Hello everybody!
My application calls for a simple water level switch for a closed loop 1/2" water cooling system. The fill tube also acts as a low volume reservoir which is two feet in direct vertical height. The water temperature reaches only 35F above room temperature. Space is tight, I would like it not much more than 3" high and 2" wide. The tubing is translucent silicon type tubing (clearflex). The fluid is mostly distilled water with only trace amounts of antibacteria solutions, hence not very corrosive and rather clear. Copper fittings are fine, absolutely no aluminum, plastic fittings are acceptable and perfered.
When the water level reaches near the bottom I would like the switch/circuit to close.
The issue is the actual sensor. There are no comercial products which I found, even so if I found no doubtedly it would be $100+.
So far my only thougths are adding a white ball in the reservoir tube with a stop at the top and a stop near the bottem. There will be a IR LED and a IR sensor near the bottom stop so when the water level lowers the ball lowers eventually reaching the IR LED and reflecting the beam back to the sensor. Or I can use a black ball and block the beam, what ever.
A concern is running the system for several years the water becomes brackish and depending on growth it may become too dark. Perhaps a higher power LED.
I seeking some feedback before I construct a prototype.
Any thoughts on this? Thinking along the lines of actual hobbiest inplementation using at hand materials creating a end unit fairly reproducable with a low price.
Thanks 'all
"When the boogie man goes to sleep at night he checks his closet for Chuck Norris."
-Prop
My application calls for a simple water level switch for a closed loop 1/2" water cooling system. The fill tube also acts as a low volume reservoir which is two feet in direct vertical height. The water temperature reaches only 35F above room temperature. Space is tight, I would like it not much more than 3" high and 2" wide. The tubing is translucent silicon type tubing (clearflex). The fluid is mostly distilled water with only trace amounts of antibacteria solutions, hence not very corrosive and rather clear. Copper fittings are fine, absolutely no aluminum, plastic fittings are acceptable and perfered.
When the water level reaches near the bottom I would like the switch/circuit to close.
The issue is the actual sensor. There are no comercial products which I found, even so if I found no doubtedly it would be $100+.
So far my only thougths are adding a white ball in the reservoir tube with a stop at the top and a stop near the bottem. There will be a IR LED and a IR sensor near the bottom stop so when the water level lowers the ball lowers eventually reaching the IR LED and reflecting the beam back to the sensor. Or I can use a black ball and block the beam, what ever.
A concern is running the system for several years the water becomes brackish and depending on growth it may become too dark. Perhaps a higher power LED.
I seeking some feedback before I construct a prototype.
Any thoughts on this? Thinking along the lines of actual hobbiest inplementation using at hand materials creating a end unit fairly reproducable with a low price.
Thanks 'all
"When the boogie man goes to sleep at night he checks his closet for Chuck Norris."
-Prop