All categories
Featured selections
Trade Assurance
Buyer Central
Help Center
Get the app
Become a supplier

About hydrostatic level sensors

Types of hydrostatic level sensors

Hydrostatic level sensors are available in heterogeneous types, and each one works distinctively according to the target application. Here are the principal types that feature the following:

  • Submersible Hydrostatic Level Sensors

    This liquid level gauge is designed to measure the hydrostatic pressure of liquids where it is submerged. They are used to measure the liquid level in tanks, wells, and reservoirs. Submersible sensors work by converting the pressure exerted by the liquid column above the sensor into an electrical signal, which is then calibrated to provide a level reading. They are popular in available water and wastewater management.

  • Radar Level Sensors

    Radar level sensors use microwave radar pulses to measure liquid levels, along with calculating it with hydrostatic pressure. It is mainly because these sensors are unaffected by temperature, steam, or pressure within the tank; they can measure levels in extreme environments where liquid density may vary. Companies prefer them for petroleum, chemical processing, and food and beverage manufacturing.

  • Capacitive Level Sensors

    Capacitive level sensors measure changes in dielectric constant to detect fluid levels. They measure the distance between the sensor and the fluid surface, where, as the fluid level rises or drops, the distance changes. They are useful for detecting levels in tanks where precision is key in the chemical manufacturing industry. These sensors can also measure the level of solid materials.

  • Ultrasonic Level Sensors

    Ultrasonic sensors use sound waves to measure the distance to the fluid surface and level. These sensors work well in basic applications, including wastewater treatment. They are not directly related to hydrostatic pressure but can be used with hydrostatic sensors for more precise measurements. Ultrasonic level sensors are commonly employed in such industries as agricultural irrigation.

Material and durability of hydrostatic level sensors

  • Materials

    Several materials used in the liquid level sensor construction of hydrostatic level sensors come with varying degrees of resistance to such variables as pressure and temperature. These materials include the following:

    • Stainless Steel: This is the most frequently used material in hydrostatic level sensors. It is particularly due to its premium resistance to corrosion and high strength. Sensor housings are made from stainless steel, where this sensor is deployed in water, chemicals, or harsh environments. Type 316 stainless steel is especially popular for its superior resistance to chlorides, which is found in seawater and chemical processing.
    • Bronze: Bronze is another material used when a level sensor is deployed in septic systems or other wastewater applications. It can measure liquid levels in sludge or other corrosive fluids. There are also bronze sensors to be found in drinking water and fire water storage tanks.

    As for the sensor diaphragm, common materials include:

    • Silicon: Silicon diaphragms are common in hydrostatic level sensors for their high precision in liquid level measurement. This is commonly applied in narrow applications where it is exposed to chemicals because it is very thin and flexible.
    • Teflon: There is a wide preference for Teflon, also known as PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene), for chemical compatibility and durability. It is mainly used on those sensors exposed to aggressive acids, bases, or solvents where it provides an unmatched barrier against corrosive substances. In addition, Teflon is heat resistant.
  • Durability

    Hydrostatic level sensors are very durable and, thus, suitable for the diverse operating environments. They possess more rugged construction, making them ideal for such varying temperature ranges. In fact, many of them can function under -40°C to +125°C. In addition to this, they are able to withstand pressures of several hundred meters, equivalent to subsea depth.

    They are also waterproof with up to IP68 rating, thus enabling them to function under conditions such as heavy rainfall.

    As such, hydrostatic pressure sensors are designed to operate continuously with minimal drift in accuracy. It achieves this by building materials that resist wear and tear, such as hard metals or ceramic components. This durability means they are low-maintenance and have a long lifespan.

Applications of hydrostatic level sensors

  • Water and Wastewater Management

    Hydrostatic level sensors are widely used in the water and wastewater industries, measuring the level in treatment tanks, lagoons, and reservoirs. They aid in the automation of pumps, thus preventing overflow or dry running. They are also employed to monitor sewage levels in lift stations, enabling predictive maintenance and preventing costly backups. In drinking water distribution systems, these sensors help maintain appropriate pressure levels, thereby ensuring system efficiency and reliability.

  • Agriculture and Irrigation

    In agriculture, hydrostatic level sensors measure water levels in irrigation canals, reservoirs, and ponds, thus allowing farmers to manage irrigation systems efficiently. It is without waste that these sensors help maintain optimal water levels in such schemes as drip and sprinkler irrigation. They prevent both overwatering and underwatering, which are detrimental to crop health.

  • Industrial Tank Level Monitoring

    Hydrostatic level sensors are highly useful in industries where level measurement is done in storage tanks, silos, or other vessels. They monitor the levels of bulk liquids such as chemicals, oils, and food products. There is, therefore, a need to maintain precise control in processes such as the chemical industry, where these sensors help prevent overflows, aid in inventory management, and ensure the safety of storage operations.

  • Mining and Oil & Gas Industries

    In both mining and oil and gas extraction, hydrostatic sensors monitor the levels of liquids within drilling and mining ponds and waste containment. They provide critical data for process control and environmental protection. In mining, they are used to measure water levels in mining shafts and tunnels, which ensures the safety of underground operations.

  • Food and Beverage Industry

    They play a vital role in the food and beverage industries, where they are employed to monitor levels in tanks and vessels, be they fermentation tanks, storage silos, or mixing vessels. They ensure accurate measurements for controlling production processes and maintaining product quality. In those drinks that require cleanliness, these sensors come in handy because they can work in high-temperature cleaning environments.

How to choose hydrostatic level sensors

Several factors should be considered when purchasing water level monitoring systems to ensure accuracy and reliability in their intended applications. Below are these very factors:

  • Operating Conditions

    Water level detectors are supposed to evaluate the environmental conditions surrounding them. Some of these include temperature, pressure, and the medium to be measured. Others are the presence of corrosive substances or solids in suspension. The information will be invaluable, especially when selecting a sensor with the right materials and durability traits that will match the operating conditions.

  • Accuracy and Range

    Users’ accuracy demands mainly depend on the required level of detail in the application in question. Inventory management in tanks calls for high accuracy, while in sewage monitoring, low accuracy is enough. As for the measurement range, customers should take sensors capable of measuring hydrostatic pressure in long columns of liquids. Such sensors should handle the maximum expected level without saturation and able to measure even the slightest level changes.

  • Signal Output and Communication

    Level sensors come with various output signals like 420 mA, Modbus, and RS485, which serve their purpose in distinct electronic systems. Buyers should stock sensors that always work with the current infrastructure. They should be able to communicate with control systems or data loggers where necessary.

  • Certification

    In industries where there are stringent regulations, go for sensors that have passed industrial certifications. Be it food and beverage, oil and gas, manufacturers’ sensors should meet quality and safety standards.

  • Application

    Users are supposed to select level sensors that meet the requirements of their industry. For instance, offer robust submersible sensors for wastewater management and ones that tolerate high temperatures for food processing. These must withstand extreme operating conditions and offer superior accuracy in critical industrial environments.

Q&A

Q. Can hydrostatic pressure gauge be used for sewage level monitoring?

Yes, they are often employed in sewage level monitoring. They offer accurate and reliable readings of liquid levels in sewage systems. This helps prevent overflow and other related issues.

Q. Are there any other types of level sensors besides hydrostatic ones?

Yes, other types of level sensors are available besides the hydrostatic ones. They include ultrasonic, radar, capacitive, and inductive level sensors. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages to suit different applications.

Q. What are the key advantages of a hydrostatic level sensor?

Hydrostatic level sensors possess several advantages. They include high accuracy, simple installation, continuous level monitoring, durability in harsh environments, low maintenance, and applicability in heterogeneous industries.

Q. How does a hydrostatic level sensor work?

As for its working principle, a hydrostatic level sensor measures the pressure that water exerts at the sensor's location. It converts this pressure into an electrical signal that corresponds to the fluid level. The common types include a submersible pressure sensor, which is submerged in the fluid.