Liquid Hydrocarbon Detector – DOCIL HK
The DOCIL HK hydrocarbon detector instantly detects the presence of liquid hydrocarbons, even in the presence of water. It provides reliable monitoring of sensitive areas such as retention basins, decanters, and pumping stations, and triggers an alarm when hydrocarbons are detected.



Benefits
Precise detection of hydrocarbon leaks, even in the presence of water
No false alarms triggered by water alone
Reliable optical technology insensitive to level variations
Simple and quick testing: direct immersion of the float in water
Easy and fast maintenance and servicing
Adaptable to a wide range of site configurations (pump stations, retention basins, separators, settlers, etc.)
Operates effectively under extreme conditions such as heat and freezing temperatures
Reusable detector: no consumables need replacing after detection
Avantages
Installation
The detector is installed in critical areas prone to leaks, such as sumps, pits, tanks, separators, or settlers.
Its optical system is mounted on a specially calibrated float designed to distinguish between water and hydrocarbons, ensuring reliable detection without false alarms.
Technology
The system operates based on Archimedes’ principle and optical refraction:
- The float sinks deeper in hydrocarbons than in water.
- The optical sensor, when immersed in hydrocarbons, refracts light and triggers a signal.
- This approach enables selective detection exclusively in the presence of petroleum products.
- Upon customer request, the system can also detect water presence.
Testability
- Testing can be performed without disassembly by simply immersing the float in a liquid.
Options
- HK 1H: Standard hydrocarbon detection; maximum height 990 mm
- HK 2EH: Hydrocarbon detection + water detection; maximum height 990 mm
- HK 2HH: Dual optical sensor for redundancy; maximum height 990 mm
- HK 1F: Detection designed for stormwater basins or deep pits up to 5 meters
Certifications
- ATEX certification: II 1 G Ex ia IIC T5 Ga – suitable for zones 0, 1, or 2 (gas)
- Operating temperature: from -20 °C to +60 °C
- Type CE marking: LCIE 03 ATEX 6105 X
Key information
- Application type: retention basin, settler, sump, tank, etc.
- Type of product to detect
- Maximum possible water height
- Depth of the pit
- Optional water detection

Technology
DOCIL Sensor
The DOCIL sensor comprises a glass cone and an electronic circuit with, among other things, an infrared luminous signal transmitter and a receiver.
The DOCIL sensor works on the optical reflection/refraction principle.
DOCIL sensor characteristics
Accuracy
0.1s
Response Time
1 ms
ATEX
II 1 G Ex ia IIC T5 Ga


Success Story