What is a Water Level Sensor? Types of Water Level Sensors
Today, the demand for fluids plays an extremely important role in civil and industrial applications, as well as in the manufacturing industry. Measuring and controlling water levels has become an essential need, contributing to ensuring daily living and production processes. Join RX Tradex to discover important information about the types of water and liquid water level sensors that are commonly used today.
1. What is a water level sensor?
Water level sensors are specialized devices that measure liquids such as water, wastewater, and liquids in industry. Thanks to their unique features and specifications, these sensors can operate efficiently in a variety of environments, replacing humans in measurement, and helping to save time.
For example, when driving, we often look at the gas gauge to know if it is necessary to fill up with gas or not. A petrol gauge is a form of water level sensor. In many areas of life, there are different types of water level sensors that are used to serve different purposes.
Sensors help to perform measurement work accurately and save time effectively. With exports from European and American markets, it is completely assured of product quality.
2. Where is the water level sensor used?
Water level sensors are used to:
- Measure liquids such as water, wastewater, beverages,…
- Specialized sensors are often used to measure water levels in daily life.
- More advanced sensors can measure chemicals, even acids and toxic substances in industry and material manufacturing.
In addition, some types of water level sensors can:
Remote measurement, which can monitor the water level in silos and large storage tanks.
Measuring the water level in tanks with a height of up to tens of meters, which is difficult to do with manual measurements.
There are many other applications that water level sensors can meet, depending on the needs of use.
3. Working principle of water level sensor
Water level sensors are applied in a variety of environments and different types of water tanks. In order to choose the right sensor for each environment, it is necessary to understand the working principle of each type of water level sensor.
Contact Water Level Sensor
The operation is based on the basic principle of direct contact with the object to be measured. Typical for this type of sensor are rod sensors and capacitive sensors.
Capacitive water level sensor: works based on the change of capacitance when the water level in the metal tank changes This signal will be converted and sent to the display unit to indicate the water level. The pump controller will then automatically shut off according to the water level in the tank.
The rod water level sensor consists of 3 basic rods: a shallow dipstick, a full dipstick, and a comparison rod. When the water in the tank reaches a high level, the results are transmitted to the display or control of the stop pump. On the contrary, when the water level is low, the rod will be compared with the standard rod and then send a signal to the controller to close the pump.
Non-contact water level sensor
The water level non-contact sensor works based on the principle of measuring the pressure or specific volume of water. When the water level changes, the pressure or volume will change accordingly, thereby determining the water level.
This device typically includes a tube containing a liquid or gas, along with a specific pressure or volume sensor. As the water level rises, water flows into the reservoir, creating a change in pressure or density from its original state.
The sensor will measure the specific pressure or volume to determine the water level, and then transmit this information to the display screen, making it easy for users to monitor the amount of water in the tank.
4. How many types of water level sensors are there?
Currently, water level sensors are classified into the following basic forms:
Ultrasonic Water Level Sensor
This water level sensor device uses ultrasonic technology to measure the distance from the device to the water level. By emitting ultrasonic waves and measuring the time of transmission and reflection, the device can determine the water level in the tank.
After the ultrasound waves are broadcast, the waves are reflected back from the water level and back to the sensor device. The device then calculates the distance from the water level to the device based on the time that the ultrasonic waves travel from the water level device and back.
Capacitive water level sensor
Capacitive sensors are commonly used to measure water levels in reservoirs, swimming pools, pipelines, and other fluid applications. The principle of this water level sensor works to measure the amount of water. As the water level increases, it will come into contact with the electrode, the electrical capacity of the sensor will change. The electrical capacity will be converted into an electronic signal and sent to the controller for processing.
Hydrostatic Water Level Sensor
This sensor is specifically designed to measure water levels in small to medium-sized tanks and tanks. This is a cost-effective option because it only needs to measure common liquids such as water and domestic water. It can also be used in silos, small tanks or even in containers for the daily water use of each household.
Hydrostatic sensors work on the principle of pressure change to measure water levels. According to common knowledge, the pressure increases by 1 bar every 10 meters below the water. This is the measurement standard for static sensors.
This sensor has the distinction of being able to measure water or liquid levels with high accuracy, with an error of only 0.1%. There is a 4-20mA analog output, which allows for easy signal transmission over long distances. In addition, the hydrostatic sensor is protected by a membrane, which makes it possible to measure in corrosive liquids.
Rotary water level sensor
This is a versatile type of sensor, which is used to measure water levels or solid levels such as fine powders or particles. Compact and convenient design, the sensor can be easily used.
During operation, the sensor will rotate at a constant speed. When the liquid level or deterrent touches the rotor blades, the sensor stops spinning and emits a level signal immediately. Normally, one needs to install 2 to 3 sensors in a container to indicate the full and empty levels during the filling and discharging of liquids. If you need to report the average, a third sensor can be installed.
Vibration Level Sensor
This sensor uses the operating principle of vibration waves to measure water levels, which are commonly applied in storage tanks, septic tanks, wastewater treatment systems, and other applications.
The water level vibration sensor consists of a vibration transmitter and a receiver. The vibration emitter is placed on the surface of the water and generates vibration waves. When the vibration waves collide with the surface of the water, they are reflected and picked up by the receiver. When the water level is high, the vibration waves will reflect earlier, and when the water level is low, the vibration waves will reflect later.
5. Conclusion
In conclusion, water level sensors are critical equipment in a wide range of applications, from domestic water management to industrial fluid control. Water level sensors meet various measurement needs well, from ultrasonic, capacitive, hydrostatic, to rotating and vibration sensors. In addition, to stay up-to-date with the latest trends in automation and electronics manufacturing technology, as well as discover advanced technologies in this industry, you can register to participate in the NEPCON Vietnam exhibition, organized by RX Tradex in September 2024. Register here.
