Level
Sensor
presented by: •Salma Chatti
•Ikram Azza
•Hassan Nait Ouali
•Youssef Benabdelhadi
Introduction:
•What are sensors?
•Devices that detect physical
quantities and convert them into
readable signals.
How a Sensor Works ?
•What are level sensors?
•A specific type, measure the level of
materials in containers.
Practical applications:
Industrial Process Control Chemical Storage Household Appliances
Silos and Water Tank Agriculture
Granular Level and
Material Storage Monitoring Irrigation
Systems
Classification:
A. By Measurement Type
Detect presence or absence at a specific point Measure fluid levels across a range
(high/low alarms) . (exact tank volume).
B. By Technology
Contact Sensors: Non-Contact Sensors:
Physical interaction Use waves (ultrasonic, radar) or optical
with the medium methods
Capacitance Level Measurement
0.225 Distance between
the plates
Dielectric constant Area of plates
Capacitance of materia in square
in picoFarads
The permittivity (E) (dielectric constant) of
the liquid modifies the capacitance.
This change in capacitance is used to
determine the liquid level.
Basic principle
Implementation with Signal Conditioning
Devices
resistor in
the circuit
output of
linearization circuit
input signal
Capacitance Value of Sensor
The connection between
level and capacitance value:
Advantages Limitations
•Changes in the dielectric
constant of the product can
introduce measurement
errors.
•
•Product build-up or
Capacitance technology tolerates : coating on the probe can
•Variable density affect the accuracy.
•High temperatures (up to 1000 °F / 540 °C) •
•High pressures (up to 5000 psi / 345 bar) •In the case of non-metallic
•Viscous products, tanks or tanks without
vertical walls, a reference
probe is required for reliable
Capacitance sensors are inexpensive operation
Optical level sensors :
Basic principle:
A laser level sensor uses infrared light to send a
focused beam towards the surface. The laser light
will reflect off of most solid or liquid surfaces. The
time of flight can be measured with precise timing to
determine the range or distance of the surface from
the sensor.
Advantages Limitations
•A narrow, focused beam makes this -The glass window where the laser beam exits must
technology ideal for applications with space remain clean for proper operation.
restrictions.
•It is a non-contacting technology, with no -It cannot tolerate dust, fog, steam, or vapors, as these
moving parts, making it a low-maintenance can disrupt the laser beam.
device.
•Performs well with cloudy or shiny liquids -The laser beam may pass through clear, still fluids,
or solids. making it ineffective in such cases.
•The laser technology can handle rapid level
changes. -Precise alignment is required during installation,
•Offers high accuracy in level measurement. which can make setup more complex
•Capable of long-range measurements
Conductivity Level Sensor
• Working Principle
•An electrical current is applied between
the probes.
•Conductive liquid completes the circuit
when it reaches the electrodes
•The current flow indicates the liquid has
reached that level.
• Common applications
• Liquid level • Preventing pumps from • Liquid presence or absence in a
monitoring running dry or overflowing specific level
● Advantages
● Disadvantages
NON CONDUCTIVE!
ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS!
● Main Real Life Example
Vibrating (Tuning Fork)
Level Sensor
• Working Principle
• There's a piezo ceramic crystal located
inside the fork assembly.
• In air ,the crystal oscillates at the natural
frequency of the fork assembly.
• This frequency is constantly monitored.
•When in contact with the liquid, vibration •The electronics detect this change
is damped, causing a frequency change. and send an ON/OFF switching
signal.
• Common applications
•High or Low level
detection
•Dry run protection in
pumps
•Overflow protection
Advantages
liquid
solid
• Suitable for both • Suitable for
liquids and solids different
temperatures ● Versatility
Disadvantages
• Limited to ● Excessive
certain agitation may
material be an
properties obstacle.
• Not suitable for ● Some may
highly agitated require
environments. periodic
calibration.
Main Real Life example
● Storage SILO ● Measures a variety of material levels
Ultrasonic Level sensor:
Advantages Disadvantages
varies with temperature
Low costs
non-invasive
turbulent fluids
High reliability
Radar Level sensor:
Advantages Disadvantages
•non-invasive •Doesn’t High cost
varies with
temperature
•High reliability
bubbler level sensor:
• Working principle:
• bubbler tube is inserted vertically into
a liquid tank.
• A flow of air is gently pumped into
the tube.
• Bubbles escape from the open end
• Hydrostatic pressure: P=ρ⋅g⋅h
Advantages Disadvantages
•The density of
the liquid must
be known and
stable.
•Suitable for
•Not ideal for
corrosive, dirty, or
pressurized tanks
slurry liquids.
• Reliable and unless
low-maintenance compensated
Main industrial applications:
Conclusion:
Level sensors are vital for measuring the
levels of different materials, helping
industries improve automation, safety, and
efficiency.
They are becoming increasingly important
with the development of smart technologies
Thank You :>
