There are many different ways of getting accurate liquid level measurements. The different industries use a variety of methods that take into account the flow of the liquid.
There are varying benefits depending on the liquid measurement method chosen. The following is a quick breakdown of the common liquid measurement methods and their accompanying advantages.
Float Switch
This method uses a floater. By placing the floater on the liquid being measured, the current level of the liquid can be determined with a magnet attached inside the floater. This method is excellent for measuring liquids that also have foam or which are influenced by pressure. The advantage of the float switch method is that it is independent of external influences like temperature and conductivity.
Tuning fork
The tuning fork method works by measuring the frequency changes in the liquid. The fork is powered by electricity and it oscillates in the fluid. When a suitable frequency is reached, the level is determined mechanically by the tuning fork. Berthold Technologies reckons that the tuning fork method is among those that are ideal for most industrial applications. Considering that the tuning fork is powered, the method is rather effective under nearly all circumstances.
Radar Sensors
Radar measuring is among the most accurate. Radar sensors are able to determine the level of liquids using a combination of electric and sensor processes. The electric measurement is facilitated by an antenna that receives pulses that are transmitted by the radar. This method often depends on the distance of the liquid being measured. When determining the filling level, the distance is especially important. Radar sensors are mainly used in areas where temperature and pressure are common.
Guided Radar
Another measurement method that uses radar is the guided radar principle. With this method, it is possible to measure the level of a liquid by reflecting the waves that are produced by the moving fluid. The guided radar principle is much simpler than the other measurement methods. Only a few tools are required to make a setup. The signals received by the sensor are high-frequency. These signals are picked up on a bar that is inserted into the liquid. The bar can be a solid one or just a steel cable. The measurement goes on as long as the surface is touching the bar.
Ultrasonic Sensors
Ultrasonic measurement is all about using sound waves to determine the level of the fluid. In recent times, advancements have been made in the ultrasonic tech realm. This has resulted in accurate calculations of distances to the sound waves. Ultrasonic measurement is quite effective in areas where there is not much external noise. Powders, paste-like media and bulk materials are best measured using this method.
Summary
There are indeed many different ways of determining liquid levels. With advancements being made in the industrial applications realms, it is now possible to measure liquid levels without limitations of distance or other barriers. The above methods are some of the most common in the world of liquid level measurements today.