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Top Level Sensing Technologies

As Scotland’s leading supplier of engineering supplies, BM Engineering can tell you all you need to know about level sensing technologies – which level detection system is best suited to your business, and how to ascertain which method to use when working with solids, liquids or gas. For this article, we met up with Scott at BM Engineering to discuss top level sensing technologies and which ones are the best for your application.

Float Level Sensing

This type of level sensing technology is ideal for liquid detection, and is one of the most common methods used in the engineering industry. This is a really simple design which uses a float and switching mechanism as a water level sensor.

The switch can be configured for either internal or external use, and is activated via the movement of the float. The way that the float valve is moved depends on how the switch has been set up.

An internal configuration will activate the switch by the direct movement of the float on the liquid level. While an external method uses a magnet to alert the switch on the outside.

Tuning Fork Level Sensing

This type of level sensing technology is ideal for liquid and bulk solid detection. The tuning fork is set to vibrate at its natural frequency. When the tuning fork is submerged, the frequency changes, which activates the sensor switch and alerts you to a change in levels.

Ultrasonic Level Sensing

This type of level sensing technology is ideal for liquid detection. The ultrasonic transducer sends out multiple signals which are reflected on the surface of the liquid. If the level moves, an ultrasonic sensor is activated.

Ultrasonic level sensing tends not to be used when monitoring solids, because the surface ay be uneven and more difficult to detect.

Radar Level Sensing

This type of level sensing technology is ideal for liquid detection. It operates in a similar way to ultrasonic sensors, except the radar signals travel much more quickly. Radar level sensing can provide very accurate data levels.

Bürkert fluid control systems are the very best on the market. They provide sensors, transmitters and controllers for a wide range of systems – including radar level sensing.

Guided Microwave Level Sensing

This type of level sensing technology is ideal for liquids, with some equipment being suitable for bulk solids. Any problems faced using conventional radar sensing will be overcome with this method of level detection. Guided microwave sensing equipment is designed using a cable or rod to guide the signals back to the transmitter – ensuring complete accuracy and ease of use.

The guided microwave equipment within our Bürkert fluid control systems range is suitable for use with liquids, within the Food and Beverage (F&B) industry.

Laser Level Sensing

This type of level sensing technology is ideal for bulk solids and opaque fluids. This is a really cost-effective method of continuous level detection. This is another type of level detection which is based on light reflection – which is why it is less suited to clear liquids, gases and vapours.

Hydrostats Level Sensing

This type of level sensing technology is popular for use with liquids. It is often used in large vessels which are subject to changes in atmospheric pressure. A pressure transducer is used to alert of any difference in liquid levels.

Differential Pressure Level Sensing

This type of level sensing technology is suitable for use with liquid. A pressurised tank is used, and sensors are fitted which send signals according to an overall evaluation of the hydrostatic pressure.

Changes in density and temperature can have an impact on this method of level sensing, so additional sensors are recommended.

Capacitance Level Sensing

This type of level sensing technology is popular with solids, liquids and bulk solids. The sensor is calibrated to the exact material it will be accounting for, so that changes are recorded entirely accurately.

Load Cell Level Sensing

This type of level sensing technology is popular for use with liquids. The load cell will never come into contact with the contents of the storage vessel, and are instead incorporated into the vessel’s support structure.

Load cell level sensing delivers accurate level measurements, and allows you to easily stay informed of your product.

To discover more about level sensing technologies you can visit BM Engineering's website.

Company Profile

BM Engineering Supplies

BM Engineering Supplies is an industrial valve supplier with stocks of high-quality process and general purpose valves.

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