Need ideas for 55gal barrel low water level sensor

[nivram]

I have a 55gal barrel I use for auto water changes. I'm looking for a way to trigger a low water alarm or connect to a relay to kill power to pump.

A float switch would work, however finding one with long enough leads has been a challenge.

Wondering if a pressure sensor like the avast unit with a long tube connected.

 

[rwb500]

you could just use a regular float switch and extend the leads. its not that hard to make a waterproof wire joint. they also make float switches that enter the container through the side, so the leads are not exposed to water at all. these would be your best option.

 

[Thunderfan]

You could use floats for a well or lift station. Will have high and low level floats with long leads.

 

[bmanzie]

Marvin I have 2 float switches on my 60 gallon container. One activates when the water is low, the other when the water has reached the desired level.
Let me know an I will take a pic.

 

[nivram]

Marvin I have 2 float switches on my 60 gallon container. One activates when the water is low, the other when the water has reached the desired level.
Let me know an I will take a pic.

Thanks Bill. Did you use the horizontal or vertical type?

If I had a square container I'd have no issue drilling thru the side. With it being a round container, I'm just worried about leaks.

 

[skeeter_ca]

I am setting some barrels too and was wondering if a float switch like this

http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Liquid-...942?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item35b6aac29e

would seal against the curve of the barrel. Especailly at the side of the barrel near the bottom where it is very stiff. Has anyone had any experience using them on curved barrels?

skeeter

 

[Chasman]

This is what I came up with. It's certainly not the only way to do it, but it works. I put the low level and high level floats on a PVC stem of sorts and the wires are potected and exit through a schedule 80 bulkhead that's above the water line. Hope the pictures help this make sense.

 

[skeeter_ca]

That's actually a very good idea. I like it.

skeeter

 

[slief]

These are what I used when I had my mixing station setup using 55g drums. These install just like a bulkhead and include a rubber seal. I got my sensors from Spectrapure but they look just like these.
http://www.amazon.com/Tanks-Horizon...96826&sr=8-2&keywords=horizontal+float+switch

Spectrapure also has a relay based switch kit that also includes a solenoid valve. This is a great solution for automating RODI systems. My SpectraPure Maxcap UHE system came with the switch/solenoid combo but I retrofitted the same solution on my buddy's RODI tanks and use his float valve as the fail safe and the switch as the primary shut off for his RODI.
This is a dual float level control system with solenoid valve. They also offer them with different size solenoids and also single float switch versions.
http://spectrapure.com/Dual-Float-S...ler-Assy-w-1-4in-Sol-Valve?filter_name=switch

These are the bulkhead style float switches installed in my previous ATO holding tank. I've since migrated to the same solution in a 100 gallon vertical tank. These work perfectly with controllers like the Apex too. It makes it easy to have a high level and low level float switch setup.

 

[bmanzie]

I have the same.

These are what I used when I had my mixing station setup using 55g drums. These install just like a bulkhead and include a rubber seal. I got my sensors from Spectrapure but they look just like these.
http://www.amazon.com/Tanks-Horizon...96826&sr=8-2&keywords=horizontal+float+switch

Spectrapure also has a relay based switch kit that also includes a solenoid valve. This is a great solution for automating RODI systems. My SpectraPure Maxcap UHE system came with the switch/solenoid combo but I retrofitted the same solution on my buddy's RODI tanks and use his float valve as the fail safe and the switch as the primary shut off for his RODI.
This is a dual float level control system with solenoid valve. They also offer them with different size solenoids and also single float switch versions.
http://spectrapure.com/Dual-Float-S...ler-Assy-w-1-4in-Sol-Valve?filter_name=switch

These are the bulkhead style float switches installed in my previous ATO holding tank. I've since migrated to the same solution in a 100 gallon vertical tank. These work perfectly with controllers like the Apex too. It makes it easy to have a high level and low level float switch setup.

 

[DaveMorris]

I did the PVC stem idea, but inside the barrel with two regular type of float switches. The float switches came with a plastic fitting that seals against 1/2" vinyl tubing. The wires go up through the tubing so they don't get wet. I use my RKE to control the water level. When the water is low enough to trigger the bottom float it turns on a normally closed solenoid feeding water to my RODI and it starts filling up the barrel. When the top switch is triggered, the solenoid closes and the water stops filling the barrel. It works great. Also allows my RODI system to run for several hours at a time maybe once a week, instead of short bursts which will ruin the DI resin pretty quick.

 

[Dundermifflin]

How did you open the lid? I was going to get a 55 gallon barrel tomorrow to use as a mixing station, but was wondering how I get a circulating pump in there to circulate the water once it's mixed. I see you opened yours and didn't think you can do that.

 

[slief]

How did you open the lid? I was going to get a 55 gallon barrel tomorrow to use as a mixing station, but was wondering how I get a circulating pump in there to circulate the water once it's mixed. I see you opened yours and didn't think you can do that.

There are different style 55 gallon drums. Ones where the lid is removable and ones without. I used the ones with removable lids.

 

[Buckeye Hydro]

Our Hi-Lo Controller would work in this application.

Russ

 

[zachts]

Just need a relay and a 90 degree float that can go thru the wall. very simple if all you need is turning off the pump when water gets low.

 

[nivram]

Just need a relay and a 90 degree float that can go thru the wall. very simple if all you need is turning off the pump when water gets low.

I was trying to avoid drilling the sides.

 

[zachts]

I was trying to avoid drilling the sides.

That complicates and or increases expense a bit. You can get floats that are sealed with long leads but the cost$$ or can go the route of sealing the leads into a pvc pipe which is cheaper but more work.

 

[Buckeye Hydro]

I would say putting the float switche(s) into a pvc pipe is very easy, and adding length onto leads is a no-brainer if you've ever used wire nuts. You wouldn't even have to solder them if you didn't want to.

Russ

 

[sleepydoc]

I would say putting the float switche(s) into a pvc pipe is very easy, and adding length onto leads is a no-brainer if you've ever used wire nuts. You wouldn't even have to solder them if you didn't want to.

Russ

Just be sure to use the water proof kind!

 

[sleepydoc]

I was trying to avoid drilling the sides.

Any particular reason? I've got some unseals on my Mixing & DI tubs and never had a bit of trouble with them leaking.