Level measurement is an important part of any manufacturing processes that require level monitoring in tanks or containers. It is very commonly used in food and beverage industries, for storing liquids, granules, solids and powder. Level measurement protects various components of containers from overfilling and other accidents. There are different solutions for particular requirements. We will take a closer look at them in this blog.
Level switches
Level switches are designed to measure level of liquids or solid materials (including granules or powder) in various capacity containers. The switch’s sensor detects the presence of material and notifies the user by alarm. Level switches help to avoid accidents and manage the process better, as they inform about the level of material in the container – whether it’s too high or too low. Level switches can be designed to work with solids or liquids and sometimes they can be used with both. Below are some of the most popular types of level switches.
➤ Vibration fork level switches can be used both with liquid and solid materials. The tuning fork vibrates at a natural pace when it is in the air and changes the frequency of vibration when is covered by the material.
➤ Capacitance level switches detect the level of material by capturing the change of capacitance value in the container. These devices are mounted on the side of container wall and alarms the user when material touches the sensor. Capacitance level switches can be used with liquids or solids.
➤ Rotary paddle switches are used for solid materials. They detect the level by capturing a moment when a rotating paddle touches the material and slows down or stops rotating. When the level drops, the paddle starts rotating as before contact with material.
➤ Cable float switches are used for liquid materials. They float up and down with the liquid level. Inside the device there is a microswitch that opens or closes depending on the level reached.
Ultrasonic (sound) level meters
Ultrasonic level meters use sound echo to count the distance between the device and material. A sound wave that‘s used is not in the hearing range of humans but works well for level measurement. Ultrasonic level meters use a single sensor for emission and reception, which makes the meter more compact than most other level measurement devices.
Optical level sensors
Optical level sensors detect levels in a tank by using infrared LED light. These devices work great with liquid materials. Level sensors are mounted at a specific point in the container and are able to distinguish whether they are in the air or under liquid. The LED light emitted by the sensor bounces back to the transistor of the device and depending on the material or its absence, a different amount of it comes back.
If you are looking for a level measurement device, check our supply of level meters & switches.