Senix Ultrasonics Ideal for Lubricant Oil Tank Monitoring
Ultrasonic sensors are a popular choice for tank level monitoring throughout the world. In this application, a Thailand-based company, KAS Control Co. Ltd., worked closely with a major industrial company that uses the Senix ToughSonic® 14 Level Sensor to monitor multiple lubricant oil tanks before filling. 
Automotive lubricants are used to reduce the friction between the moving surfaces of a machine, leading to a reduction in generated heat. Lubricants increase the average age of vehicles by improving and maintaining engine efficiency.
A rise in the middle-class population, urbanization, and growing disposable income in developing countries have led to greater passenger car sales. The economic growth in these regions has promoted trade, leading to growth across the transportation sector. Combined, these factors have led to increased lubricant consumption worldwide.
Asia Pacific remains the leading region for lubricants, and the Asia Pacific automotive industry is anticipated to witness a high growth through at least 2025 owing due to rapid economic development, mega construction projects, and population growth.
A Fast-Growing Industry
The increasing demand for engine oils, brake fluids, and transmission fluids among both consumer and commercial automobiles is contributing to a growing lubricant market. High engine oil demand for passenger cars, diesel trucks, light-duty trucks, and motorcycles are expected to drive the global automotive lubricants industry growth over the next 5- 10 years.
Additionally, the shift towards green derivatives is expected to be another strong driver of the market into the future. The strong presence of regulatory associations—such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and REACH—is also projected to help the overall bio-based lubricants market.
Why Use ToughSonics for Lubricant Oil Tanks?
Previously, the Senix customer in Thailand used float sensors. However, using unfit sensors in their rugged environment led to inaccurate results and a need for better accuracy. 
The Senix ToughSonic sensors are built in 316 stainless steel housings and have PUR-jacked cables that, along with heavy-duty electronics, are potted and protected inside. Not only are the Senix ToughSonic 14 sensors highly accurate and capable of consistently measuring the level of lubricant oil in a 2-meter high horizontal tank, but they are easily configurable to each application.
The parabolic shape of this customer’s tank produced a high amount of echo waves when close to empty. By configuring the sensors within SensorView™ software, the customer was easily able to set a 1 Hz update rate preventing these echos. The sensor output is sent through RS-485 serial communications to a Siemens S7-1500 PLC and Simatic HMI for display and ease of accessing level data.
For more information on how Senix can help with your application, contact us at info@senix.com or click here.