Numerous principles of operation and design variations together with the consideration of installation parameters, location and the economies of operation can make it a daunting task when choosing the right level sensor for a particular application. If you don’’t know the difference between ultrasonic level, float level or buoyancy level technologies then you’’re probably not going to make the right choice when it comes to selecting a level sensor.
The main questions which need to be considered before selecting a level measurement sensor:
The main questions which need to be considered before selecting a level measurement sensor:
- What are the contents being measured – liquid or solid or slurry or powder?
- Are level measurements required either continuous or point level (discrete)?
- What are the application’s minimum and maximum temperature and pressure?
- What level measurement range is required?
- What accuracy range is required?
- Is the measured medium electrically conductive?
- Is it possible to penetrate the vessel wall or be inside it?
- Will the material coat or build up on surfaces?
- If liquid, is there any turbulence, foam or vapour at the surface?
- Is contact with the contents possible or will the application require non-contact level measurement?
- Is an integral display or remote display required?
- What kind of output / alarms are required eg analogue, relay, etc ?
| Medium | Ultrasonic | Hydrostatic | Vibrating | Float | Radar | Capacitance | Electromech |
| Clean Water | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes, but costly | Yes | No |
| Dirty Water | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes, but costly | Yes | No |
| Chemicals | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes, but costly | Yes | No |
| Slurries | Yes | Yes | Certain Designs | No | Yes | Certain Designs | No |
| Bulk Solids | Yes | No | Certain Designs | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Open Channels | Yes | No | No | No | No | No | No |
