Water Level Indicator Circuit

November 17, 2014 Engineeering Projects

One of the most common circuits in the market is water level indicator. But most of these circuit have a
fault like being corrosion of metal electrodes due to electrolytic reaction. This fault can be minimized
effectively by using alternating current instead of direct current supply. Here we design and verify a
circuit called electrolysis proof water level indicator using a COMOS IC which has profitably exploited the
normally unused property of CMOS devices.

Other Water level indicator and controller circuit posted in bestengineeringprojects.com 

1. Ultrasonic Water Level Meter

2. Water Level Indicator Circuit using 7-Segment

3. Water Level Controller Using NE555

Description of Electrolysis Proof Water Water Level Indicator Circuit:

The water level indicator circuit is build around a hex inverter buffer CMOS IC. The water level indicator
circuit has six level indications because it contains six independent inverter units. When the water levels
with the sensor element in output goes high making the respective LED ‘ON’. On further rise in the
water level more LEDs will get switched ‘ON’ in ascending order.
The value of resistance R in the water level indicator circuit is found to be around 12MΩ in the case of
tube of 1.2 meter depth and equally spaced discs as shown in circuit diagram of water level indicator. Its
value may be changed considerably, depending on the minerals and other chemical contents of water,
the spacing between the sensors, position of the sensors and their surface area. The value of R can be
selected to give the water level indicator circuit any desired sensitivity up to a maximum of about 20
MΩ.

Sensor elements can be inserted in screw capped glass tube of 2cm diameter and length equal to the
depth of the water tank which is open at the base end. Sensitivity of water level indicator circuit is
relatively independent of the lead length. All the seven leads have to be insulated properly to avoid
possible short-circuit.

PARTS LIST OF WATER LEVEL INDICATOR CIRCUIT

Resistor (all ¼-watt, ± 5% Carbon)

R1 = 200 KΩ, ½ Watt

 R2 = 100 Ω, 1Watt

R3 – R8 = 220 Ω, ½ or ¼ Watt

R9 – R14 = See text

Capacitors

C1 – C6 = 1 µF/25V electrolytic capacitors

Semiconductors

IC1 = CD4049 (CMOS Hex Inverting Buffer/Converter)

ZD1 – ZD2 = 1Z5.1 or equivalent (5.1V, 1W) zener diode

D1 – D6 = DR25 or DR50 diodes

D7 = 1N4001 or equivalent diode

LED1 = LED6 = RED LEDs

Miscellaneous

X1 = 230V to 9V mains transformer, with 200mA secondary

SW1 = 250V AC SPDT Switch

NEON Lamp

Sensor Elements

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