ID-223/2500 Oil Sheen Sensor

Applications

LEAKWISE ID-223/2500 sensors excel in detecting thin layers of hydrocarbons on water surfaces in various environments prone to oil leaks, including both wet and dry sumps. These advanced sensors not only detect the presence of oil but also monitor its accumulation, providing valuable oil layer thickness trend data.

The ID-223/2500 is particularly effective in early spill detection and monitoring in:

  • Above-ground oil storage tanks
  • Transformer sumps in switchyards and remote power distribution substations
  • Oil/water separators
  • Cooling water systems and trenches
  • Stormwater runoff collection ponds
  • Wastewater sewer networks.

The sensor’s versatility extends to detecting and monitoring hydrocarbon leaks and spills in sumps, canals, and retention ponds.  Furthermore, the ID-223/2500 plays a crucial role in monitoring oil/water separators and wastewater treatment plant discharge, ensuring regulatory compliance and alerting plant operators to any disruptions in the treatment process.

ID-223/2500 Description

A LEAKWISE system comprises a controller and one or more sensors. The ID-223/2500 sensor features a high-frequency transmitter mounted on a float, built within a floating guiding cage. This design allows the sensor to maintain precise positioning at the liquid/air interface, even with liquid level fluctuations up to 2,500 mm (8.2 ft.) as standard, or up to newline 5,500 mm (18 ft.) on request.

Each ID-223/2500 sensor operates in conjunction with the analog PS-220 Controller, which offers two field-adjustable alarm points:

  1. Low oil alarm – Triggers upon detection of an initial predefined hydrocarbon layer thickness
  2. High oil alarm – Activates when the hydrocarbon layer reaches a second predefined thickness or detects a dry sump situation in certain applications

The ID-223/2500 boasts exceptional sensitivity, capable of reliably detecting oil layers as thin as 0.3 mm (0.01 in) without false alarms. It continuously monitors changes in oil layer thickness up to 20 mm (0.8 in), transmitting this data via a 4-20 mA output signal from the controller. The system utilizes controller relays for both local and remote alarm and control functions. Built-in diagnostics continuously monitor sensor operation, ensuring reliable performance.

For more complex installations, the SLC-220 digital controller can manage up to four sensors simultaneously. To optimize performance in areas with high water flow or turbulence, a stilling tube is recommended for ID-223/2500 installations where lateral water velocity exceeds 30 cm/sec (11.8 in/sec). Integral guiding cage stiller is available as an optional accessory.

In cases where abnormal water levels can happen during emergencies, for example when monitoring inside a chamber with a fixed roof, an anti-submersion air pocket cap accessory can be added above the upper mounting bracket.

The LEAKWISE ID-223/2500 is specifically designed for environments with maximum water fluctuations of up to 2500 mm (8.2ft.) as standard, or up to 4,000 (13 ft.) or 5,500 mm (18 ft.) on request, making it ideal for applications where large water level changes and small sump area are expected.

Principle of Operation

LEAKWISE ID-220 series sensors employ advanced high-frequency Electromagnetic Absorption technique. Each floating sensor contains high-frequency electromagnetic energy transmitting and receiving antennas that provide continuous monitoring of the liquid surface. This technology exploits the principle that water absorbs more electromagnetic energy than hydrocarbons. Consequently, changes in the water’s absorption rate at the top layer indicate the presence or accumulation of hydrocarbons.

LEAKWISE sensors are engineered to detect and monitor the buildup of both separated and emulsified non-soluble hydrocarbons on water and other aqueous solutions. A unique feature of these sensors is their ability to differentiate between wet and dry sump conditions, a capability unmatched by other oil sheen monitoring systems, allowing the indication of water level below the minimum required.

ID-223/2500 Oil Sheen Sensor Specifications: