Sensor With Fiber Optic Liquid Level Switch, Assembly, and Methods of Making and Using the Same

An assembly configured to detect a liquid level in a liquid-containing vessel, the assembly comprising:

• a sight window assembly configured to be mounted in an opening in a wall of the liquid-containing vessel, the wall having an inner side and an outer side, the sight window assembly including a housing with a first end section supporting a glass component with an apex configured to be disposed proximate the inner side of the wall of the vessel, and a second end section containing an extended support component including a passage support portion, a case portion, and a central extension portion connecting the passage support portion to the case portion,
• a first electrical circuit board disposed in the case portion, the first electrical circuit board including an LED emitting component, an LED detecting component, and a switch-activating component,
• a first passage with a first end portion including a first terminal end adjacent to the LED emitting component and a second end portion connected to the passage support portion of the extended support component with a second terminal end disposed adjacent to the glass component of the sight window assembly, the first passage directing light from the LED emitting component into the vessel through the glass component,
• a second passage with a first end portion including a first terminal end adjacent to the LED detecting component and a second end portion connected to the passage support portion of the extended support component with a second terminal end disposed adjacent to the glass component of the sight window assembly, the second passage directing light reflected through the glass component to the LED detecting component when gas is present in the vessel at a designated level adjacent to the glass component, and not directing light when liquid is present in the vessel at the designated level adjacent to the glass component, and
• an electrical switch configured to be in a first position when reflected light is detected by the LED detecting component, and in a second position when reflected light is not detected by the LED detecting component, the electrical switch activating at least one of:
• a valve adjusting the liquid level in the vessel,
• an alarm system indicating the liquid level in the vessel is in need of
• adjustment, and
• a power interruption module configured to suspend operation of a mechanical pump or compressor influencing liquid height in the vessel.