4/1/24, 12:45 PM (22) How to Select the Right Tank Level Sensor?

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How to Select the Right Tank Level Sensor?

How to Select the Right

Tank Level Sensor?
Holykell Technology Company Limited
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274 followers

June 25, 2023

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Selecting a proper tank level sensor can be challenging,

since there are so many options available on the market,
such as #ultrasonic, #radar, #capacitive, and #hydrostatic
level sensors. These four types are currently the most
common level monitoring technologies. Today we will
discuss how to choose from the four.

Before making a purchase, it is essential to clarify the

following 5 points so we can decide which one to select
among the four:

1. Characteristics and state of the medium (corrosiveness,

viscosity...)

2. Required accuracy class

3. Range of the tank (maximum liquid level)

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4. Media compatibility

5. Budget constraints

6. Installation method

Here is a brief comparison between the four common types

of level sensors:

comparison between the four common types of level sensors

Following we will discuss their working principle,

advantages and limitation in detail.

Ultrasonic Level Sensors

Utilizing the Time of Flight (TOF) principle and the speed of

sound, ultrasonic level sensors offer precise, non-contact
measurements.

They own advantages such as easy installation, high

flexibility, and independence from the material being
measured. However, they may not perform well in
containers with foam, steam, dust, vacuum, or irregular
shapes. Additionally, when installing, leaving some space at
the top of the container is necessary, preventing it from
reaching full capacity.

Ultrasonic Level Sensors

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Radar Level Sensors

Operating on the Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR)

principle, radar level sensors provide excellent accuracy,
stability, and flexibility.

They can be deployed in applications involving foam, dust,

and agitation. However, when using radar, the dielectric
constant of the medium must be considered, and specific
installation position and flange height requirements must
be met. Similar to ultrasonic sensors, radar level gauges
have blind areas.

Radar Level Sensors

Hydrostatic Level Sensors

Hydrostatic level sensors employ submersible installations

at the bottom of the tank to detect liquid pressure and
calculate the liquid level height.

They are suitable for almost all media, offering easy

installation, wide availability, and cost-effectiveness.
However, their measurements can be significantly
influenced by the density and temperature of the medium,
requiring calibration during the conversion process.

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Hydrostatic level sensors

Capacitive Level Sensors

Capacitive level sensors utilize changes in capacitance to

measure the liquid level as the dielectric constant of the
medium changes.

This makes them suitable for a wide range of applications,

including chemical liquids, highly viscous substances, and
various industries like food, pharmaceutical, and
mechanical engineering. Capacitive sensors offer accuracy,
stability, and reliability however, we have to calibrate the
sensor regularly.

Capacitive level sensors

For example, to measure daily chemical cream in the

storage tanks, we can choose radars and ultrasonic
sensors considering the cream is a liquid, highly viscous,
non-corrosive, and no food hygiene certification.

Choosing the right tank level sensor involves a careful

evaluation of your specific requirements. If you require
further information or assistance in selecting the ideal tank
level sensor, feel free to contact us by sending an email to
info@holykell.com.

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Published by

Holykell Technology Company Limited

274 followers Follow
Published • 9mo

Selecting a proper tank level sensor can be challenging. Shall you choose ultrasonic,
radar, capacitive or hydrostatic level sensors? Let's learn about these sensors now!
#selection #levelmeasurement #tanks

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