4.

Level Measurement
Transducers, Transducers 0908443 Lutfi Al-Sharif

Contents
Dipsticks. Di ti k Float Systems. y Pressure Measuring devices. Capacitive Devices Devices. Ultrasonic systems. Radar (microwave) methods. Radiation methods methods. Other methods (laser, heated wire).

Methods f L M th d of Level M l Measurement t

Dipsticks
Metal bar itched with markings. Requires human intervention intervention. Is only an approximate method. Only suitable for shallow tanks. Some version are automated using optical devices. Another simple device is the sight glasstube.

Dipstick

Float Systems (1)

Simple, cheap and widely used. Can give an accuracy of +/- 1% +/ 1%. Float and arm system with potentiometer is i used i cars f f l measurement. d in for fuel t Another system is t e float a d tape ot e syste s the oat and tape gauge. This consists of a tape wrapped on a shaft rapped connected to a float.

Float Systems (2)

As the fluid level changes, the float move p up and down and hence rotates the shaft. The rotation of the shaft is recorded and the fluid level derived from it it. More complicated system but give better accuracy.

Pressure Devices (hydrostatic)

By measuring the pressure at the bottom , of the vessel/tank, the level can be deduced. Three types:
Open topped vessel. Sealed vessel. Bubbler Unit.

In the bubbler unit, the flow of gas is adjusted until bubbles start to appear appear.

Pressure Devices (hydrostatic)

The level of the fluid can be arrived at by g pressure by the p y product of g dividing the p and the density. Uncertainty in the value of the density will affect the accuracy of the result.

Dipstick

Hydrostatic Devices

Pressure Devices (hydrostatic)

The bubbler has an advantage over the other two methods in that it does not suffer from the maintenance problem of leaks at the bottom tanks at the site of pressure tappings.

Capacitive Devices
By placing two parallel plates inside the q g p liquid and measuring the capacitance between them, the level of the liquid can be inferred inferred. The capacitance depends on the area of the plates, the distance between them and p y q the permittivity of the liquid. The change in level changes the effective permittivity of the dielectric of the capacitor.

Dipstick

Capacitive Level Sensing

Dipstick

Capacitive Level Sensing

Capacitive Devices (2)

If the liquid is non-conducting, then the p plates do not need to be insulated. However, where the liquid is conductive the plates have to be insulated insulated. Liquids with high permittivity will provide good sensitivity.

Ultrasonic Devices (1)

Ultrasonic devices are used to send and g receive the reflected ultrasonic signal from the fluid level. This relies on the time of flight principle principle. The speed of sound in the fluid depends on temperature. Compensation is necessary to compensate for the change in temperature. t t

Ultrasonic Devices (2)

Frequency ranges from 40 kHz to 400 kHz. The speed of ultrasound also depends on the humidity air pressure and carbon humidity, dioxide concentration.

Dipstick

Ultrasonic Device

Interface Detection

Ultrasonic Device

Microwave Devices
Still very expensive method. Can provide readings in difficult situations (closed tanks, turbulence, and obstacles, presence of condensate) condensate). They rely on receiving a reflected signal with a phase difference to the signal received directly. Unaffected by temperature and pressure variations ( opposed t U/S) i ti (as d to U/S).

Microwave Detection

Radiation Methods
The tank filled with fluid is radiated at one p end and the output detected at the other end. The absorption of the beta and gamma rays depends on the amount of the fluid in the tank. This method is attractive as it nonnon invasive.

Radiation Methods

Other Methods
Vibrating level sensor. Hot wire elements/carbon resistor elements. L Laser M th d Methods.

Dipstick

Selection of Level Sensors

Contact devices are less reliable that contact-less devices. Methods that are less subject to variations and disturbances are preferred (e g (e.g., microwave).