How Do Different Types of Level Measurement Devices Work ?
This article gives an overview of how the common level measurement devices work, covering; radar level transmitters, guided radar transmitters, ultrasonic level transmitters and finally capacitance level transmitters.
Click here for more information on the technologies behind level measurement and the Time of Flight principle.
Radar level transmitters
How do radar level transmitters work?
Radar level transmitters work with high-frequency radar pulses which are emitted by an antenna and reflected from the product surface. The time of flight of the reflected radar pulse is directly proportionate to the distance traveled. If the tank geometry is known, the level can be calculated from this variable.
Advantages of radar level transmitters
Very accurate – ±0.5 mm (0.02 inches)
Installation at top
Non-contact
Accuracy independent of dielectric constant, density and conductivity
No re-setup required when changing liquids
Things to take into account:
Must take into account tank design
Foam can be an issue
Blocking distance
Turbulent surfaces
Minimum dielectric constant
Guided Radar level transmitters
How do Guided Radar level transmitters work
Guided Radar level transmitters work with high-frequency radar pulses which are guided along a probe. As the pluses impact the medium surface, the characteristic impedance changes and part of the emitted pulse is reflected. The time between pulse launching and receiving is measured and analysed by the instrument and constitutes a direct measure for the distance between the process connection and the product surface.
Advantages of Guided Radar level transmitters
Very accurate – ±0.2 mm (0.04 inches)
Works with some foam
Installation at top
Accuracy independent of dielectric constant, density and conductivity
No re-setup required
Things to take into account:
Must take into account tank design
Heavy foam can be an issue
Blocking Distance
Turbulent surfaces
Minimum dielectric constant
Ultrasonic level transmitters
How do Ultrasonic level transmitters work?
Ultrasonic measurement is based on the time-of-flight principle. A sensor emits ultrasonic pulses which the surface of the medium reflects and the sensor detects again. The required time of flight is a measure for the distance travelled in the empty part of the tank. This value is deducted from the overall height of the tank to yield the level.
Advantages of Ultrasonic level transmitters
Non-contact (lowest cost)
Installation at top
Accuracy independent of density changes, dielectric or conductivity
No calibration with medium required
Things to take into account:
Minimum density required
Foam is an issue
Blocking Distance
Turbulent surfaces
Vapours/gas above the liquid
Temperature difference between liquid and sensor
No vacuum (10 psia), no high pressures (44 psia)
Capacitance level transmitters
How do Capacitance level transmitters work?
The principle of capacitive level measurement is based on the change in capacitance of the capacitor due to the change in the level formed by the probe and the container wall. When the probe is in the air, a low capacitance is measured. When the container is filled, the capacitance of the capacitor increases the more the probe is covered. A capacitance probe may be compared to an electric condenser. As the tank is filled, the probe capacity increases. This change is electrically analysed.
Advantages of Capacitance level transmitters
Very cost effective
Established principle
Fast speed of response
Interface measurement possible
High temperatures and pressures possible
Things to take into account:
Many versions
Conductive/insulator
Probe coating – chemical compatibility
Ground reference tube
Non-metallic
Re-calibration with different media
10 pF minimum span
Foam can be an issue
Other resources.
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