and internationally through authorized representatives. The company’s products include point level indicators & controls, dust leak indicators & particulate emission trend monitors, inventory management software, and various flow measurement devices.
ST Micro Electronics is a global semiconductor company serving customers with innovations to have a positive impact on people's lives. Their product line is micro electronic systems, such as switches, controllers, sensors and drivers. The main selling point of ST Micro Electronics is its provision of sustainable products, and introducing their electronics to create a more sustainable world. The company, as well as providing the electronic devices, also provides software and support, ensuring that all fields are covered to provide a fully provide a supported and strong relationship with their customer base. ST Micro Electronics believe that technology plays a key role in helping to solve environmental and social challenges, which is why their semiconductor technologies start with their employees, their customers and partners.
ABLIC, Inc. is a manufacturer of analog semiconductors and integrated circuits (ICs) based in Minato-ku, Tokyo. Originally established in 2016, the company is a subsidiary of Seiko Instruments, Inc., and was renamed SII Semiconductor Corporation in 2018. The company produces memory, logic, and power management ICs, as well as various sensors for use in mobile computers, industrial equipment, wearable tech, and automotive systems. These supply clients in the consumer electronics, factory automation, and medical equipment industries.
Omron Corporation, started in 1933 and headquartered in Kyoto, Japan, is a manufacturer of automation components, equipment, and systems, and it developed the first contactless proximity switch in 1960. It has four domains, including industrial automation, electronic components, healthcare, and social systems, and it provides products and services in around 120 countries and regions. Some of its products include microsensing devices, access control systems, industrial robots, surveillance cameras, and blood pressure monitors. In 1971, it developed the first online cash machine, and in 1972, it established Japan’s first welfare factory.
VEGA Controls Ltd. is based in Burgess Hill, West Sussex, UK, and serves as a manufacturer and distributor of sensors for industrial processing operations. It was established in 1984 as a subsidiary of Germany’s VEGA Grieshaber KG. The company primarily produces pressure sensors for measuring the force exerted by process materials, level sensors for measuring the height or volume of process materials, and point level sensors for detecting the presence or absence of process materials in a vessel beyond predesignated points. VEGA's products find common usage among clients in the food and beverage, water processing, and chemical processing industries.
FineTek Co., Ltd, established in 1979 and headquartered in New Taipei City, is an ATEX & IECEX and TAF/ilac-MRA certified manufacturer and supplier of process automation and flow measurement solutions. The company's product portfolio includes Level Transmitters, Flow Measurement devices, Pressure instruments, and Temperature sensors. These products are utilized for monitoring and controlling process conditions, ensuring safety in industrial environments, and optimizing resource allocation. They are adopted by industries such as Water Treatment, Maritime, Steel, Power, and Construction. Additionally, the company offers services in wireless technology integration, pneumatic, and product solutions.
Ranking as of November 2024
Derivation MethodRank | Company | Click Share |
---|---|---|
1 | Barksdale |
10.0%
|
2 | OPW ENGINEERED SYSTEMS CORPORATE |
8.0%
|
3 | OST |
8.0%
|
4 | Letop |
8.0%
|
5 | FPI Sensors |
8.0%
|
6 | Pepperl+Fuchs Inc. |
8.0%
|
7 | Madison Company, Inc. |
6.0%
|
8 | NEX Instrument Inc |
6.0%
|
9 | SMS Enterprises |
6.0%
|
10 | Fluid Components International |
6.0%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the floatless level switch page as of November 2024. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
Newly Established Company
Company with a History
*Including some distributors, etc.
*Including some distributors, etc.
Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
---|---|---|
United States of America | 8 | 50.0% |
China | 4 | 25.0% |
Germany | 1 | 6.3% |
Japan | 1 | 6.3% |
Switzerland | 1 | 6.3% |
India | 1 | 6.3% |