Flexible fill level sensor with an analogue signal – the new 298A fuel level sensor

Fuel level sensors like the 298A enable the measurement of a tank's content. Continuous level measurement can increase operational readiness and prevent unplanned machine downtimes due to an empty tank. This does not solely apply to vehicle fuel tanks, but also to coolant or oil tanks of hydraulic systems, for example.

The main difference to the proven sister product, the 298 fuel level sensor, lies in the output signal. While the 298 generates a resistance output signal, the 298A uses an analogue output signal, either as a current signal within the range 4 to 20 mA or a voltage signal within the range 0.5 to 4.5 V DC. This simplifies the integration into the vehicle's electrics considerably, since additional components such as converters can be omitted. The simplified output signal enables a complication-free connection to other vehicle systems, such as the fill level indicator in the cockpit. 

Furthermore, the 298A level indicator benefits from most of the advantages of the 298.

Due to the reed technology, the fuel level sensor is especially robust against external influences, works in a temperature range of -40°C to max. +110°C and boasts protection class IPX7 DIN EN 60529 inside containers and outside containers IPX7 DIN EN 60529 and IP6K9K ISO 20653. The head and pipe are made of aluminium. A stainless steel version is currently under development and will be available later this year. The sealing material optionally consists of fluororubber (FKM) or nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR). The integrated electronics allow for an especially compact design, whereby the 298A fuel level sensor can be used in a wide range of tank and hydraulic applications, such as agricultural and construction machinery, but also in industrial trucks and other off highway vehicles.

The mechanical connection is made either using an asymmetrical 5-hole flange or a symmetrical 4-hole flange. The developers are also already working on the connection option using a size G1.5" or G2" mounting thread. The pipe length of 187 to 1,210 mm enables the use in a wide variety of tank sizes. Elobau also supports its customers with a tailored, application-specific configuration, whereby the fuel level sensor can be integrated into almost any machine or vehicle.

The 298A fuel level sensor and the entire product range has been produced in a carbon-neutral manner since 2010. 96 % of the purchased parts originate from the EU, and the company generates around 70 % of the required energy itself in its production facilities. For the carbon footprint according to the Greenhouse Gas Protocol, Elobau also records and compensates for indirect emissions across the entire value creation chain; for example commuting mileage and transport journeys.