Suction lance with empty indicator for canisters, drums, and IBC containers
Media Extraction and Level Monitoring in a Single Solution
In many industrial applications, liquids must be safely dispensed from canisters, drums, or IBC containers. At the same time, it is crucial to reliably monitor the remaining liquid level to prevent production interruptions and dry running of metering pumps.
A suction lance with a built-in empty indicator combines both functions into a single system. It enables the safe removal of the fluid and provides early warning when the container is nearly empty.
Binsack Reedtechnik develops and manufactures suction lances with float switches for demanding industrial applications. Our solutions are used in a variety of sectors, including water treatment, the chemical industry, the food industry, building services engineering, and mechanical engineering.

What is a suction lance with an empty indicator?
A suction lance is used to safely and precisely remove liquids from containers. It is inserted into the container from above and connected to the metering pump.
A suction lance with an empty-tank indicator also has a built-in float switch. This switch continuously monitors the liquid level.
When a defined minimum fill level is reached, the sensor sends a signal to:
# PLCs
# Dosing systems
# Warning systems
# Alarm modules
# Process control systems
# Dosing systems
# Warning systems
# Alarm modules
# Process control systems
This allows for a timely response before the metering pump runs dry.

Why is a "no-show" notification important?
Many plants operate around the clock.
An empty chemical container is often not noticed until problems have already arisen.
An empty chemical container is often not noticed until problems have already arisen.
Typical consequences:
- Dosing failure
- Quality issues
- Production interruptions
- Pump damage
- Higher maintenance costs
- Unplanned service calls
- Dosing failure
- Quality issues
- Production interruptions
- Pump damage
- Higher maintenance costs
- Unplanned service calls
Reporting an empty tank early on prevents these risks.
The operator receives a warning in a timely manner and can replace or refill the container.

Advantages of a suction lance with an integrated low-level indicator
Two Functions in One Assembly
Instead of installing separate components, media extraction and level monitoring are combined.
This reduces:
- assembly time
- installation costs
- assembly time
- installation costs
Dry-run protection
The built-in low-level alarm protects metering pumps from damage caused by running dry. This significantly extends the system's service life.
Space-saving design
Especially in compact systems, installation space is often limited.
Integrating multiple functions into a single assembly saves valuable space.
High operational reliability
Robust reed technology has proven itself in industrial applications for decades.
It is characterized by:
- High reliability
- Low maintenance requirements
- Long service life
How does a suction lance with float switch work?
Insert the suction lance into the container.
The metering pump continuously draws the fluid through the suction line.
At the same time, a built-in float monitors the liquid level.
If the level drops to the defined switching point, an electrical signal is triggered.
This signal can be used for:
- Alerts
- Alerts
- Alerting
- Container change
- Pump shutdown
- Automatic switchover to the reserve tank

Typical areas of application
Water Treatment
Water treatment plants use a wide variety of chemicals.
Examples:
- Sodium hypochlorite
- Hydrochloric acid
- Sodium hydroxide solution
- Flocculant
A reliable low-level alert ensures trouble-free operation.
Chemical Industry
Chemicals often need to be dispensed from canisters or drums.
Level monitoring significantly improves process reliability.
Swimming Pool Technology
For the dosage of:
- Chlorine
- pH adjusters
- Flocculants
Reliable tank monitoring is essential.
Food Industry
Cleaning and disinfecting agents are often dispensed using dosing systems.
Preventing stockouts helps avoid interruptions in critical processes.
Building Systems
Dosing pumps and chemical tanks are also used in the technical systems of buildings.
Suitable for various types of containers
Our suction lances can be configured for a variety of container solutions.
canister
This is particularly common in the field of chemical handling.
Typical sizes:
- 5 liters
- 10 liters
- 20 liters
- 30 liters
barrels
For larger quantities.
Typical sizes:
- 60 liters
- 120 liters
- 200 liters
IBC container
A great deal for large industrial consumers.
Typical sizes:
- 600 liters
- 800 liters
- 1,000 liters
Special Containers
Custom container solutions can also be considered.
Materials for Various Media
Depending on the application, various materials are used.
Polypropylene (PP)
Suitable for a wide range of chemicals.
Advantages:
- Economical
- Sturdy
- Chemical-resistant
Polyethylene (PE)
For particularly aggressive media.
High resistance to:
- Acids
- Lye

Customization Options
Every application has different requirements.
That is why our suction lances can be customized.
Possible options:
- Tank connections
- Pipe lengths
- Switching points
- Cable lengths
- Connectors
- Materials
- Sealing materials
This results in a solution that is precisely tailored to the specific application.
- Tank connections
- Pipe lengths
- Switching points
- Cable lengths
- Connectors
- Materials
- Sealing materials
This results in a solution that is precisely tailored to the specific application.

Suction lance with low-level indicator for OEM applications
Many customers integrate our systems directly into their own products.
Typical OEM sectors:
- Dosing system manufacturers
- Water treatment
- Mechanical Engineering
- Chemical plant construction
- Environmental Technology
We support OEM customers with:
- Development
- Design
- Prototype construction
- Mass production
Combination with dry-run protection
A suction lance with a low-level alarm is the ideal foundation for reliable dry-run protection.
As soon as the tank reaches a critical fill level, the system can:
- Trigger an alarm
- Inform the operator
- Stop the pump
- Activate the reserve tank
This helps prevent costly damage.
Why Binsack Reedtechnik?
Technical Expertise
Many years of experience in the development of industrial sensor solutions
Custom Solutions
Not your run-of-the-mill, off-the-rack products.
Each solution is tailored to the specific application.
Personal Consultation
Direct contact with technical representatives.
Flexible Manufacturing
From prototypes to mass production.
Reliable components
Proven reed technology for long-term use.
High Quality
Through a high degree of vertical integration and ISO 9001 processes.
Request a suction lance with an empty indicator now
Are you looking for a reliable solution for media extraction and level monitoring?
We can help you select or develop the best suction lance for your application.
Please send us your technical requirements or the specifications for your container.
Together, we'll develop the right solution.
Direct Contact with Technical Support
Don't have all the technical specifications yet?
No problem. Send us a sketch, photo, drawing, or the key specifications. Our technicians will determine which design is technically feasible.

Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a suction lance and a float switch?
The suction lance draws the fluid from the tank. The float switch monitors the liquid level. A suction lance with an empty-level indicator combines both functions.
Can existing dosing systems be retrofitted?
Yes. Many systems can easily be equipped with a suction lance that includes an empty indicator.
Which media can be monitored?
Depending on the choice of materials, the systems are suitable for a wide range of liquids and chemicals.
Is it possible to automatically shut off the pump?
Yes. The sensor signal can be transmitted directly to the control system.
Are custom-made products possible?
Yes. Pipe lengths, connections, switching points, and materials can be customized.