Liquid level measuring devices Integral to process control in many industries, level measurement sensors fall into two

main types. Point level measurement sensors are used to mark a single discrete liquid heighta preset level condition. Generally, this type of sensor functions as a high alarm, signaling an overfill condition, or as a marker for a low alarm condition. Continuous level sensors are more sophisticated and can provide level monitoring of an entire system. They measure fluid level within a range, rather than at a one point, producing an analog output that directly correlates to the level in the vessel. To create a level management system, the output signal is linked to a process control loop and to a visual indicator.

Pressure measuring devices Pressure sensors preform liquid level measurement by having the sensor submerged at a fixed level under the water surface. The pressure sensor measures the equivalent hydrostatic pressure of the water above the senor diaphragm, using this to calculate the total liquid depth. This function of a pressure sensor can be compared to weighing the water. Pressure sensors are ideal for ground and surface water level applications. Float level measuring

A shaft encoder is an electro-mechanical device used to convert the angular position of a shaft or axle to an analog or digital electrical signal. These devices are used in many applications including liquid level measurement. Part of the mechanical aspect of this device for level measurement utilizes a float and counter-weight attached to a line or tape placed around a pulley attached to the encoders shaft. As the level changes, the float moves up and down and, thereby, rotating the pulley and the attached shaft generating an electronic wave form for both rotating direction and amount. By converting shaft rotation into electronic signals, encoders are used to electronically monitor the position of a rotating shaft. There are two main types of encoders for liquid level measurements are absolute and incremental. Absolute encoders provide a binary word for each position. Each bit requires a separate optical channel. The resolution is equal to the number of output bits. Absolute encoders constantly retain the correct position for one revolution. Therefore, the main advantage is that the output signal is not affected by a power shut-off. When power returns the encoder recognizes what position it is in based on the voltage measurement reference. Whereas incremental measurements rely on a referenced position pointer. Therefore, if power is shut off to an incremental encoder, the reference is lost and incremental pointer resets to zero. Incremental (relative) encoders provide a contact or pulse for each increment of shaft movement. Usually this consists of two optical quadrature channels to enable the determination of the direction of rotation. The incremental encoder has a lower cost than the absolute encoder due to the limited number of channels, and the encoded position is not limited in revolutions. Advantages of Float-operated sensors for water level measurements:

Float-operated systems are easy to understand and troubleshoot. Most encoders offer good temperature stability. Various electronic technologies can be used including digital incremental and digital absolute (encoders); analog absolute (potentiometers and Linear variable differential transformers); or digital absolute (synchros). The float is protected in a stilling well and sensor is not in direct contact with the water. Therefore the risk of damage is low from debris flow or fouling. Highly accurate with large sized floats.

Limitations of Float-operating sensors in water level measurement:

Requires a stilling well to assure stability and reliability of the float-operating system. Rapid changes in water level may result in the cable / tape line becoming disengaged from the float-operating sensors pulley.

Ultrasonic

The Ultrasonic Level Transmitter is a non-contact, solid state device for the measurement of level, volume, proximity, or distance in corrosive material environments. The IRU operates by transmitting a series of ultrasonic sound waves in a cone shaped pattern. Sound waves reflect from the target being measured back to the sensor, which measures the time interval between transmitting and receiving the sound wave. Calculated by the speed of sound, the time interval is converted to a distance measurement. The analog output can be configured normally or inversely proportional to distance from the target being measured. The IRU is available with a standard range of 1-10 feet, but is available for closer range applications upon request. Adjustments to zero and span allow for further customization of the measurable range for specific applications. These settings are achieved through the units RS-232 interface, and reside in non-volatile, internal memory.
Capacitance Liquid level --Capacitive liquid level detectors sense the liquid level in a reservoir by measuring changes in capacitance between conducting plates which are immersed in the liquid, or applied to the outside of a non-conducting tank. A capacitive liquid sponsor relies on the fact the the capacitance or charge between 2 metal plates will change (in this case increase) depending on what material is between them. This allows us to create a level sensor that is safe for use with any liquid, this one will be used in a buggy with gasoline (petrol). One plate is hooked to ground. The other connects to pin 23. There is a 820K ohm resistor from pin 22 to 23. The sensor works by charging the capacitor (the water bottle) and measuring how long it takes to drain through the resistor. Radioactive sensor

Level in solids

Electromechanical level transmitter

consisted of plumb, cable wire, measuring pulley, position sensor, and control board. When measuring, the sensing weight will drop down and cable wire will rotate the measuring pulley. Position sensor and control board will calculate the distance of travel of the sensing weight(medium level) based on how many rotations measuring pulley accomplishes.

Radar Level Transmitter

FMCW radar adopts a high frequency signal, which is emitted via an antenna and swipe frequency increment by 0.5GHz during the measurement, reflected by the target surface and received at a time delay. The frequency difference, which is calculated from the transmitting frequency and the received frequency, which is directly proportional to the measured distance (or material surface). The frequency difference then is processed by Fast Fourier Transformation (FFT) to identify the signal in Intermedium Frequency (IF). This FMCW radar is innate with signal / noise enhancement and filtering of echo-back via Phase-Lock Loop (PLL) circuit that is the best solution for complex environment and high accuracy measurement.

Rotary Paddle Type Level Switches

A unit is usually located through a bin wall at the top, middle or low level of a bin. During normal operation (no material present) a synchronous motor rotates the paddle at 1 RPM. When this paddle rotation is impeded by material, surrounding the paddle, motor will stall and cause the Micro-switch to change state. (indicating an alarm or control)

Vibrating Fork
The vibrating probe of level switch operated by using two piezoelectric elements built-in on vibration tube. The first piezoelectric element triggered by pulse signal that created from circuit to transport vibration energy out, and the other piezoelectric element receives the vibration and transmits it to output electric signal. While the probe contacts material, the detection signal will be decayed and the vibration will hold and send out the relay on. Vibrating probe of level switch provides reliable & maintenance-free for bulk solids. Just a simple mounting and calibration procedure that keep your facility in save and monitoring. This device can withstand fiercely lateral loads and static electricity. For friendly use, Fail-safe is equipped as standard to prevent malfunction caused by power shortage.

Capacitance Level Switch

The capacitance level sensor measuring principle is base on the " capacitance effects " , when this level sensor is set on a silo, it will be formed a condenser between the detector electrode and the silo wall. The capacitance of this condenser varies proportional to the change of material specific inductivity ( DK value) of the material stored in the silo , when the more material substances increased in the silo, the more capacitance value added simultaneously, then it will let his interior circuit "s resonant signal to create a bigger amplitude ,and such a signal amplitude become more or less than factory default threshold value, the relay device will be energized.

The tuning fork of level switch operated by using two piezoelectric elements built-in on vibration tube. The first piezoelectric element triggered by pulse signal that created from circuit to transport vibration energy out, and the other piezoelectric element receives the vibration and transmits it to output electric signal. While the probe contacts material, it will cause the frequency change of output signal and the vibration will hold and send out the relay on at the same time. Tuning fork of level switch provides reliable & maintenance-free for bulk solids. Just a simple mounting and calibration procedure that keep your facility in save and monitoring. This device can withstand fiercely lateral loads and static electricity. For friendly use, Fail-safe is equipped as standard to prevent malfunction caused by power shortage.