Level measurement is important in the process manufacturing industry. Level measurement sensors are used for two purposes: 1) Point level measurement that functions as an alarm, signalling the present level condition of the measuring medium; or 2) Continuous level measurement that provides level monitoring, with the output signal linked to a process control system.
Here are 5 important factors to help with the selection of the level sensor that best fit your site application.
- Medium (be specific with the nature & conditions of the medium)
- Application (location and installation conditions)
- Operating conditions (temperature & pressure)
- Range & contact type
- Measurement points / setup
Medium:
A wide range of conductive liquids (ie water, beverages, lye solutions, acids, graphite etc) (Avoid vapor & condensation)
Application:
Acid storage tanks; waste water treatment plant etc
Operating conditions:
Temperature limit: Max 110°C
Pressure limits (at 20°C): PPH max 6 bar / SS316 ti max 15 bar
Range & contact type:
Suitable for point level measurement
Measurement points / setup:
Long service life. No calibration required and there are no moving parts in the tank.
Medium:
Liquids such as fuels, solvents, alcohol derivatives, chemicals, solvents, hydrocarbons and liquified gases
Application:
Boilers and other high temperature or pressure applications; “custody-transfer” applications
Operating conditions:
Temperature limit: Max 110°C
Pressure limit (at 20°C): 1 bar
Range & contact type:
Suitable for continuous level measurement
Measurement points / setup:
Easy installation
Medium:
Liquids, oils, masses, solvents, chemicals (with adverse conditions such as foam, agitation, and obstructions)
Application:
Pumping station; deep tanks or water in reservoirs; ballast water tanks; open air applications
Operating conditions:
Temperature limits:
0°C to 60°C (PP and stainless steel)
0°C to 40°C (PVC)
Requires the vessel/container that is fully ventilated.
Range & contact type:
Suitable for continuous level measurement
10DN Before, 5DN After
Measurement points / setup:
Submersible or externally mounted. Sensor must be properly calibrated for each application.
Medium:
A wide variety of liquids, including corrosives (Do not use with high viscosity (thick) liquids, sludge or liquids that adhere to the stem or floats, or materials that contain contaminants such as metal chips)
Application:
Wastewater pumping system; industrial water tanks; rain water collection system
Operating conditions:
Temperature limits: 0 to 60°C – 100°C (subject to body material)
Range & contact type:
Suitable for point level measurement
Measurement points / setup:
Popular for simplicity, dependability and low cost.
Medium:
Bulk solids, granulates, liquids, pastes, powders, slurry
Application:
Open basins, channels, sumps and sludge containers; water/wastewater basins; small silos/storage tanks for solids; small storage tanks with slightly corrosive acids
Operating conditions:
Operating temperature: Between -40°C to 80°C
Pressure: ± 0.1 MP
Cannot be used in a vacuum or explosion-proof area
Range & contact type:
Non-contact measuring Suitable for continuous level measurement
Measurement points / setup:
Allows a setup without medium. Easy installation in tight places. Optional mounting bracket for easy alignment.
Medium:
Clean liquids, hydrocarbons to water-based liquids; Liquid interface
Application:
Storage and process tanks; Tanks with agitators
Operating conditions:
Maximum temperatures: PVC 60°C / PPH 80°C
Range & contact type:
Suitable for point level measurement
Measurement points / setup:
Bypass chamber is magnetically coupled with the magnets of an external mount rail. Maintenance free operation; Does not require power. Highly visible level indication.
